Jimmy Bullard, the former footballer who appeared on I'm A Celebrity All-Stars, is reportedly planning to take legal action against ITV, using Friday's chaotic finale as a means of gathering evidence. The 47-year-old clashed with winner Adam Thomas, 37, accusing him of being 'abusive, aggressive and intimidating' during an expletive row in the pre-recorded show last year. Bullard claims that ITV bosses edited out the incident to protect the soap star.
Evidence Gathering During Finale
During the live final, Bullard was seen glancing at his phone, with a source claiming he was checking notes and possibly recording the clash to support his claims. The source told The Sun: 'Proving that Adam's behaviour was abusive, aggressive and intimidating is the key to Jimmy's legal case against ITV because that behaviour is in breach of the contract. Jimmy stated that Adam was 'abusive, aggressive and intimidating' nine times, a phrase which is said to be used in the celebrities' contracts to describe unacceptable behaviour.'
The source added: 'Jimmy didn't only repeat that phrase, he also built up on-air evidence of other campmates agreeing that Adam crossed that line. At one point he had his phone out to check notes but no one is sure whether he was also recording chatter between the cast. Insiders say it's clear from his conduct that a case is being built and that the channel is braced for it after the way he monopolised his moment.'
Daily Mail has contacted Bullard's representative and ITV for comment.
Sinitta Weighs In
Sinitta, who also appeared on the show, has shared a statement reflecting on the experience. She expressed regret that the finale felt 'hectic with people trying to talk over each other' and urged viewers to see both sides. She wrote: 'I hate that people are being called bullies and that there's bad blood between us. I had a wonderful time with everyone, despite one difficult incident, and I truly hope we can hold on to the life lessons and the incredible experience we shared together. I adore them all.'
Sinitta added: 'I also feel that the word 'bully' is a very serious accusation. It's something I don't believe should be used lightly. There are too many truly bad people in the world already, and it's dangerous to label good people in that way. Adam apologised, and I thought that was a very grown up thing to do. I also believe friendships and banter can sometimes be misunderstood when viewed from the outside. I simply ask people to try and see both sides.'
She also addressed the social media abuse she received: 'Over the last two weeks I've received a lot of verbal abuse on social media. I understand people feel passionate about the show and support their favourites, and I respect that but I don't deserve to be sworn at or called names. I would never treat anyone like that. You call me 'Grandma'... but would you speak to your grandmother that way? What about kindness? What about respect? Social media shouldn't be about finding someone to hate and then everyone joining in.'
The Alleged Incident
The clash between Bullard and Thomas occurred during a trial when Bullard called 'I'm a celebrity', putting Thomas at risk of elimination. Thomas allegedly called Bullard the 'C-word', leading to a heated exchange. During the live final, Bullard went around each campmate asking if they thought Thomas's behaviour was 'aggressive and abusive', causing Gemma Collins and Sinitta to storm off stage.
Thomas, who was voted winner, later apologised. Bullard's legal team is reportedly focusing on the contractual breach clause regarding abusive behaviour.
