ITV presenter Joel Dommett has issued a public apology after making a shocking remark about knife crime during the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! spin-off show. The incident occurred on Tuesday's (November 25) episode of ITV2's Unpacked, which Dommett co-hosts with Kemi Rodgers.
Live On-Air Apology After 'Shank' Comment
During a discussion about campmates winning sweets, the conversation turned to comedian Ruby Wax keeping a bag of Liquorice Allsorts to herself. Joel Dommett, 40, then joked: 'If someone stole my Haribo, I'd shank them'. Seemingly aware he had crossed a line, he immediately followed up by asking: 'Is that alright to say on telly? Is that too much?'
Co-presenter Declan Donnelly was quick to respond, stating firmly: 'It was a little too much, you've overstepped the mark.' Dommett offered an instant on-air apology, saying 'I'm sorry about that.'
Charity and Broadcaster Respond to Serious Issue
Following the broadcast, Dommett released a further statement to express his regret. 'I would like to once again apologise to anyone offended by the language used in Tuesday's show,' he said. 'I realised the error in the moment and immediately apologised live on air. This was not a pre-written joke and I would never make light of such a serious issue as knife crime.'
An ITV spokesperson also apologised, confirming Dommett recognised his 'unfortunate choice of language' instantly. The remark drew comment from Patrick Green, CEO of The Ben Kinsella Trust, a charity that educates young people on knife crime dangers.
Green said: 'I am sure that when Joel made this comment, he was not intending to cause offence or trivialise knife crime, as indicated by his immediate apology. However, it does highlight how knife crime has become so ingrained in our society that it has entered everyday language, when in reality it is something we should strongly oppose and never joke about.' He emphasised that knife crime is not a trivial matter and devastates families and communities.
Viewers Deliver Verdict on Unpacked Show
The incident comes as the Unpacked spin-off itself faces viewer scrutiny. Despite featuring exclusive content and guests like past winners Jill Scott and Sam Thompson, it has struggled to attract the same audience as the main show.
Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts. One viewer wrote: 'That I'm A Celeb unpacked needs to be cancelled.' Another added: 'Am I the only one who thinks Unpacked is just dead... none of them have any enthusiasm.. So monotone.' A third agreed, stating: 'I've tried to watch, but quickly lose interest.'
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues Monday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
