David Haye Confronted by Beverley Callard and Gemma Collins on I'm A Celebrity All Stars
In a dramatic episode of I'm A Celebrity All Stars aired on Thursday, former professional boxer David Haye found himself at the centre of a storm as he faced direct criticism from fellow contestants Beverley Callard and Gemma Collins. The tension had been building since the show's launch earlier in the week, culminating in a heated face-to-face encounter that left viewers divided and sparked widespread discussion.
Previous Conflicts Escalate
The conflict began when David suggested that Beverley should not join his team for a trial during Monday's launch episode. This decision infuriated the soap actress, who later threatened to 'chin' him in retaliation. Meanwhile, David further irritated Gemma Collins by insisting she should be denied water during an eating challenge, bluntly stating that 'rules are rules.' These incidents set the stage for the explosive confrontation that unfolded as the two camps, Savannah Scrub and Main Camp, were merged into one.
Unified Camp Leads to Direct Confrontation
Upon the announcement of the camp unification, David was immediately put on the defensive. Beverley wasted no time in addressing him, remarking, 'Oh you've had some stick,' as she entered the camp. Fellow contestant Adam Thomas added a warning, saying, 'Beverley's not happy with you mate. I'd stay away from Gemma as well.' In an attempt to lighten the mood, comedian Seann Walsh chimed in with, 'Let's get ready to rumble!' but the underlying tension remained palpable.
David's campmates tried to explain his behaviour by attributing it to his competitive nature as a sportsman, but this did little to appease the aggrieved stars. A preview for Friday's episode hinted at ongoing strife, with Gemma stating that David had not been welcoming to her 'at all.'
Viewer Reaction and Online Backlash
David's actions have already provoked significant backlash from viewers. Gemma branded him 'evil' for his treatment during the challenge, and fans took to social media to express their displeasure. In a notable incident, The Sun reported that David's Wikipedia page was briefly altered to include a critical reference to his decision against Beverley. The edited entry read: 'David Haye is a British former professional who sent poor Beverley Callard to the s*** camp despite her being 68.' Although this was quickly reverted to the standard biography, it highlighted the extent of public sentiment.
Background to the Controversy
The root of the conflict lies in David's choice during a trial earlier in the week. After winning the challenge, he was tasked with selecting between Scarlett Moffatt and Beverley Callard to join his team. Knowing that the unselected contestant would be sent to the basic Savannah Scrub camp—with inferior food rations, wooden beds, and an open toilet—David chose Scarlett. Beverley reacted with fury, warning David, 'Up yours, I will get my own back,' and later telling Adam Thomas, 'I’ve been a fan of his for years and years and years, but not any more I tell you.'
David's friends defended his decision, telling The Sun that it was not personal but rather a logical move based on survival instinct. They explained, '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. It wasn’t anything against Beverley. His brain didn’t think about how it might look from the outside sending the older woman to live off scraps.'
Ongoing Tensions and Future Episodes
As the show progresses, tensions continue to simmer. In Savannah Scrub, Seann Walsh was seen fuming that David 'doesn't give a s***' about Beverley. Gemma also reiterated her frustrations, discussing David's treatment of her and even gossiping about claims he had been involved in 'throuples' with other women. She told Adam Thomas, 'I just can't get over that David Haye – instead of thinking, 'go on girl' – actually refused me water. That's evil.' Adam attempted to defend David by noting his different background, but Gemma remained unconvinced.
With I'm A Celebrity... South Africa continuing on Friday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, viewers are eagerly anticipating whether these conflicts will resolve or escalate further, making for compelling reality television drama.
