To the joy and celebration of many, I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here is back on our screens once more. This programme is now in its thirteenth series, and its enduring popularity is emblematic of how hopelessly obsessed with both reality television and the defenceless competitors of varying levels of fame we are. Quite frankly, my life has improved dramatically due to ‘Joeyism’s’ (he doesn’t like to “confrontate” you know) and the sight of Kian Egan without a shirt on.

Somewhat disappointingly, this year’s range of ‘celebrities’ (sorry but who on earth is David Emmanuel?) have not actually caused the controversy and confrontation that usually holds us close to our television screens. However, there has been an interesting issue raised with regard to Amy Willerton’s beauty pageant and modelling career. The world in which Ms Willerton has involved herself in has earned her criticism from the other celebrities, who were somewhat sceptical as to the integrity of the industry and how the women involved are portraying themselves as role models for young girls.

While Ms Willerton was able to defend herself as best she could, the real victim of this fairly intense discussion was Rebecca Adlington. Despite her incredible success in the last two Olympics, Adlington has been subjected to some incredibly vicious and hateful comments on social media sites over the last few years in regards to her looks. It does make me question people’s priorities in how they view others; when achievements and success can lose out to looks and the ability to fit into the general stereotype of being ‘classically pretty’, you have to worry about how the impact on future generations and their aspirations.

Adlington is an athletic, healthy and incredibly inspirational woman, and I would truly hope that deep down she knows that the slurs directed towards her are examples of ignorance, perhaps jealousy. Though I’m lucky enough to not have people’s opinions of my look publicised, I do appreciate the statements about my lack of breasts not providing an accurate portrayal of my name, or the shortness of my hair meaning that I am unquestionably a lesbian – but I accept that stereotypes are wonderful things that can be used by people with little to no brain capacity.

The rise of the ‘Barbie doll’ image that is shown so well in programmes like TOWIE, means that once again the look women desire to achieve has changed. Walking out looking like you’ve just come on the Mattel production line has never been something I have tried to achieve. My current female celebrity crush is Monica from Masterchef the Professionals – clearly I’m into dominance over hair extensions. But in saying that, each to their own. I feel sorry for the gents as well. It would seem that you either need to be as ‘hench’ as a Geordie Shore character or as slim hipped and skinny jean wearing as a One Direction member – at least I don’t have to go to the gym. The point of the matter is that it’s about the self confidence that each of us has within ourselves and how that translates in our behaviour toward others, while at the same time accepting that everyone is different.

Jordan Page