I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! hosts Ant and Dec have spoken out against boxer David Haye, accusing him of bullying his fellow campmate, actor Adam Thomas, during their time in the I’m A Celeb South Africa camp.
The Geordie duo condemned David’s behavior in rare comments about the show, with both Ant and Dec agreeing that Haye’s “banter” with Adam had crossed a line.
Ant’s Criticism: “Not a Nice Watch”
Speaking on I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked, Ant shared his concerns about David’s behavior, describing the interactions between the boxer and Adam as uncomfortable to watch. “It’s not a nice watch,” Ant said. “He just kind of picks and picks at them. Adam has had a bit of a tough time and he’s not coping well. Clearly, the banter has got too much. But David won’t stop.”
Dec agreed, emphasizing that it wasn’t just playful teasing but something far more intense. “It’s kind of crossed the line from banter. I don’t find it comfortable to watch,” Dec added.
The row between David and Adam escalated when Adam, who has psoriatic arthritis, was feeling unwell and refused to participate in a Bushtucker Trial. David’s response was harsh: “Who gives a s**t if he doesn’t feel well? He’s a grown-ass man. I don’t like guys who are a bit useless. I hate them useless guys.”
This comment, which many viewers perceived as insensitive, fueled outrage among fans, who began to accuse David of bullying.
Adam Thomas Opens Up About the Strain
Adam later took to social media to reflect on the toll his time in the jungle took on him. In a heartfelt post, Adam shared that his time on I’m A Celeb South Africa was one of the hardest experiences of his life, both physically and mentally. “My biggest fight was pretending to put on a brave face and trying to hide the pain!” Adam confessed. “That can be exhausting within itself. There were days my body just didn’t want to keep going, but I did.”
Adam also addressed the bullying accusations, revealing that David had since apologized for his actions. “David broke me in there, he pushed me to my limits, and I’ve told David this and he’s apologized and that’s that! I’ve moved on now, am not one to hold a grudge,” he said, signaling that despite the friction, he had found closure and moved past the incident.
David’s Controversial Remarks About His Partner
This isn’t the first time David has sparked controversy in the jungle. Last week, his comments about his partner, Sian Osborne, ignited backlash when he called her “the personality of an ugly bird.” His insensitive remarks, coupled with his tough persona in camp, have led many to question his suitability as a campmate on the show.
The boxer’s tough love approach has clearly not sat well with everyone, including the show’s hosts, Ant and Dec. The Geordie duo have always had a reputation for fairness and empathy, which they’ve now extended to their criticism of David’s conduct.
Ant and Dec: No Room for Bullying on I’m A Celeb
It’s clear from Ant and Dec’s comments that the behavior exhibited by David was not something they condone, particularly when it crosses into bullying. Fans of I’m A Celeb were quick to echo the hosts’ sentiments on social media, calling for a more supportive and positive environment for the contestants.
As I’m A Celeb South Africa continues to air, the feud between David and Adam is sure to remain a topic of discussion, especially after Adam’s emotional revelation about the impact it had on him. But for now, David’s apology seems to have quelled the immediate tension between the two, and it’s clear that Adam is ready to move forward, with the backing of his campmates and fans alike.
The Show Goes On
Despite the controversy, I’m A Celeb South Africa continues to be one of the most-watched shows on television, and it’s not hard to see why. The drama, the feuds, and the raw emotions make it an addictive watch, and fans are now eagerly awaiting to see how the dynamics within the camp will evolve in the coming episodes.
As for David, it remains to be seen whether his actions in camp will affect his long-term relationship with the audience. His tough-guy image may have won him admiration in the past, but his more recent behavior on I’m A Celeb is proving to be divisive.
For now, Adam Thomas’ story of resilience and strength continues to resonate with viewers, who admire his ability to push through adversity, both in the jungle and in life. As the show progresses, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this drama unfolds.
I’m A Celeb South Africa airs tonight at 9 PM on ITV1.
