I'm A Celebrity... South Africa fans have shared their views on Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly's handling of an explosive argument during the live final of the show. Viewers tuning in to see who would be crowned this year's Jungle Legend after weeks of watching pre-recorded episodes where former campmates headed to the jungle in South Africa to compete for the coveted title were stunned when a row broke out.
Explosive Argument Overshadows Final
Fans tuning into the live final on Friday, April 24, saw former Emmerdale star Adam Thomas announced as the winner, but the moment was overshadowed by a huge argument that broke out between Adam, former boxer David Haye, and retired footballer Jimmy Bullard. Tensions between them spilled over after scenes in the show where Adam was accused of launching a foul-mouthed tirade at Jimmy over a task.
David asked Adam if he "deserved to win it after calling Jimmy the C-word a couple of times." Jimmy and Adam were teamed up for a bushtucker trial which aired earlier in the week, with Jimmy deciding moments into it that he did not want to take part in the trial. His decision left Adam at risk of being sent home, but show hosts Ant and Dec asked the campmates if they wanted to keep Adam in, who unanimously voted for the actor to remain on the show.
Jimmy's Accusations and Adam's Response
Speaking during the live final, Jimmy claimed that Adam had been "aggressive, abusive and intimidating" when he decided to leave the series. Adam then explained himself as he told Jimmy during the final: "Listen I take full responsibility for my actions. Yes emotions were definitely running high in that moment. But, you know, I have got nothing but love for Jimmy."
David then tried to interrupt Adam, who snapped back: "Will you just let the finalists speak?" Adam then added: "I take everything he said into account. That is not how I want to show myself off and I have never shown myself off in that light before that or after that. And I am sorry Jimmy."
Ant and Dec's Intervention Praised
Ant and Dec both made efforts to defend Adam over the tense situation, with Ant confessing he did not think Adam was aggressive. Dec meanwhile told David, "you weren't even there." Both Sinitta and Gemma Collins were seen walking off the set amid the tense scenes.
Viewers then took to X to share their own view on how Ant and Dec had handled the fiery moment. One wrote: "The way Ant & Dec’s 20 year reign at the NTAs only just ended but… that was their finest moment of their career. Thank god they stood up for what’s right and actually got involved, props to them #ImACeleb." A second said: "ANT & DEC STANDING ON BUSINESS AND SHUTTING DAVID THE HELL UP #ImACeleb."
A third added: "You know it’s bad when you break Ant AND Dec #ImACeleb." A fourth social media user shared: "I bloody love Ant & Dec, they’ve really handled this situation well. #ImACeleb." A fifth commented: "Ant and Dec showing up and speaking up #ImaCeleb." Another quipped: "Not Ant & Dec getting into beef with David & Jimmy I am crying!!!! #ImaCeleb."
