Gemma Collins Appears to Dramatically Quit I'm A Celebrity South Africa in Emotional Breakdown
Reality television star Gemma Collins looks set to make a dramatic exit from I'm A Celebrity... South Africa during tonight's episode, with preview footage showing the TOWIE legend breaking down in tears and declaring she's "done" with the ITV show.
Shocking Declaration Leaves Campmates Stunned
In a first-look preview for the April 17 episode, the 45-year-old television personality is seen gathering with fellow campmates before shouting the show's iconic phrase: "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here... I'm done." The emotional moment shows Gemma with her face in her hands, visibly crying as the pressure becomes overwhelming.
Scarlett Moffatt, who has developed a close friendship with Gemma during their time in camp, appears absolutely gobsmacked by her co-star's declaration, reacting with wide eyes and apparent disbelief. The 35-year former Gogglebox star seems genuinely shocked by Gemma's emotional outburst and apparent decision to leave the competition.
History Repeating Itself After Previous Jungle Experience
This isn't the first time Gemma Collins has struggled with the I'm A Celebrity format. During her initial jungle stint in 2014, she lasted just 72 hours before leaving the show. Reflecting on that experience, she told OK! Magazine: "It was like I'd committed a murder. I stepped off the plane and Good Morning Britain was there."
She added: "I've never lived it down. I felt like the woman from Game Of Thrones who has to walk through the streets naked." The star has clearly carried the weight of that experience with her, which may explain her current emotional state in the South African version of the show.
Recent Challenges and Accusations Against Show Bosses
Gemma's apparent decision to quit comes after a particularly challenging trial earlier this week. During Wednesday's installment, she participated in the Creeper Train trial alongside Jimmy Bullard for Team Rhinos, competing against Team Lions' Harry Redknapp and Scarlett Moffatt.
The trial took a dramatic turn when an explosive burst of slime and bugs smacked Gemma directly in the face. Visibly shaken, she handed over the task to Scarlett, declaring: "Forget it, you've won, f*** me guys, that just went straight in my face."
Although she later threw herself back into the game to search for nuggets in the crocodile-infested carriages, she ultimately lost the challenge to Scarlett. Following the trial, Gemma broke down in tears, telling producers: "I did my best. I feel like you're trying to kill me. You're going to kill me. It's, like, not even funny. I feel like you're definitely trying to kill me."
Camp Tensions and Ongoing Feuds
Gemma's emotional state may have been exacerbated by ongoing tensions within camp, particularly with fellow contestant Sinitta. The 62-year-old singer and the reality star have reportedly not seen eye-to-eye since their camp unification.
The friction began when Sinitta told Gemma that she thought her taking on the role of Mama Morton in Chicago was a "joke." Although the second series of the spin-off was filmed last September, it appears the two women still aren't on good terms.
Gemma has made her feelings clear by following all her other co-stars on Instagram except Sinitta. A source told The Sun: "There's still no love lost between the women. Gemma hasn't spoken publicly about the feud and kept her silence – but following every single castmember online bar Sinitta is a clear statement from the GC. It's got everybody talking."
Previous Warnings and Emotional Struggles
Earlier this week, Gemma sparked speculation that she might walk from the South Africa jungle when she told campmate Craig Charles: "I don't think I can take it." She later told Jimmy Bullard: "I'm bruised look at them bruises Jim. I did try. And we're still in the lead," before quipping: "I'm a Celebrity Get Me the f*** Out of Here."
The preview footage shows Gemma seemingly holding up her arms in relief as she says the iconic words that suggest her time on the show may be coming to an end. Whether this emotional declaration leads to an actual departure remains to be seen when the episode airs tonight.
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa continues on ITV1 and ITVX, with viewers eagerly awaiting to see if Gemma Collins follows through on her apparent decision to quit the competition.
