Ashley Roberts Reflects on Chaotic I’m A Celebrity… South Africa Final: “It Felt Like A Scene from The Jerry Springer Show”
Ashley Roberts has revealed that she still hasn’t fully recovered from the wild live final of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, which she described as “unhinged” and resembling a scene from The Jerry Springer Show.
The Pussycat Doll reunited with her campmates for the final live show, filmed at London’s Apollo Theatre, months after the majority of the series was filmed in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. The emotional finale saw Roberts caught in the middle of a furious row between former footballer Jimmy Bullard, ex-boxer David Haye, and the eventual winner, Adam Thomas.
Ashley, 44, told Heart Radio co-hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston that the situation was “unbelievable,” with people walking off, yelling, and even hands flying in the air. “It was absolute chaos. I don’t feel like I’m fully recovered, if I’m honest,” she said. “It’s a shame because Adam became the legend, but he couldn’t even enjoy it because of all the drama.”
The dispute between Bullard and Thomas was reignited when the former footballer was accused of nearly costing Thomas his place in the camp by refusing to participate in a Bushtucker Trial, which jeopardized both of their positions. During the heated exchange, Roberts found herself in the crossfire as she sat next to Haye, with the pair publicly attacking Thomas.
“I was just trying to dodge big man hands flying in my face,” Roberts recalled. “I thought at one point I was going to get smacked.” Despite the chaos, Roberts expressed disappointment over the behavior of Bullard and Haye, calling it “horrific” and “absolutely awful.”
Roberts also expressed frustration over Haye’s behavior, accusing him of exaggerating his aggressive persona for entertainment purposes. She said, “I was angry because I was seeing the way these men were speaking to each other, and it made me really sad.”
The dramatic live show, which saw multiple walk-offs and clashes between cast members, also featured Sinitta and Gemma Collins storming off set. Hours later, a security incident occurred at the Apollo Theatre, further adding to the turmoil of the evening.
Ashley added that while Thomas did not enjoy the “lads’ banter” from Haye and Bullard, he had the strength to stand up for himself despite the emotional toll it took. “I think it was uncomfortable for Adam, and he did stick up for himself at one point,” she said.
Meanwhile, Thomas’s wife, Caroline, expressed her horror over the events, writing on social media, “What should have been a night of celebration turned into a glimpse of a real jungle.” She praised her husband for his strength and composure, stating that he had won the hearts of the nation by staying true to himself.
The explosive final has left many viewers reeling, with the fallout from the clash still lingering. For Roberts, the live final remains a chaotic memory, one she admits she still hasn’t quite processed.
