I'm A Celebrity viewers were left exclaiming 'this isn't right!' within mere minutes of the new All Stars series premiere, feeling 'confused and freaked out' by the unconventional timing of the show's return. The ITV spin-off, filmed in South Africa and featuring past campmates competing for the title of 'I'm A Celebrity... Legend,' launched its second season on April 6, but the departure from its usual festive schedule sparked immediate social media backlash.
Christmas in April? Viewer Disorientation Takes Centre Stage
The standard Australia-based series traditionally airs in the lead-up to Christmas, creating a seasonal association for fans. In stark contrast, the pre-recorded South Africa edition broadcasts much earlier in the year, leading to widespread disorientation among the audience. One fan took to X to express their unease, writing, 'Feel like I need to be putting up my Christmas decorations watching this #ImACeleb.'
Another viewer echoed the sentiment, stating, 'Not gonna lie, its a bit weird hearing the #ImACeleb theme tune and it not being almost christmas.' A third added humorously, 'Watching I’m a celeb without my tree up freaks me out lol!' while a fourth chimed in, 'This is going to confuse my doolalee Brain #imaceleb I’m going to think it’s almost Christmas.' A fifth fan concurred, remarking, 'I’m a celebrity is back on television. I better start my Christmas shopping.'
Adam Thomas's Puzzle Debacle Elicits Howls of Laughter
Amid the seasonal confusion, the launch episode delivered plenty of entertainment, notably from Emmerdale alum Adam Thomas. The 37-year-old, serving as team captain, participated in the Tipped Over The Edge challenge alongside Beverley Callard. The pair, strapped back to back, had to collect puzzle pieces from a cliff ledge while a platform tilted dramatically beneath them.
Surprisingly, the tilting platform proved manageable, with the duo collecting the pieces in just eight minutes and falling only once. However, Adam's struggle with the subsequent puzzle became the episode's comedic highlight, as he took a staggering 10 minutes to complete it, costing his team the challenge against Ashley Roberts and Sir Mo Farah.
Viewers found the scene uproariously funny, flooding social media with comments. One wrote, 'Me telling my grandkids about the time I watched Adam Thomas completing a star puzzle on #ImACeleb,' while another joked, '10 minutes to do the puzzle, we love you Adam.' Additional reactions included, 'Adam needs a 1 piece puzzle next time,' and 'Cackling at Adam and Bev doing so well at that only to get seen off by a child’s puzzle.'
Beverley Callard's Fiery Retort to David Haye
Elsewhere in the episode, Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard, 69, showcased her fiery temperament after being sent to the basic Savannah Scrub camp by boxer David Haye. David earned the right to decide between Scarlett Moffatt and Beverley following his victory in the Unlucky Lodges challenge, and his choice did not sit well with the soap star.
Beverley furiously declared, 'David you're going to pay for that decision. I'm telling you now.' She initially softened her tone, saying, 'I have really no hard feelings, I'm only kidding,' before hilariously adding, 'Up yours.' As she trekked through the jungle, she vowed, 'David Haye. I will get my own back on him.'
Later, while settling into Savannah Scrub with Adam Thomas, Beverley continued her tirade, joking, 'Been a fan of his for years and years and years - not anymore I tell you. He sent me to Savannah scrub and I thought "you're gonna get it mate".' When Adam suggested avoiding making an enemy of David, Beverley retorted, 'I've thought about this, I'm gonna chin him.'
Viewers delighted in Beverley's outburst, with one writing, 'Nice one Bev - "up yours"' and another stating, 'I won't accept ANYONE coming for my bev callard.' A third remarked, 'Bev ROBBED being sent away.'
The series, set in Kruger National Park, promises more drama and laughs as it airs weeknights at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, blending nostalgic campmate returns with fresh challenges and unexpected viewer reactions.
