Nigel Farage could be seen gagging as he was forced to tuck into a sheep’s udder and cow’s teat while taking a trip to the jungle pizzeria on I’m A Celebrity…
In scenes set to air on Monday night, the former UKIP and Brexit party leader, 59, and TikTok sensation Nella Rose, 26, were invited to sit at a table for two in the first Bushtucker trial, which was voted for by members of the public.
Gagging as he ate the body parts which were artfully topped upon a slice of pizza, presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, both 48, mercilessly mocked the controversial figure.
‘It’s a bit bloody tough,’ Nigel said, forcing it into his mouth. ‘Did you prepare this yourself, guys?’
Ant and Dec said they hadn’t and Dec teased Nigel by saying: ‘It does look quite moist, quite creamy.’
From Brexit to exit? Nigel Farage gagged as he tucked into a sheep’s udder and cow’s teat during his first Bushtucker trial on I’m A Celebrity… in scenes which are set to air on ITV1 on Monday night
‘It’s a bit bloody tough,’ he said, forcing it into his mouth ‘Did you prepare this yourself guys?’
Not a great day for Nigel: Presenters Ant and Dec mercilessly mocked the controversial figure as Nella, (left), became increasingly vocal during the hilarious scene
Nella could be heard shouting: ‘Oh Farage, Farage! Boys, do you have to describe it in front of him while he is eating?’
It comes as no surprise that Farage has been selected to take on the first trial, because his signing caused viewers to switch off in their millions after it emerged he has received a reported £1.5million to appear – the biggest I’m A Celeb pay cheque ever.
Sunday night’s show launched with a peak audience of 7.8 million (average 7 million), down 2.2million from the show’s launch the year before.
In 2022, the I’m A Celebrity… launch got an audience of over 10 million people at its peak – up two million from the previous year.
That was despite former health secretary, Matt Hancock being paid £400k to join the line-up, donating 3% of that fee to charity.
Ratings: Fans have been vocal about boycotting the show over Nigel Farage’s £1.5m signing and Sunday’s launch was down 2.2million viewers from the 2022 launch
Last year: In 2022, the I’m A Celeb… launch got an audience of over 10 million people at its peak. Sunday night’s show launched with a peak audience of 7.8 million (average 7 million)
Controversial: Former health secretary, Matt Hancock starred in the 2022 series, and was paid £400k to join the line-up, donating 3% of that fee to charity
Last week, fans threatened to boycott the new ITV series over their ‘tone-deaf’ decision to let Farage enter the jungle.
The signing of the GB News star has proved controversial as Nigel is a famously divisive figure, who is known for his right-wing views on immigration and gender pay gaps.
Nearly 10,000 people have been using the hashtag ‘Boycott I’m A Celeb’.
Taking to X, social media users plead their case as to why they were taking action against the show.
One user wrote: ‘ITV notoriously choose the most heinous politicians. They secure these guests by promising to show ‘another side’ to them.
Boycott: Social media has been awash with negative reaction to Nigel’s controversial signing.
Having their say: Before he entered camp, Farage shared a throwback clip of I’m A Celeb hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly giving their opinion on the politician joining the lineup
All set: It comes after Nigel insisted he’s ready for whatever the jungle throws at him
‘There are no other sides to sc**bags like Matt Hancock & Nigel Farage & attempts to rehabilitate them for the nation is propaganda. #BoycottImACeleb’.
‘Hancock was bad enough but I can’t even look at Farage. Do itv realise how many viewers they will lose with this decision? #BoycottImACeleb’, a second wrote.
A third user added: @ITV @antanddec @DecsMcpartlin I boycotted @imacelebrity when you put @MattHancock on your show. Now the odious @Nigel_Farage.
‘I’m livid that you give these people a voice, a platform and way to be seen. I can’t, I’m livid spitting feathers. #BoycottITV #Boycottimaceleb’.
A fourth expressed: ‘I wrote to @itv to complain about Farage going on #BoycottImACeleb . Have received a really pathetic, standard response from their team.
‘Please continue to email them. They need to understand quite how many people are totally p*ssed off with them.’
An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline about Sunday night’s show: ‘I’m A Celebrity received ITV’s highest overnight audience of the year and the biggest entertainment launch across any channel.’
It seems that viewers who love Nella aren’t a fan of Nigel due to his political views and those who love Nigel dislike the YouTuber for her loud screaming and lack of mainstream fame.
