IT was a far cry from the hair-raising experience of being surrounded by cockroaches in the Australian jungle.

But former I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here star Esther Rantzen was only too glad to receive a bit of pampering at this Hampshire hairdressers.

The 68-year-old dropped in to Nirvana Hair Salon in Winchester to launch a fundraising campaign for the national charity ChildLine.

The salon in Oliver’s Battery Road South is hoping to raise thousands for the charity after agreeing to donate ten per cent of every sale during January.

Speaking to the Daily Echo Esther also announced the first Enchanted ChildLine Ball that will be hosted by the former That’s Life star on March 21 near Basingstoke.

Both events are part of a national scheme to raise £50m for the NSPCC Child’s Voice Appeal.

Esther, who is the founder and president of ChildLine, said: “I’m so grateful that the salon are helping to raise money for Childline.

“I’m going to make sure that all my friends in Hampshire get their hair dyed, permed or fitted with extensions. The more expensive the haircut, the more money goes to the charity.”

Esther added that she asked for a cold rinse at the salon to remind her of her experience in the jungle with Joe Swash. The former EastEnders actor washed her hair in a rock pool during the ITV series.

The charity provides a free 24-hour helpline for children in distress, danger or that are worried about a problem.

For more information on the Enchanted ChildLine Ball and to book tickets visit childlineballhampshire. co.uk or call 01256 773054.

Echo picture by Chris Moorhouse. Order no: 7869841