The I’m A Celebrity finale on April 24, 2026, kept viewers on the edge of their seats—but it was what happened behind the cameras that’s now making waves. With nearly three million fans glued to their screens, the chaos that unfolded in the live All Stars finale overshadowed even the most nerve-wracking Bushtucker Trials.
However, the drama didn’t end when the cameras turned off. The backstage chaos has left fans questioning what really went on during the taping, and the real story is far juicier than what was aired.
A “S***show” Behind Closed Doors
Sources close to the production revealed that Ant himself described the evening as a “s***show,” referencing the explosive confrontation with Jimmy that only grew worse as tensions continued off-camera. According to insiders, things got even more heated between Jimmy and Dec during the commercial breaks when the cameras weren’t rolling.
One source claims: “They were arguing, and that’s when the security guards stepped in. Dec was really going at it with Jimmy, and Ant stormed off to take a breather, saying, ‘What a mess.’ The audience couldn’t believe their eyes.”
But the backstage drama wasn’t just between Jimmy and Dec. The explosive energy spilled over to other contestants, with David Haye—another key player in the series—seen attempting to provoke Adam during the final moments. “David was tapping Adam on the shoulder, trying to get a reaction out of him,” says the same source. “It was chaos; Ant and Dec were stunned.”
Gemma Collins and Sinitta Join the Chaos
The tension wasn’t limited to the men on the stage. Gemma Collins and Sinitta—who had been participating in the show—also joined in the backstage arguments. Both women reportedly stormed off in frustration after heated words were exchanged. While they later reconciled on the sofa, the tension was palpable.
After Adam’s crowning as the I’m A Celebrity All Stars champion, he left with his wife, Caroline Daly, and his older brother, Ryan Thomas, without participating in the spin-off show, Unpacked. His absence from the aftershow fueled further rumors and speculation about what had transpired behind the scenes.
ITV’s Secretive Handling
The drama that unfolded on Friday night should not have come as a surprise to those involved with the production. Sources say that Dec himself had joked just days before the live final about bringing a “red card, a yellow card, and a whistle” to the broadcast, predicting that the situation could get out of hand. This, however, didn’t quite prepare anyone for the full extent of the fallout.
Rumors had been swirling since the filming of the show last autumn, with whispers of a major falling-out between Jimmy and Adam over an intense Bushtucker Trial that ended in Jimmy quitting early and sparking a heated confrontation between the two. ITV’s decision to withhold footage from the episode has only further stoked tensions, with Jimmy claiming he was unfairly portrayed.
During the live final, Jimmy addressed his grievances: “Adam and all of you can be upset with me. And I absolutely threw him under the bus, I get it, but what I don’t stand for is someone being abusive, aggressive, and intimidating. You didn’t show none of the C-bombs, that’s a liberty!”
In response, Ant tried to calm the situation, stating that the offensive language had been “unbroadcastable,” while defending Adam’s actions as not being intimidating. But for Jimmy, this was yet another slap in the face. His frustration was clear, and it didn’t help that sources close to him say he feels like ITV has “taken Adam’s side” throughout the entire process.
The Role of Adam’s Agent
What added even more fuel to the fire was a connection between Adam and ITV that many believe could have influenced the editing decisions. Adam’s agent is Madison Lygo, the daughter of Kevin Lygo, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment. Sources close to Jimmy and his supporters claim this connection played a role in the network’s decision to protect Adam’s image by editing out some of his more aggressive moments.
“They’ve always been so blatant about it,” said one friend of Jimmy. “It’s obvious they’ve been protecting Adam, and now we know why. It’s all about keeping the golden boy onside.”
Despite ITV’s denials of favoritism, many believe that the decision to cut certain moments, even with expletives bleeped out, was meant to maintain Adam’s reputation—especially given the significant ties between him and the network. “What else would they do?” added the friend. “It’s clear they didn’t want to risk damaging his career.”
The Aftermath: A Show in Crisis?
Following the live finale, David Haye was also seen confronting Ant once again, with security having to step in. Jimmy’s frustration was evident, and it seemed as though the unresolved tensions were only growing. But it wasn’t just the drama in the studio that was a concern for ITV executives. The behind-the-scenes chaos has raised serious questions about the direction of the show and whether it can continue to thrive amid such controversy.
Some ITV insiders are reportedly thrilled with the media attention the season has garnered, but others are deeply concerned that the I’m A Celebrity brand could be tainted by the toxic atmosphere. “It’s dark,” one source said. “We don’t know what’s going to happen next, but there’s definitely a sense that something has gone too far.”
Moving Forward
The drama isn’t over, as fans are still reeling from the shocking fallout. While Adam Thomas has taken to social media to express his gratitude for winning, thanking his family and supporters, the whispers about behind-the-scenes manipulation refuse to die down. As for Jimmy and David, the tension may have eased for now, but with their public statements and their ongoing displeasure with how things unfolded, it’s clear that the fallout from this season will continue to make headlines.
This season’s finale of I’m A Celebrity: South Africa has become infamous for its explosive moments both on-screen and off, and it remains to be seen whether the show can regain its former charm. For now, the whispers about favoritism, backstage drama, and unedited rows continue to swirl.
