Jimmy Bullard Reportedly 'Devastated' and 'Seething' Months After I'm A Celebrity Feud
Former professional footballer Jimmy Bullard is said to still be "seething" and "devastated" several months after his explosive on-screen feud with actor Adam Thomas on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here. The 47-year-old ex-Premiership player, who represented clubs including Wigan Athletic and Fulham, remains deeply upset following the bitter clash that aired during the ITV spin-off series pre-recorded in South Africa.
The Rancid Run Trial That Sparked Television Drama
Millions of viewers watched as tensions erupted between Bullard and Thomas during the challenging Rancid Run trial, which required campmates to retrieve cogs from a giant, ant-infested abusing using only their mouths. The confrontation escalated when Bullard decided to quit the trial, prompting 37-year-old Thomas - known for roles in Waterloo Road and Emmerdale - to yell: "Are you f***ing taking the p***?... I am in there getting covered in f***ing ants."
Following the trial, father-of-two Adam Thomas appeared visibly distressed as he attempted to address the camera, while hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were forced to intervene in what became described as the programme's biggest ever clash.
Insiders Reveal Lasting Fallout and Friendship Destruction
According to sources speaking to the Daily Mail, Bullard feels particularly aggrieved because "it was supposed to be a celebration of I'm A Celeb, but Adam appeared to have let his temper get the better of him." The insider added that "Adam just completely lost it and went for Jimmy," leaving the former footballer seething months after filming concluded.
The fallout has reportedly been severe, with those familiar with both men suggesting they have not spoken since the row and are unlikely to ever reconcile. One insider revealed: "It's got really, really bad. They know one another through mutual friends, but this has put paid to any kind of friendship now."
Celebrity Reactions and Show Context
The dramatic scenes divided both viewers and former contestants, with Carol Vorderman - who previously appeared on the show - branding Bullard "disgraceful" and saying the confrontation made her "angry, furious, crying."
The second series of the I'm A Celebrity spin-off featured an all-star cast including former Coronation Street actor Beverley Callard, reality television personality Gemma Collins, Olympic champion Mo Farah, and football legend Harry Redknapp. While most of the series was pre-recorded, the finale is scheduled to be broadcast live - though Bullard is reportedly unhappy about returning for this segment and was notably absent from the recent launch event.
Adam Thomas, brother of former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas, and Jimmy Bullard - a father of two from east London - have seen their relationship irreparably damaged by the televised confrontation that captivated millions and continues to generate headlines months after the initial incident.
