Ant and Dec Break Protocol to Criticise David Haye's Jungle Conduct
In an unprecedented move, I'm A Celebrity presenters Ant and Dec have openly criticised contestant David Haye for his behaviour towards fellow campmate Adam Thomas. The former world champion boxer has faced mounting backlash after being labelled a 'bully' and sparking a sexism storm with controversial remarks about his girlfriend.
Adam Thomas's Emotional Revelation
Adam Thomas, who suffers from the autoimmune condition psoriatic arthritis, shared a heartbreaking Instagram post detailing his ordeal in the South African jungle. The 37-year-old actor revealed he was "broken" during his time on the ITV show, particularly when David Haye criticised him for wanting to sit out a Bushtucker Trial due to illness and dehydration.
"He just kind of picks and picks at them," said Ant McPartlin on the I'm A Celebrity... Unpacked podcast. "Adam has had a bit of a tough time and he's not coping well. Clearly the banter has got too much. But David won't stop."
Dec Donnelly agreed, stating: "It's kind of crossed the line from banter. I don't find it comfortable to watch."
Celebrity Backlash Intensifies
The criticism extends far beyond the show's hosts. Gemma Collins revealed she had to "protect" Adam during filming, while former jungle queen Scarlett Moffatt was seen begging Haye to stop his relentless criticism. "Stop it David, he's not well!" she pleaded during one confrontation.
Thomas's brothers, Ryan and Scott Thomas, have also jumped to his defence. Ryan Thomas advised against confronting Haye directly, suggesting they should "give @tonybellew a call" instead, while Scott expressed anger at his brother's treatment.
David Haye's Controversial Comments
The boxer's troubles began last week when he made disparaging remarks about his girlfriend Sian, saying she had "the personality of a proper ugly bird" and suggesting that "most ugly girls realise they're not pretty enough so they tell jokes."
His treatment of Adam Thomas has drawn particular criticism, with Haye calling his campmate "useless" and stating he "doesn't like men like that" when Thomas requested to miss the Termite Terror trial due to health concerns.
Adam's Journey to Recovery
In his emotional statement, Thomas wrote: "My time in I'm a Celebrity South Africa was one of the toughest things I've ever been through, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Watching it back hasn't been easy at all."
He continued: "I wish I spoke up for myself sooner. I wish I stood my ground instead of trying to keep the peace, but I've learned that being kind doesn't mean being weak."
The actor confirmed that Haye has since apologised, stating: "He broke me in there, he pushed me to my limits, and I've told David this and he's apologised and that's that!"
The controversy continues to unfold as I'm A Celebrity... South Africa airs weekdays at 9pm on ITV and ITVX, with viewers witnessing the ongoing fallout from Haye's conduct and the growing support network around Adam Thomas.
