LOVE Island and I’m A Celeb’s original host looks completely unrecognisable 19 years after quitting TV.
The former presenter, who was once one of ITV’s rising stars, fronted both hit reality shows in their early days before walking away from fame in the mid-2000s.
Nearly two decades on, fans would struggle to recognise him – swapping red carpets and jungle trials for a quiet life and a steady nine-to-five.
While their glamorous TV days are long behind them, the ex-host has still been fondly remembered by viewers who were shocked to discover what they’re doing now.
The forgotten star is Matt Brown, who co-hosted I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! NOW! alongside Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.
He also fronted Love Island: Aftersun in 2005 and 2006, interviewing dumped contestants and sharing behind-the-scenes gossip from the villa during the show’s early ITV2 days.
He has also done work in radio, hosting shows and making documentaries.
But after leaving television, Matt stepped away from the celebrity circuit entirely for a much more low-key career away from the cameras.
These days, Matt has swapped reality TV for writing – and is now a children’s book author.
He often shares his love of storytelling and creativity with schools and young readers across the UK, far removed from his showbiz beginnings.
He has written eight books, including Mutant Zombies Cursed My School Trip, which won the FCBG Children’s Book Award in 2020.
Since then, Matt has published two new books, Kevin the Vampire, a spooky yet funny tale for younger readers, and The Mab, a collection of modern retellings inspired by Welsh mythology.
Both have been praised for their imagination and heart, marking a major career shift from his days interviewing reality stars on ITV.
Meanwhile, we are just two weeks away from I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! being back on our screens.
From soap stars to TV personalities, there are many famous faces in talks to enter Ant and Dec‘s juggernaut show this year.
The Sun exclusively revealed that ex-EastEnders star Shona McGarty, 34, was in advanced talks for the jungle – a year after leaving the BBC soap.
Model and radio host Kelly Brook, 46, has been wooed with a big money offer to head Down Under.
Outspoken political pundit Nick Ferrari, 66, is in discussions to fly out to Australia for this year’s series in a big money deal.
Irish model and presenter Vogue, 40, is close to signing up for this series.
This comes a decade after her husband Spencer Matthews took part in the ITV show.
BRIT Award winner Aitch is poised to have signed up, alongside Emmerdale legend Lisa Riley.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! will air from Sunday November 16.
