I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! viewers have sparked a debate over the prominence of campmates AngryGinge and Aitch, with some fans claiming the pair are receiving excessive screen time on the hit ITV series.
From Fan Favourites to Frustration
Twitch streamer AngryGinge, real name Morgan Burtwistle, 24, and Manchester rapper Aitch, real name Harrison James Armstrong, 23, quickly became central figures in this year's jungle narrative. Their journey, which saw them pitted as rivals, appointed as camp leaders, and repeatedly voted for gruelling Bushtucker Trials, cemented them as early favourites to win.
However, a shift in audience sentiment is now apparent. A growing number of viewers have taken to online forums to express their irritation, arguing that the show's edit has become overly focused on the duo, dubbing it 'the Aitch and Ginge show'.
Viewers Voice Their Complaints
The backlash gained traction on platforms like Reddit, where one fan articulated a common grievance. 'Early on I liked them and seeing the pair together, but now both of them I find so irritating,' they wrote, citing Ginge's perceived constant complaining about chores like washing up.
This sentiment resonated with others, who suggested the disproportionate airtime was stifling other campmates. 'Nah, those two are just getting the most airtime. I'm sure others are being entertaining and we just aren't seeing it,' one comment read. Another added, 'I do think if they left then maybe the quieter people would get a chance to come out of their shells.'
Critics accused ITV of giving a 'more favourable edit' to contestants they suspect will generate votes, a practice some believe happens every year.
Defenders Rally for the Duo
Not all viewers agree with the criticism. A strong contingent has rushed to defend AngryGinge and Aitch, arguing they are the engine of the show's entertainment. 'Let’s be real, take those two out (especially at this stage), what do we have? A pretty dull show,' one supporter countered.
Another pointed out Ginge's broader appeal: 'Someone moaning about washing up is hardly an extreme opinion is it? It’s also about 1% of his personality and everything else he’s done (been entertaining, funny, vulnerable, supportive etc etc).' Defenders claim that other campmates, including Ruby and Lisa, often have their best moments when interacting with Ginge or Aitch.
Betting Odds Recalibrate Amidst Drama
The fluctuating public opinion is reflected in the latest betting odds. While Ginge was the long-standing favourite, Ladbrokes now places Aitch in pole position at 7/4. AngryGinge has been knocked into second place at 15/8.
The pair have been at the heart of several camp dramas in recent weeks, including:
- 'Milk Gate': Alongside model Kelly Brook, 46, they secretly ate milk bottle sweets won in a challenge, a secret Kelly revealed upon her exit.
- Chore Clashes: Ginge's vocal frustration over washing-up duties and a disagreement with Kelly Brook over eating rice from mugs.
- Fizzled Romance: Early speculation about a romance between Aitch and EastEnders star Shona McGarty, 34, which failed to materialise.
I'm A Celebrity continues Thursday at 9pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
