Gemma Collins Delivers Cutting Retort to Sinitta Over Simon Cowell Relationship
In a dramatic escalation of their ongoing feud, Gemma Collins has launched a stinging counterattack against fellow I'm A Celebrity South Africa contestant Sinitta, targeting the singer's lengthy on-and-off relationship with music mogul Simon Cowell. The confrontation unfolded during the latest episode of the ITV spin-off series, which features returning campmates from previous seasons.
Mobile Phone Remark Sparks Fiery Exchange
The tension ignited when the campmates discussed their enjoyment of being disconnected from their mobile devices. Gemma Collins, the 45-year-old TOWIE legend, remarked that she now understood why Simon Cowell, 66, famously avoids carrying a mobile phone. This prompted Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah to question Sinitta about the accuracy of this claim.
Gemma quickly interjected with a biting observation: "Sinitta tries to call him and she's got to go through two PAs, housekeepers just to get a message to him." She elaborated further, explaining that Cowell would only respond "as and when he fancies" according to Sinitta's own admission.
Forty-Year Relationship Under Scrutiny
When Gemma directly asked Sinitta if she had previously dated the music executive, the 62-year-old singer confirmed they had been involved "on and off for 40 years." Reflecting on this revelation in the Bush Telegraph confessional, Gemma expressed incredulity at the dynamic.
"She was in an on and off relationship with him for over 40 years and when Sinitta rings he replies and says 'I'll call you tomorrow Sinitta'," Gemma recounted. "I mean, if someone did that to me, they'd be blocked, scrubbed off the Christmas card list and yeah, I ain't waiting around for no man to call me back."
Ongoing Feud Between Campmates
This confrontation represents the latest chapter in an ongoing rivalry between the two celebrities. In a previous episode, Sinitta had launched her own attack on Gemma, questioning her credibility as a performer. When discussing a potential role in Chicago that Gemma had been unable to accept due to injury, Sinitta admitted: "I'm sorry, but I'm going to admit it, when I heard you were going to do it, I thought it was a joke announcement."
Sinitta further elaborated: "I think you'd just presented something at an awards show and fell off the stage. It was like you were more of a comedian." The tension was so palpable during this exchange that fellow campmate Scarlett Moffatt mouthed "What is happening?" to Seann Walsh while hiding in her hammock.
Pre-Recorded Format and Competitive Tensions
Unlike the regular series of I'm A Celebrity, the South Africa edition has been almost entirely pre-recorded, with filming taking place last year at Kruger National Park. Viewers have been unable to vote for trials or eliminations, though they will have a say in determining the winner during a live final scheduled for London later this month.
Elsewhere in the camp, competitive tensions have been rising, with former contestant Jordan Banjo criticizing boxer David Haye for being "too competitive" during challenges. Banjo, who participated in the 2016 series and placed as runner-up in the first South Africa edition, commented: "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!"
David Haye, who first appeared on the show in 2012, has been branded the "camp villain" by some viewers after making controversial decisions and clashing with Gemma Collins during an eating trial. The boxer drew criticism when he denied Gemma water during the challenge, insisting that rules should be followed strictly.
I'm A Celebrity South Africa continues to air on ITV1 and ITVX, bringing together returning campmates in a unique format that has sparked both camaraderie and conflict among the celebrity participants.
