In an exclusive revelation, former football manager Harry Redknapp has detailed the cringe-worthy incident where he not only evicted comedian Seann Walsh from I'm A Celebrity... South Africa but also botched his name, calling him 'Stewart'. The blunder, which left viewers squirming, has left Redknapp worried that Walsh now harbours ill feelings towards him.
The Unfortunate Eviction Decision
During a recent stage event, Redknapp recounted the awkward scenario that unfolded after he and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard faced a gruelling Bushtucker Trial as 'jungle kings'. Upon losing, Redknapp was instructed by hosts Ant and Dec to personally evict one celebrity from Team Lion, which included notable figures like boxer David Haye, Olympic runner Sir Mo Farah, Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, comedian Seann Walsh, and Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt.
A Reluctant King's Dilemma
Redknapp expressed his initial reluctance, even offering to leave the show himself to avoid the tough decision. "I think 'No please, I don't wanna do that. I'll go home'," he said, but was reminded by producers that as king, he had to follow the rules and send a 'subject' home. After deliberating, he ruled out sending home intimidating figures like David Haye or close allies like Ashley Roberts, who taught him yoga each morning.
Ultimately, he settled on Seann Walsh, a decision made more difficult by Walsh's earlier enthusiasm about the show boosting his profile. "Poor Seann. I am gonna send him home," Redknapp recalled, noting how dreadful he felt given Walsh's eagerness to stay.
The Name Gaffe Unfolds
Upon returning to camp to announce his decision, Redknapp's mind went blank under pressure. "I forgot his name. It has gone completely blank out of my mind," he admitted. Despite trying to recall by glancing at a jungle jobs blackboard, which had been erased, he was stuck with his choice. In a moment of dithering, he blurted out, "I'm sorry Stewart. I am going to have to send you home."
Viewers watched as Redknapp stalled, eventually saying, "So, er, I've come down in the end Stewart, I've had to make a decision and I've chose you." Walsh, though stunned, accepted it gracefully, replying, "Oh fair enough, yeah, that's absolutely fair enough." Redknapp later corrected himself, apologising and using Walsh's correct name, but the damage was done.
Aftermath and Reactions
The mistake didn't go unnoticed. David Haye attempted to lighten the mood by joking, "I always thought it was Shane Walsh," to which Redknapp responded, "I thought it was Stewart didn't I? Did you hear that, my mind went blank. I lost the plot." Ant and Dec further rubbed it in, quipping that Walsh's hotel room was booked under "Stewart Walsh by Harry", adding to the humiliation.
Redknapp also shared insights into the trial itself, admitting he knew Jimmy Bullard would win due to Bullard's boasting about his drinking prowess. "Jimmy says 'Harry, I hold the record at my dad's pub for drinking a pint of beer in under whatever time'," Redknapp explained, leading to their loss and the subsequent eviction drama.
Now, Redknapp fears Walsh might hate him for the blunder, a sentiment echoed by the public's reaction to the televised awkwardness. The incident highlights the high-pressure environment of reality TV, where even seasoned personalities like Redknapp can falter under the spotlight.
