Jimmy Bullard has opened up about his decision to quit I'm a Celebrity: South Africa, a move that sparked the most explosive argument in the show's history. The former footballer was partnered with actor Adam Thomas for a crucial trial where the losing duo would be sent home. Despite Thomas's full commitment, Bullard immediately abstained, telling hosts Ant and Dec, 'I just don't have it in me.'
The Fallout
Thomas confronted Bullard angrily, shouting, 'You're taking the p***!' and accused him of prematurely ending both their stints on the ITV show. Almost eight months after filming, the pair are reportedly not speaking. Bullard, speaking after his exit, admitted, 'Letting Adam down's a killer. He's my boy, you know? From day dot, we had the craic. He wants to do well, and I get it.'
Bullard's Reasons
Bullard, who said he 'struggled' with the show's difficulty, explained that his decision was partly driven by a desire to be with his parents. 'I thought we were going in for stars for the camp to eat, but then they leave the door open where you could say "I'm a celebrity... get me out of here" and go home – I got my mum and dad at home, the dad ain't too well, so that comes in.' He added that despite his outgoing persona, he wasn't ready for the trials, especially after losing campmates David Haye and Gemma Collins, whom he used as support.
Thomas, upon realising Bullard was quitting, pleaded, 'You're joking me bro. Jim, come on, man. Don't do this bro! Is that how we're going out, yeah?' But Bullard remained firm, saying, 'I've had enough. Sorry, boys and girls.' Thomas then stormed up to him, demanding, 'If you wanted to go, go – don't take me with you. Go home in camp, don't do it on my f***ing watch.' Bullard retorted, 'I choose when I come and when I go.'
Show Intervention
Because Bullard did not complete any of the trial, Ant and Dec allowed campmates to vote on whether Thomas could stay. They unanimously voted in his favour. According to The Sun, Bullard is threatening to skip the show's live final in London. Unlike other evicted celebrities, Bullard did not complete a post-exit interview with ITV. The Independent has contacted ITV and Bullard for comment.
The spin-off show proved tough for Thomas, who also struggled with David Haye. Haye had criticised Thomas for asking to skip a trial due to feeling unwell, saying, 'Who gives a s*** if he doesn't feel well. He's a grown-ass man. I don't like guys who are a bit useless.' Thomas later admitted on Instagram that Haye 'broke' him, but added, 'I've told David this and he's apologised and that's that! I've moved on now.'
