Former Illinois first lady Patti Blagojevich says her time on NBC's reality show "I'm a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!" was a "life altering experience."
Speaking by telephone from California, Blagojevich told WGN-TV Thursday morning that making friends on the show helped restore her faith in people.
She said the show also had some unexpected perks. Blagojevich said she lost about 12 pounds during her 23 days in the jungle of Costa Rica.
And during an interview on WLS Radio's "Don Wade and Roma Morning Show," she called her time on the show "a really welcome break" that she didn't know she needed.
She flew into O'Hare Airport Thursday afternoon, and is returning to her home.
Blagojevich was voted off the show during Tuesday's episode. Actor Lou Diamond Phillips went on to win.
