In a dramatic shake-up just days before the grand finale, ITV has abolished the camp leader role on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! The major rule change was announced following the elimination of comedian Ruby Wax on Wednesday night, throwing the remaining campmates into a new dynamic of self-governance.
From Buttergate to Leadership Chaos
The chain of events leading to the rule's demise began with the now-infamous 'buttergate' scandal. EastEnders star Shona McGarty, 34, was forced to step down as camp leader after being discovered with contraband butter in the Australian jungle. Shona denied smuggling it in but confessed to using it, stating her "eyes lit up" when she saw it.
Faced with a choice of losing two stars from the camp's Bushtucker Trial winnings or resigning, Shona quit. This led to the campmates voting in 72-year-old Ruby Wax as the new leader, a move described by Jack Osbourne as "pure insanity" and "the craziest dictatorship."
Ruby's Short-Lived Reign and the Aftermath
Ruby's leadership was brief but memorable. She immediately declared "No more Mrs Nice Guy!" and appointed social media star Angry Ginge, 24, as her dancer, Manchester rapper Aitch, 25, as her entertainer, and suggested Shona become her footstool. This prompted Jack Osbourne, 40, to plot a 'revolution' with Aitch and Ginge.
Despite being a favourite, Ruby was voted out on Wednesday, December 3rd, becoming the fifth celebrity eliminated. Her exit directly triggered the producers' decision to remove the camp leader position entirely. Consequently, the final six contestants must now collaboratively assign all camp chores themselves.
The Final Sprint to the Crown
With the rule change in effect, the question is how much will get done as the series reaches its climax. Only three days of camp life remain before the King or Queen of the Jungle for 2025 is revealed on Sunday, December 7th. The final will air on ITV1 and ITVX.
The camp was reduced to six after Spandau Ballet's Martin Kemp, 64, departed on Thursday night. The remaining celebrities vying for the title are Jack Osbourne, Shona McGarty, Aitch, Angry Ginge, Emmerdale legend Lisa Riley, 49, and Celebs Go Dating star Tom Read Wilson, 39.
Current betting suggests rapper Aitch is the frontrunner to win, with Angry Ginge predicted as runner-up. However, with the public vote still open, the outcome is far from certain. Viewers will have to tune in on Sunday night to see who triumphs in this unprecedented final stretch without a designated leader.
