Entertainment

‘It could be too much’: Anne Hegerty’s family admit concerns for Chaser

Nov 24, 2018

Anne Hegerty has been struggling in the Aussie jungle. Source: Twitter/I'm a Celebrity.

She’s known as the stern, unphasable ‘Governess’ on hit TV show The Chase, but Anne Hegerty is now winning over millions of hearts all over again thanks to her emotional appearance in I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!

The 60-year-old Chaser has been openly honest about her battle with Asperger’s syndrome from day one in the Australian jungle, gaining her widespread praise for having the confidence to appear on the reality TV show.

But it’s not been an easy ride, and Anne was filmed breaking down in tears within the first few hours as she struggled to adapt to the harsh conditions, with a lack of basic luxuries or a comfortable bed.

Now, her family members have spoken out in an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail, admitting they’re concerned for her and wonder whether she’ll be able to complete her time there.

“I know she will find it difficult, but we are all rooting for her,” Anne’s Uncle Richard, 87, told the news outlet. “It is very much out of her comfort zone and to be honest I am surprised that she agreed to go on the show.

“We do wish her well, but given what I have heard it could all be a bit too much for her. It will be very hard and I think we have seen that already. I really do hope she will be okay.”

Elsewhere, Anne’s brother Jon, 55, has proved one of her biggest supporters on Twitter and has been sharing messages of support from fans on his own page.

One of the tweets came from Anne’s Chase co-star Jenny Ryan, which read: “I hope everybody watching appreciates just how far @anne_Hegerty is going outside her comfort zone. I’m proud of her for being so incredibly brave and challenging herself.”

It comes after Anne broke down in tears in front of her campmates after struggling to adapt to the jungle last week. In devastating scenes, the Chase star could be seen sighing in frustration before bursting into tears.

“I’m fine. I’m just really really close to saying I can’t do this,” she said through tears.

Before entering the show, Anne had been open about her fears of going on a reality program due to her autism diagnosis – and admitted that she values her space, in an exclusive chat with Starts at 60.

“I can’t be around people too much,” she said. “So that could be a problem.”

She also appeared in a promo video for the show ahead of its launch and explained: “I feel I seem to have spent most of my life avoiding anything that might possibly resemble camping outdoors… Why am I even doing this?”

The TV star admitted that she thought she would annoy people.

“I’m sure I will annoy people immensely,” she added. “I think I’m capable of being deeply annoying… I’m kind of hoping this is going to be a bit of a learning curve.”