ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… South Africa Live Final Ends in Chaos as Campmates Storm Off Set Amid Heated Rows

ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa live final descended into chaos on Friday, April 24, 2026, as heated arguments led to campmates storming off set and hosts Ant and Dec struggling to restore order.

The disruption began after footballer Jimmy Bullard chose to forfeit a trial alongside actor Adam Thomas, a decision that would have resulted in both being eliminated. Bullard later explained he used the trial as an opportunity to leave the show while still receiving his full payment, stating he would have earned only a percentage if he had quit at another point.

Thomas reacted angrily to Bullard’s decision, launching an expletive-laden tirade that included repeated use of strong language. Bullard described Thomas’s behaviour as “abusive, aggressive and intimidating,” claiming the actor told him he should have quit on his own or not done the show at all.

Hosts Ant and Dec raised their voices to intervene as the argument intensified. Ant maintained that the most offensive remarks were not broadcast because they were “unbroadcastable,” while Dec stated that most of the exchange had been shown on air.

The fallout saw singer Sinitta and television personality Gemma Collins walk off the set in protest. Bullard said he welcomed their departure, stating they could “be upset at me” but that he would not tolerate being subjected to abusive conduct.

Former boxing champion David Haye added to the turmoil by heckling from the background and later claiming Thomas had called Bullard the “C-word” multiple times during their earlier clash. Television presenter Craig Charles described the incident as “traumatising,” saying Thomas appeared poised to attack Bullard while dropping f-bombs and c-bombs.

Despite the controversy, Adam Thomas was ultimately crowned the public’s “king of the jungle.” In a post-victory Instagram post on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Thomas reflected on the experience, stating he had realised that when people try to dim your light, it says more about them than it ever will about you.

He added that there were moments that could have broken him, but he remained true to himself, something he said he would always be proud of. Thomas had previously finished third on the main series in 2016.

The all-star final also featured Olympic athlete Sir Mo Farah, television and radio star Craig Charles, and former football manager Harry Redknapp as fellow finalists. This marked the second series of the South Africa-set spin-off featuring past contestants.

Ant and Dec have not issued further public comments beyond their live intervention, though Bullard urged ITV to “show it” — referencing the full, unaired bust-up — suggesting tensions remain over what was and was not broadcast to viewers.