Gemma Collins Overwhelmed by Harry Redknapp's Prank on I'm A Celebrity South Africa
Reality television personality Gemma Collins was left visibly distressed and in tears after a mischievous prank orchestrated by former football manager Harry Redknapp during a recent episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa. The emotional outburst led Collins to declare she was finished with the show, uttering the programme's iconic catchphrase in a moment of genuine despair.
The Late-Night Wind-Up That Sparked the Breakdown
In a cunning move, Harry Redknapp informed his fellow celebrities that they would all be required to participate in a gruelling late-night challenge named "prison of hell". This announcement came immediately after the campmates had returned from completing another demanding task during Friday evening's broadcast. The prank was designed to test their resilience, but for Gemma Collins, it proved to be the final straw.
The Only Way Is Essex star collapsed to the ground, exclaiming through tears: "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here. I'm done. I can't do any more." Viewers watched as Collins wiped away tears and buried her face in her hands, with campmate Scarlett Moffatt looking on in disbelief. This emotional reaction followed a previous breakdown during Wednesday's episode, where Collins confided in former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas, stating she didn't think she could continue.
Harry Redknapp's Delight at the Successful Prank
Shortly after Collins' distress became apparent, Harry Redknapp revealed to the assembled campmates that he had been winding them up all along – there was no late-night challenge whatsoever. A clearly delighted Redknapp remarked: "That was right up my street. A proper wind-up. They fell for it hook, line and sinker. Oh, it worked a treat."
Gemma Collins later admitted that the prospect of a prison-themed task would have pushed her beyond her limits, describing it as claustrophobic and something that would have forced her to utter those fateful words. Her vulnerability in the moment highlighted the intense psychological pressure faced by contestants in the all-star South African edition of the popular reality series.
Body Image Pressures and Candid Camp Conversations
The episode also featured Collins speaking candidly about the body image pressures she faces in the public eye. In a heartfelt conversation with Scarlett Moffatt, Collins revealed: "We're under scrutiny all the time, and I never used to worry about it, but because everyone goes on about body image, this, that and the other, you then become like thinking you're disgusting and ugly every day."
She continued with a powerful message of self-acceptance, stating: "This is me. I get sick of it – this diet, that diet, this pen, that pen. You know, at the end of the day, I think we've just got to accept all of us come in different shapes and sizes, and we can all be beautiful in our own way. It's really what's in your heart." This moment provided a rare glimpse into the personal struggles behind the reality star's public persona.
Other Highlights from the South African Camp
Friday's programme, which coincided with Pussycat Doll Ashley James's birthday, also featured Olympic athletics legend Sir Mo Farah securing 10 stars for his fellow campmates in a challenging trial. Farah navigated through containers teeming with snakes, creepy-crawlies, and even a crocodile, demonstrating remarkable courage and determination.
Later that evening, the celebrities participated in another challenge where they attempted to keep a ball balanced in front of them for as long as possible. In a touching birthday gesture, campmates ultimately allowed Ashley James to triumph, showcasing the camaraderie that develops within the camp despite the competitive environment.
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa continues to air at 9pm on weekdays on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player, bringing viewers more drama, challenges, and unexpected moments from the celebrity camp in the African wilderness.
