David Haye Faces Backlash as 'Camp Villain' in I'm A Celebrity South Africa Feud
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa fans have unleashed a wave of criticism against David Haye, cementing his reputation as the 'camp villain' following a heated dispute with Beverley Callard. The controversy erupted during the launch episode of the ITV spin-off series, when the former professional boxer made a divisive decision that left viewers and campmates in uproar.
Decision Sparks Fury Among Viewers and Celebrities
David Haye, aged 45, was tasked with choosing between Scarlett Moffatt, 35, and Beverley Callard, 69, to join his team after winning a challenge. The individual not selected would be relegated to the basic Savannah Scrub camp, known for its harsh conditions including reduced food rations, wooden beds, and an open-toilet facility. Opting for strategic advantage, Haye selected Scarlett, thereby consigning Beverley to the less desirable camp.
Beverley Callard, a former Coronation Street star, reacted with visible shock and anger, threatening to 'chin' the heavyweight boxer for his actions. She exclaimed, 'Up yours, I will get my own back,' later adding to co-star Adam Thomas, 'I’ve been a fan of his for years and years and years, but not any more I tell you.' Her frustration was palpable as she recounted, 'David Haye flipping sent me to Savannah Scrub! I was thinking, "You’re going to get it mate, you are going to get it".'
Fan Outrage and Wikipedia Tampering
The fallout was swift, with fans expressing their displeasure across social media platforms. In a notable act of protest, Haye's Wikipedia page was temporarily altered to reflect the incident. A now-deleted edit described him as 'a British former professional who sent poor Beverley Callard to the s*** camp despite her being 68.' Although the page was quickly restored to its original state, this digital backlash underscored the depth of viewer sentiment.
Online commentary flooded in, with one fan stating, 'Haye is VERY unlikeable,' while another questioned, 'Is it just me, or is David Haye coming across REALLY badly so far?!?!?' Additional comments highlighted perceptions of jealousy and alpha male behavior, with a viewer noting, 'I can tell Haye is very jealous of Mighty Mo. Surely he has to be the Alpha Male?'
Campmate Reactions and Strategic Justifications
Within the camp, tensions escalated as comedian Seann Walsh expressed disbelief at Beverley's placement. Upon learning of Haye's decision, Seann reacted sharply, stating, 'That guy does not give a s**t.' However, close friends of David Haye defended his actions, explaining to The Sun that the move was not personal but rather a logical survival strategy. They emphasized, 'His thought process would have been all about survival instinct. He knew in order to have the best chance in there, it was important to have the strongest members of the group in his team.'
Despite these justifications, the incident has solidified Haye's image as a divisive figure early in the series. Viewers have already labeled him the villain, with social media buzzing over his interactions, such as when he made comments during Gemma Collins' eating trial, prompting Scarlett Moffatt to tell him to 'shut up.' Fans rallied behind Gemma, with one posting, 'Come on the GC lets prove David Haye wrong,' while others criticized him directly.
Background and Viewer Concerns
This spin-off, filmed in South Africa's Kruger National Park, features returning celebrities vying for the title of 'I'm A Celebrity... Legend.' Alongside Haye, participants include Gemma Collins, Scarlett Moffatt, Sir Mo Farah, and Adam Thomas, among others. The pre-recorded nature of the show has led to some confusion among viewers, particularly regarding Beverley Callard's health, as she is currently battling breast cancer.
Fans expressed concern online, with one asking, 'When was this recorded? I thought Beverly was going through cancer treatment and was ill?' Others sent well-wishes, highlighting her resilience. Despite these worries, the series continues to captivate audiences, with the feud between Haye and Callard dominating early episodes.
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa airs on ITV1 and ITVX, promising more drama as campmates navigate challenges and alliances in the quest for legendary status.
