I’m A Celebrity ‘is hit by its biggest ever behind-the-scenes row as bosses fear Nigel Farage is getting too much airtime despite sending viewers wild with his antics’

• READ MORE: Meet the I’m A Celeb 2023 campmates 

I’m A Celebrity has reportedly been hit by a behind-the-scenes row over Nigel Farage’s airtime on the show.

The politican sent viewers into a frenzy when he accidentally flashed his bare bottom to campmate Josie Gibson in the jungle shower.

And now sources claim that crew members are questioning whether Nigel is getting ‘too much screentime,’ with the politician aware of the moves he has to take to get more exposure on the show.

A source told The Sun: ‘The jungle shower is always a big scene but I don’t think anyone expected Farage to be first out the gate, nor to do so with such aplomb.

‘The crew are feeling torn. They’re all professionals and everyone can recognise Farage makes great telly but, of course, many harbour their own opinions on Brexit and immigration.

Shocking! I’m A Celebrity has reportedly been hit by a behind-the-scenes row over Nigel Farage’s airtime on the show, after he flashed his bare bottom in the shower

Oh dear! The politican sent viewers into a frenzy when he accidentally flashed his bare bottom to campmate Josie Gibson in the jungle shower

‘And on a wider level it’s left bosses with somewhat of a dilemma — embrace Farage as the star of the show or stay conscious of the outcry over his casting and limit his airtime.’ 

During Tuesday’s show, Nigel told campmate Grace Dent that he was disappointed he hadn’t been voted for the latest trial as ‘if you leave camp you get 25 per cent of the airtime.’

MailOnline has contacted representatives for I’m A Celebrity for comment. 

During Monday’s show, Josie Gibson was left in hysterics as she was confronted by Nigel’s bare bottom within hours of meeting him.

Television personality Nigel wasted no time in whipping his clothes off to have a wash, leaving his entire behind on show.

Walking through the camp, This Morning host Josie was stopped in her tracks as she set eyes on his cheeks, with the former Big Brother winner saying in the Bush Telegraph that she’s ‘seen worse’.

After the unexpected scenes, viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their astonishment after witnessing the scenes unfold on television. 

Shocked viewers shared: ‘Totally didn’t need to see Nigel Farage’s bum on national tv’; ‘ ‘Wasn’t expecting to be facing Nigel Farage’s cheeks as I sat down with a cuppa’; ‘In no other country would you see a politican’s a** on national TV. WHAT’; 

Claims: Now sources claim that crew members are questioning whether Nigel is getting ‘too much screentime’

Bum deal: During Monday’s show, Josie Gibson was left in hysterics as she was confronted by Nige l’ s bare bottom within hours of meeting him

In the nude: The former politician further cemented his status as one of the most controversial figures in camp as he stripped totally naked in the famous jungle shower

Shocked: Walking through the camp, This Morning host Josie Gibson, 38, was stopped in her tracks as she set eyes on his cheeks

‘why’ve I just seen nigel farage’s cheeks’; ‘Why am I seeing Nigel Farage’s bare a** cheeks on my screen’; ‘can’t believe I’ve just seen Nigel Farage’s a**’. 

Later in the episode, Nigel and Nella Rose took on the first public voted Bushtucker Trial of the series, the Jungle Pizzeria. 

Nigel took part in a gruesome food challenge that saw him eat a four-penis pizza, camel udders and a cow teat in a bid to win meals for his campmates.

The broadcaster pulled a series of hilarious grimaces as he tucked into the dishes as part of the Jungle Pizzeria Bushtucker Trial alongside TikTok star Nella, 26.

While some viewers may have doubted them, the unlikely pair managed to secure an impressive nine out of ten stars with Farage trying all of his dishes.

That included the ‘Quattro For-gag-io’, a four-penis pizza that had the testicles of sheep, bull, pig and crocodile as toppings on the dough.

He also had to eat fermented vomit fruit and fermented plums, saying: ‘Good God, is this what it’s come to?’

Bad times? The former Big Brother winner saying in the Bush Telegraph that she’s ‘seen worse’ after the experience

Surprise! After the unexpected scenes, viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their astonishment after witnessing the scenes unfold on television

Nella refused to eat a Surstromming – a strong-smelling, salted and fermented sea herring – saying: ‘That smells like death, I’m not doing it.’

Struggling to eat 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.’

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. 

The signing of the GB News star has proved controversial as he is a famously divisive figure, who is known for his right-wing views on immigration and gender pay gaps. 

Disgusting: He’s been paid a rumoured £1.5m to appear on this year’s I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here – but Nigel might be questioning whether it’s enough after Monday’s show

Gross: In his first public voted trial the politician had to chow down on the ‘Quattro For-gag-io’, a four-penis pizza that had the testicles of sheep, bull, pig and crocodile as toppings

Not a great day for Nigel: Presenters Ant and Dec mercilessly mocked the controversial figure as Nella Rose became increasingly vocal during the hilarious scene 

Fuming: Former UKIP and Brexit party leader Nigel is believed to be earning a bumper £1.5m for his appearance – with some fans declaring they will boycott the series as a result (pictured in 2021)

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 percent of that fee to charity.

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! continues Wednesday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. 

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! 

 

 

Source: Read Full Article