Getting the boot? YouTube sensation Nella (pictured) has already made quite the impression only a few minutes into the series launch of I’m A Celebrity…
Cast: Nella, alongside her fellow contestants, Josie Gibson (pictured centre) and Nigel (pictured left) travelled 2,000 miles away from the Gold Coast to the desert
Task: They had to compete in a trial in a bid to buy their fellow campmates who were also doing a challenge more time, so they could get more stars – and more food
Shrieking! Nella screamed her way through the entirety of the challenge failing to bag any stars in the process
Not impressed: Some fans were left unhappy with Nella’s performance, with viewers wanting to give her the boot only minutes into the show
Rising to celebrity status via online platforms, Nella is a TikTok sensation popular among Gen Z while Nigel has been buoyed by his 400,000 followers.
Nigel said to Nella when meeting her: ‘Ah, you’re the bigger influencer’.
Yet just minutes into the show, Nella began declining in popularity with viewers as one person wrote on X: ‘Nella’s (the non-celeb) performative screaming is getting REALLY old. Good on Nigel and Josie for getting stuck in but Nella’s doing nothing.
Another wrote: ‘We now all know who’s going to be doing the trials along with Nigel – the screamer and the schemer.’
Nella joined Nigel and This Morning’s Josie Gibson on Monday night’s episode for the first challenge, The Outback, where they were dropped in the Australian desert and had to complete a series of tasks involving snakes and gunk.
The YouTuber quickly became unpopular among older audiences, who did not know about her, by not gaining any stars in the first challenge because she was screaming about the snakes.
One person wrote: ‘Well that YouTuber on I’m a Celebrity really is doing herself no favours – I have a feeling the next week is going to be hell for her, she’ll do all the Bushtucker trials.’
It was already assumed the highly controversial former Brexit Party leader was going to be voted in for a lot of trials but audiences said Nella’s screaming made her unlikable and therefore vulnerable to the public vote.
‘Her screaming is awful,’ one person wrote. ‘It’s a shame because Jamie Lynn Spears should be the one to be voted to do the trials with Nigel every day and then both leave, but Nella’s hysterical screaming has just pushed her above them in terms of the instant irritation factor when watching.’
Meanwhile, Nella’s impressive fan base of one million TikTok followers remained supportive, insisting her sense of humour was going to ‘carry the show’.
One person commented on TikTok: ‘I’m only watching because of Nella, she is too funny.’
Another wrote: ‘People who don’t like her or find her ‘annoying/irritating’ are just BORING and don’t know what having a personality is. So jog on as you may as well stop watching as she’s going to be on your screens for a LONG time.’
Nigel Farage – who is ITV’s highest-ever paid contestant and reportedly being paid £1.5million to appear – has the same highly divisive effect on the internet.
Loyal fans of I’m a Celebrity are boycotting the show because he is competing this year with some calling him ‘the biggest snake in there’.
Others say he will be crowned this year’s King of the Jungle, and calling those who are boycotting the show because of him ‘snowflakes’.
Farage recently shared a throwback clip of I’m A Celebrity hosts Ant and Dec giving their opinion on the possibility of the politician joining the lineup.
There has been much criticism lobbied at ITV for choosing to cast him and several petitions have been launched to get him removed, with others boycotting the show in protest.
I’m A Celeb’s hosts Ant and Dec have not commented on the lineup so far, but Nigel took to his Twitter on Tuesday to share an unearthed video of the duo discussing him being on the show.
Possible clashes: Nigel has been joined by an assortment of pop stars, actors and social media influencers in the jungle
Last year, the Geordies often joined livestreams with fans after the shows aired, to chat about the events of the latest episode and answer questions from viewers.
The clip Nigel shared saw one person suggest the politician enters the jungle one year, with And and Dec seeming to give their approval.
The video shows Dec saying: ‘Dan says Nigel Farage,’ with Ant responding: “‘Dan that is a very very good idea. Very good idea.’
Dec chimes in to add: ‘I’d like to see that.’
Alongside the clip, Nigel wrote: ‘Give the people what they want!’ with a pair of eyes emoji.
I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates
NIGEL FARAGE
Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party and leader of the Brexit Party.
Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty.
Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news.
Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore.
Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields
DANIELLE HAROLD
Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.
Phobias: Rats. I hate them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too!
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either.
Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.
FRED SIRIEIX
Claim to fame: First Dates star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp.
Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning.
Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient!
Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.
NELLA ROSE
Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star.
Phobias: I am fearful of everything!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book.
Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it!
Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele.
NICK PICKARD
Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star.
Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.
Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop!
Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock.
JAMIE LYNN SPEARS
Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.
Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone.
Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed.
Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot.
Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.
SAM THOMPSON
Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter.
Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!
Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things.
Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle!
JOSIE GIBSON
Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.
Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information!
Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on!
Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry.
Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her.
MARVIN HUMES
Claim to fame: JLS star.
Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too.
Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food.
Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.
GRACE DENT
Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic.
Phobias: Horrible people.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour.
Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep.
Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour!
