Grace Keeling, widely known as GK Barry, made an unforgettable entry into the jungle on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.
The social media sensation immediately captured viewers’ attention with her vibrant personality, plunging her hand into a box of cockroaches while screaming and jumping with glee.
This high-energy debut has already made her a fan favorite, with betting odds placing her as the second most likely to win the series, just behind McFly’s Danny Jones.
Sunday’s episode recorded an impressive 82% viewership share among 16-34-year-olds, a testament to GK Barry’s growing popularity.
From TikTok Stardom to TV Fame
Hailing from Cambridge, Grace’s rise to fame began during the first COVID-19 lockdown.
As a film student at Nottingham Trent University, she started creating relatable TikTok content about her daily life, which quickly gained traction.
One of her breakout videos humorously highlighted the contrast between Instagram perfection and real-life candidness, inspiring a viral trend that had influencers worldwide replicating her concept.
Within a year, Grace amassed one million TikTok followers.
Fast forward to today, her fanbase includes 3.6 million TikTok followers, 61,000 YouTube subscribers, and 895,000 Instagram fans.
Her platform expanded further in April 2022 with the launch of her podcast Saving Grace, featuring interviews with celebrities like Coleen Nolan and Alan Carr.
Grace’s Blossoming Love Life
Grace’s personal life has also drawn considerable attention.
In 2024, she revealed her romance with Ipswich Town footballer Ella Rutherford.
The relationship, marked by matching “I love my girlfriend” T-shirts and candid social media moments, has delighted fans.
Grace has been open about embracing her identity, jokingly describing her newfound happiness as the “lesbian glow.”
During her podcast, she affectionately nicknamed Ella “eyelashes,” initially keeping their relationship under wraps.
However, a night out in Benidorm inadvertently “hard-launched” their romance to the public.
The couple’s chemistry has been evident, with Grace sharing that they moved in together after just one date and have even discussed starting a family.
Navigating Controversy
Despite her success, Grace hasn’t been without challenges.
A podcast episode featuring controversial OnlyFans star Bonnie Blue sparked backlash, with critics accusing Grace of failing to challenge Bonnie’s divisive views.
Fans expressed disappointment, questioning Grace’s alignment with feminist values.
Grace has yet to directly address the criticism, though she remains focused on her flourishing career.
Breaking Stereotypes on Loose Women
Grace’s television career continues to soar.
As the youngest-ever guest panellist on Loose Women, she has brought a fresh perspective to the long-running show.
Although rumors of tension with co-star Frankie Bridge briefly circulated, Grace clarified that they share a friendly rapport, laughing off the speculation.
The Future of GK Barry
As her journey on I’m A Celebrity unfolds, Grace’s infectious energy and relatable humor are likely to keep audiences captivated.
With a dynamic career spanning social media, podcasting, and television, GK Barry is cementing her place as a modern entertainment powerhouse.
What’s next for this rising star? The possibilities seem endless!
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn