Former Campmate Jordan Banjo Criticises David Haye's Competitive Edge on I'm A Celebrity
Former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! contestant Jordan Banjo has publicly criticised boxer David Haye for displaying what he describes as excessive competitiveness during the ITV show's All Stars series. The professional dancer, who participated in the jungle in 2016 and finished in ninth place, shared his views during an appearance on This Morning with hosts Joel Dommett and Rochelle Humes.
David Haye Branded the 'Camp Villain'
The All Stars series, which was pre-recorded in South Africa and features returning celebrities from previous seasons, launched earlier this week. Among the participants is boxer David Haye, aged 45, who first appeared on the show in 2012 and placed third. Since his return, Haye has quickly earned the label of 'camp villain' from both viewers and fellow contestants.
Haye sparked initial controversy during the launch episode when he chose to send former Coronation Street star Beverley Callard, aged 69, to the basic Savannah Scrub camp instead of Scarlett Moffatt, aged 35. This decision placed Beverley in conditions with fewer food rations, wooden beds, and no door to the toilet, leading to immediate backlash.
Tensions Rise in Camp
Further conflict arose when Haye clashed with campmate Gemma Collins during an eating trial. As Gemma requested water, Haye remarked, 'I didn’t think you was allowed water until you’d finished. Forget about the rules, rules are the rules.' Jordan Banjo reacted strongly to this, stating, 'There are tensions rising in camp already and it does seem to be that the architect of this... and doesn't seem to be doing it on purpose, but it's David Haye.'
Banjo elaborated, 'I don't know if he's trying to find a new opponent in there, but obviously he had a choice of who he could send to Savannah Scrubs, and he picked Bev. Then he's denying Gemma water during that trial... I mean, look - I'm all up for being competitive, I'm all up for that, but when someone is eating fish eyes and drinking pigs blood, to not let them have a sip of the dusty camp water?'
When asked if Haye's behaviour stemmed from competitiveness, Banjo responded, 'I'm like, mate, you're not fighting right now! This is the GC you're talking about, give her a bit of leeway, mate!'
Fan Reactions and Social Media Backlash
Viewers have echoed Banjo's sentiments, with many taking to social media to criticise Haye. His Wikipedia page was temporarily edited to include a reference to his decision against Beverley, reading, 'David Haye is a British former professional who sent poor Beverley Callard to the s*** camp despite her being 68.' Although quickly reverted, this highlights the intensity of fan disapproval.
On social media, comments flooded in, with one viewer stating, 'Haye is VERY unlikeable,' while another added, 'Is it just me, or is David Haye coming across REALLY badly so far?!?!?' Others noted, 'Haye I can see causing rows,' and 'I can tell Haye is very jealous of Mighty Mo. Surely he has to be the Alpha Male?'
Campmate Reactions and Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Beverley Callard expressed her frustration after being sent to Savannah Scrub, warning Haye, 'Up yours, I will get my own back,' and telling co-star Adam Thomas, 'I’ve been a fan of his for years and years and years, but not any more I tell you.' She later joked, 'He sent me to Savannah scrub and I thought "you're gonna get it mate".'
Comedian Seann Walsh also reacted with shock, asking Adam Thomas how Beverley ended up in the basic camp. Upon learning it was Haye's decision, Seann remarked, 'That guy does not give a s**t.'
Despite the backlash, sources close to Haye defended his actions, telling The Sun, 'It wasn’t personal. David is a very calm and thoughtful person. He thinks everything through. He’s very logical. His thought process would have been all about survival instinct. He knew in order to have the best chance in there, it was important to have the strongest members of the group in his team. It wasn’t anything against Beverley. His brain didn’t think about how it might look from the outside sending the older woman to live off scraps.'
Additional Camp Dynamics and Viewer Concerns
The series, filmed in Kruger National Park, South Africa, features other notable contestants including Gemma Collins, Scarlett Moffatt, Sir Mo Farah, and Adam Thomas, all vying for the title of 'I'm A Celebrity... Legend.' During trials, such as when Gemma Collins and Craig Charles participated in an eating challenge, Haye continued to make pointed comments, leading Scarlett Moffatt to tell him to 'shut up.'
Viewers also expressed concern for Beverley Callard, who is currently battling breast cancer, with some questioning how she could participate. One viewer wrote, 'When was this recorded? I thought Beverly was going through cancer treatment and was ill?' while others sent supportive messages wishing her health and recovery.
The show's pre-recorded nature has led to some confusion among audiences, but it continues to generate significant discussion online. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa airs nightly at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with tensions expected to escalate as the competition progresses.
