I'm A Celebrity South Africa Launch Distracted by Dec's Hair Colour Controversy
The highly anticipated return of I'm A Celebrity South Africa to ITV screens this week was immediately overshadowed by an unexpected fan fixation. Viewers tuning into Monday's launch episode found themselves seriously distracted by presenter Declan Donnelly's appearance, with many accusing him of 'ripping off' his co-host Ant McPartlin's signature hair colour.
Social Media Erupts Over Matching Hair Dye
From the opening moments of the episode, which was filmed in the spectacular Kruger National Park in South Africa, fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice their observations. One viewer quipped: 'Ant and Dec have obviously shared a bottle of hair dye. #ImACeleb.' Another added: 'I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… I’m sure Ant and Dec share a box hair dye!' A third comment was more brutal: 'Bad dye job on your hair Dec x.'
The Geordie presenting duo, filming the spin-off series which brings back fan favourites from previous years, found themselves at the centre of this light-hearted but persistent chatter throughout the broadcast.
Celebrity All-Stars Face Gruelling Challenges
Beyond the hair colour drama, the first episode delivered the expected high-octane entertainment. This year's lineup features an impressive roster of returning celebrities:
- Adam Thomas
- Ashley Roberts
- Scarlett Moffatt
- David Haye
- Beverley Callard
- Seann Walsh
- Sinitta
- Sir Mo Farah
- Gemma Collins
- Craig Charles
- Jimmy Bullard
- Harry Redknapp
One contestant will ultimately be crowned Legend of the Jungle in this special all-stars edition.
Adam Thomas's Puzzle Struggle Becomes Viral Moment
The episode's most memorable challenge saw Adam Thomas and Beverley Callard tackle 'Tipped Over the Edge,' a daunting bungee jump puzzle challenge. While the pair managed the tilting platform with relative ease, collecting puzzle pieces in just eight minutes and falling only once, Thomas's subsequent struggle with the actual puzzle became instant comedy gold.
Taking a whopping ten minutes to complete what should have been a straightforward task, Thomas's efforts had viewers in stitches. Social media exploded with reactions:
- 'Me telling my grandkids about the time I watched Adam Thomas completing a star puzzle on #ImACeleb'
- '10 minutes to do the puzzle, we love you Adam'
- 'Adam needs a 1 piece puzzle next time'
- 'Cackling at Adam and Bev doing so well at that only to get seen off by a child’s puzzle'
The delay cost their team victory against Ashley Roberts and Mo Farah, setting the tone for a competitive series.
More Chaotic Moments and Camp Arrivals
Other highlights from the action-packed episode included:
- Scarlett Moffatt getting repeatedly soaked by green slime and brown liquid during the 'Unlucky Lodges' challenge, shouting: 'What are you throwing at me man?! I've just washed my hair!'
- Seann Walsh and Sinitta facing their fear of heights in the 'Level Up' challenge 140 feet above ground, with Sinitta crashing to the floor and Walsh visibly wobbling.
- The brutal twist that banished one person from each losing team to the basic Savannah Scrub camp.
- The dramatic arrival of two more celebrities at episode's end, with Gemma Collins declaring: 'This is a far cry from Essex, I'm ready for you,' and Craig Charles confessing: 'I can't believe I'm back after 11 years.'
The series promises more drama, humour and unexpected moments as these familiar faces battle for the ultimate jungle crown in South Africa's breathtaking wilderness.
