Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts has expressed her anger and disappointment over the dramatic I'm A Celebrity...South Africa final, claiming that winner Adam Thomas 'didn't want to win' due to the chaos that unfolded.
The 44-year-old singer, who initially competed on the show in 2012 and returned for the all-stars edition, joined fellow former contestants including Harry Redknapp, Beverley Callard, and Scarlett Moffatt. The series took a dramatic turn when David Haye was accused of bullying Adam Thomas, alleging that the Waterloo Road star used his arthritis condition to avoid Bushtucker Trials.
Since the series was pre-recorded, the celebrities gathered for a live final where the British public voted Adam as the winner. However, the announcement was marred by arguments that erupted live on air, with stars like Gemma Collins and Sinitta storming off the stage.
Speaking on Heart FM alongside Amanda Holden, Ashley described the scene as 'unhinged'. She said: 'It was like The Jerry Springer Show. People were walking off, hands flying everywhere, yelling, emotions, crying. It was wild. It's a shame because Adam became the Legend, and I don't think he was able to enjoy it because of all the drama.'
The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant sympathised with Adam, noting that the 37-year-old actor, known for his role on Emmerdale, had a 'tough time' on the programme. She had hoped the cast could have discussed things properly rather than descending into chaos.
'He had a really tough time in there and it was unfortunate that they had a chance to discuss things as adults and maybe clear the air a little bit. Instead, it was yelling and just unfortunate behaviour,' she said.
'I was disappointed, my heart hurt a bit inside. There is so much going on in the world and for us to then treat each other like that. We all went through this really tough experience and we all could have sat and discussed things like adults. It was live telly, it's a TV show and it's supposed to be entertaining. I was a little bit disappointed by their behaviour.'
Ashley added: 'I was angry. I was seeing the way these men were speaking to each other and it made me really sad. It happened back in September and instead of having a reflective moment, it was more like we were still in September and the tensions were through the roof. I get that you wanna go there and say your piece. You should be able to say it from your point of view but it all just seemed really immature, unfortunate, and aggressive.'
During Adam's turbulent time in camp, he also clashed with Jimmy Bullard when they were paired for a trial that put both at risk of elimination. Jimmy left on the spot, claiming Adam was 'abusive, aggressive, and intimidating', with footage never aired.
Weighing in on the rows, Ashley said: 'I think David and Adam had some lads' banter that went a little bit too far, and I think it was uncomfortable for Adam. He did stick up for himself at one point. The part where him and Jimmy had that moment... at the end of the day, we are human. Is it out of character for Adam to act that way when he exploded? Yes. So he had remorse and he apologised.'
Ashley revealed that Adam was so upset on the night that he didn't even want to win. When Amanda asked if David tried to make amends, Ashley replied: 'I don't remember that part. David was trying to be like 'oh buddy, you're going to win this, you're going to win this!' Because of maybe the way he was going at him but Adam didn't like that. Adam didn't want to win because people were...'
'Feeling sorry for him?' interrupted Amanda. 'Yeah!' replied Ashley. 'And he also did not enjoy the, in quotations, lads banter that was going on. Everybody is different and some people aren't built to go back and forth like that the way David does. I think it is water off a duck's back with him.'
Amanda agreed: 'Well, there's only so much you can take isn't there.'
During the live scenes, as Jimmy raged, Ant said: 'I was there and I didn't think it was intimidating.' When questioned again, his voice went higher pitched: 'No, I was there, Jim.' Dec supported Ant and said: 'Hang on, let's come back to you. Emotions were obviously running high.' He then diffused things by inviting Adam to speak.
