Fans of I'm A Celebrity South Africa erupted in anger on social media, branding a recent twist as "really unfair" after Harry Redknapp was placed in a "brutal" predicament ahead of the show's first elimination. The 79-year-old former football manager and player, who won the regular edition in 2018 as King of the Jungle, entered the South Africa camp as a late arrival earlier this week alongside 2014 alum Jimmy Bullard.
Intense Eating Trial Sets the Stage
The pair, dubbed Kings, were appointed as heads of rival teams, with Harry leading the Lions against Jimmy's Rhinos. The competition culminated in a high-stakes eating trial between Harry and the 47-year-old Jimmy, with the winner securing a safari trip and a luxurious banquet for their group. Both contestants successfully endured five grim dishes, including wild boar penis, fermented tofu, impala eyes, kudu intestines, and a combination of worms and pig anus.
Tiebreaker Leads to Shocking Twist
To determine an outright winner, hosts Ant and Dec announced a tiebreaker, presenting the duo with a revolting concoction of fermented fish and stinky tofu. The first to drink it entirely would be declared victorious. Jimmy appeared confident, while Harry admitted he had never been good at downing drinks. Jimmy finished his drink within seconds, leading to his Rhinos team being declared the winners.
As the teams prepared to leave the Bushtucker Trial area, the presenters asked Harry to remain behind. They revealed that the time had come for one of his teammates to leave camp for good, and the decision would be made by Harry himself. This means either Ashley Roberts, Scarlett Moffatt, David Haye, Sir Mo Farah, or Seann Walsh will be the first to exit the South Africa camp.
Viewer Backlash and Speculation
Taking to social media, viewers expressed their displeasure with the twist. One wrote on X: "Making Harry choose who goes is nasty work." Another commented: "So brutal that Harry has to choose." A third chimed in: "That is actually really unfair, I wonder if that means the first to go home will be on the losing team as well." A fourth agreed: "Poor Harry man. That’s horrible."
Meanwhile, some fans shared their hopes that Harry will choose former boxer David Haye, 45, to depart the camp, following previous polarising remarks. One posted: "Harry, be even more of a hero and get rid of David PLEASE." Another shared: "If he picks anyone other than David Haye we riot!!!" Viewers will have to tune in tonight (April 16) to discover the outcome of Harry's decision.
Production Details and Future Episodes
Unlike the Australia-set series, South Africa was almost entirely pre-recorded in late 2025. However, viewers still get to have a say, as a live final later this month will ultimately crown the winner. Before last night's challenge even began, Harry appeared sentimental as he revealed he was the first manager to sign Jimmy, who was "just a kid" at the time. Jimmy was signed for West Ham United in 1999 for a fee of £30,000 but did not break into the team and went on to play for Peterborough United in 2001.
Viewers watching at home were also stunned by the huge portion sizes during the eating trial. Comments on X included: "Harry is just so unbothered, I aspire to be that calm"; "This eating challenge looks absolutely awful"; "Why are the portions so big? They won't sit good inside"; "This eating trial is unreal"; and "The portion sizes in these challenges are mental." One viewer summarised: "They've really stepped up the eating trials."
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa continues Thursday on ITV1 and ITVX.
