Footballer, Bachelor, lumberjack and BookToker, Luke Bateman is heading into the jungle. But will this handsome country boy win I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!? He tells me about swapping cutting pines for swinging on vines!
What attracted you to enter the jungle?
Luke Bateman: When someone offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that not many people get, the answer will always be yes. I mean, we only get one chance at life, and I’d rather regret doing it than not doing it. When opportunities come, we should grab them with both hands.
Is there any challenge you’re feeling weary of?
I have legitimate concerns about the food. I’m a big bloke, and I love my food! Put it this way, I don’t go well without a feed! I’ll be struggling with limited calories every day, so I’ll aim to win as many challenges as I can!
Luke Bateman Photo Channel Ten
You’re no stranger to reality shows, having been on The Bachelor Australia. What was that experience like?
It was very fulfilling. It was also challenging, not in terms of frustration, but more in having to show up every day as the best version of myself – for other people. I was basically dating different women each day, and there were times when I was tired and lacked energy, but I had a responsibility to give them the best of myself. Being asked to talk about my feelings every day for three weeks was mentally challenging. There were times when I thought, “I’m sick of doing this!” (Laughs). But they deserved one hundred per cent of my attention.
Tell us about the BookTok experience and your beginnings as a novelist.
It’s incredible and a testament to when one lives their truth. It’s like the universe rewards when the alignment is right. Not only do I have a writing deal, but I’ve finished the manuscript to my first book. I handed it in six weeks ago! It’s high fantasy, and I’m hoping it will be released at the end of the year.
You also work as a lumberjack?
Yes! But I wouldn’t refer to myself as a lumberjack. It’s more pine-cutter. I think the media likes the term lumberjack because it sounds sexier.
“If I were a gay man, I’d be in Austin Butler’s DMs!”
Well, you do realise you tick all the fantasies for gay men. Writer, Bachelor, rugby star, lumberjack – sorry, pine-cutter…
(Laughs) Mate, I only need to look at my DM’s every day to know that!
Luke hosts a podcast on Channel Nine, titled In the Good Books Photo courtesy of Nine
Do you have gay mates or family members?
Yes, my cousin is gay, I have a gay bloke working for me, and then there’s my manager, who’s one of my best friends. I have many great gay men in my life, but I think of them simply as great men.
How do you feel about footballers such as Ian Roberts, Josh Cavallo and Mitch Brown coming out?
It’s sensational, and what bravery it must take. I know what those sporting cultures and industries are like, and the homophobia embedded in their DNA. The courage those men have shown is important to others in similar positions who feel repressed and oppressed for being who they are. It gives them permission to be themselves and a path to follow. It’s those trailblazers who make it easier for the next generation of men to feel comfortable in their own skin. That is one of the greatest things you can do as a human being.
Luke Bateman in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Photo Channel Ten
What did you think about Mitch’s recent coming out as bi?
Mitch could have easily not said anything. He’s retired and could have moved on with his life, but he took on the responsibility. It’s like he saw something of a thicket in front of him and wanted to map it out for others to follow – it’s purely selfless.
“I have many great gay men in my life, but I think of them simply as great men.”
If you were gay, who would be your celebrity crush?
The author Matthew Reilly has been a hero of mine for a long time. I have a podcast on Nine called In the Good Books, and I’ve had him on as a guest. He’s a good-looking man, so he’d be a crush. I’ll also say Austin Butler, who played Elvis. I tell you what, if I were a gay man, I’d be in his DMs!
Luke Bateman’s alternative to the office desk! (Instagram)
Is there a song that will always get you out on the dancefloor?
I love Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield. Whenever it comes on, I’m straight to the dancefloor. As a kid, my mum and dad would play it all the time, so I’ve loved that song for quite a while.
Who’s your favourite songstress?
I’m the worst person for a pop culture diva, because all I listen to is country music. But about a week ago, Pink began following me on Instagram. So, I’ll say her, and I do like her songs. My favourite is So What.
What about a male singer or band?
I grew up on country music. My old man played it all the time. Artists like Garth Brooks, Randy Travis and Brad Paisley. But I’m currently big on the American band Muscadine Bloodline. They’ve released a new album called Longleaf Lo-fi, and I have the song “Goose Chase” on constant repeat.
Luke hosts a podcast on Channel Nine, titled In the Good Books Photo courtesy of Nine
You’ve spoken before about overcoming gambling addiction. What’s your advice to anyone currently in that situation?
I always say, “It absolutely gets better”. When you’re in that bad place, you can feel like you’re letting people down. I also say to picture yourself talking to a ten-year-old version of yourself and tell them you’re going to do this for both of you. When I was going through my addiction, I felt I caused pain to the people around me, and I became focused on the fact that I needed to stop hurting them. And I had to do it for myself. To give myself the power and permission to get over it. There’s no point in doing it for other people if you’re not doing it for yourself first. And the best way to do it for yourself is to do it for the ten-year-old you.
Do you have a favourite quote?
It’s a long one, from As a Man Thinketh, written by James Allen in 1903! “Cherish your visions. Cherish your ideals. Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts. For out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment, of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.”
Do you have a grooming tip?
I wouldn’t say I’m an expert groomer, but I say exfoliate! With the pine cutting, I work with dust and grime every day, so I always triple-exfoliate after a shower to remove grease and dirt from my pores.
What’s been your most memorable wardrobe malfunction?
I was once at a wedding, and I dropped too low on the dance floor, ripping open the seam of my pants. The rest of the night I walked around in semi-arseless chaps! Luckily, I wasn’t running commando and had underwear on. Everyone was drunk on the dancefloor, so I didn’t care too much.
Were you dancing to The Nutbush?
(Laughing) The Nutbush literally!
So, for underwear, is it briefs, boxers or freeballing?
I’m a trunks/fitted boxer’s man. It’s always been that way, and I’ve no idea why, but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
And at the beach, swimming briefs, boardshorts or butt-naked?
Briefs. But I brought some boardshorts for the jungle, because I wasn’t sure about wearing dick togs on national television!
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is on Network 10 and 10 Play.
In The Good Books podcast: 9now.com.au
Follow Luke on Instagram @lukebateman_ and TikTok @lukereads
Luke hosts a podcast on Channel Nine, titled In the Good Books. Photo courtesy of Nine
