I’m A Celebrity’s launch show is hit by Ofcom complaints over Nigel Farage’s appearance on the show and comments critical of right-wing politics… after ‘woke’ bias accusations
I’m A Celebrity has been hit by more than 70 Ofcom complaints over Nigel Farage’s appearance on the show and comments critical of right-wing politics.
The popular ITV reality show returned to screens on Sunday night with its hotly-anticipated launch, but it prompted some Ofcom complaints from viewers.
Nigel Farage has controversially joined the line-up this year, and made his debut on the show alongside stars including Josie Gibson, Fred Sirieix and Sam Thompson.
The former Brexit Party leader’s appearance on the show prompted 42 viewers to complain to Ofcom after the launch programme.
However, there were also 31 complaints relating to comments which were critical of right-wing politics, after Nigel’s army of fans accused the show of ‘woke’ bias.
Reaction: I’m A Celebrity has been hit by more than 70 Ofcom complaints over Nigel Farage’s appearance on the show and comments about right-wing politics
Complaints: Nigel Farage has controversially joined the line-up this year, and the former Brexit Party leader’s appearance prompted 42 viewers to complain to Ofcom after the launch show
Nigel is known for his right-wing views on immigration and gender pay gaps, and viewers have laid into Ant and Dec after they made a ‘far right’ joke during the launch.
Another 24 complaints related to a joke made by Ant and Dec related to the city of Sunderland, taking the overall complaints about the launch show to 103.
The joke saw the hosts compare the Australian outback to Sunderland, with Ant saying: ‘In case you’re not familiar with the Australian outback, it’s a barren, deeply hostile environment that’s barely fit for human habitation,’ while Dec added: ‘Imagine Sunderland but hotter.’
MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.
It comes after Nigel’s fans were left irate after the launch show when he was immediately the butt of a series of Brexit-related jokes.
Some said the barrage of Brexit jokes only makes them want Nigel, who is said to have been paid £1.5million to appear, to win more, amid a boycott by left-wingers.
One critic said: ‘So after ten minutes.. two Brexit insults, Ant & Dec saying GB News only has two viewers, Nigel’s driving was veering ‘too far to the right’. NO insults for other contestants? He was invited by a far left show to ridicule him… sad *****!’
The gags at his expense – also viewed as digs of Britons who voted Brexit – began as soon as Nigel was dropped off in the outback where he met This Morning’s Josie Gibson, 38, who made a quip about Brexit just moments later.
Irate: However, there were also 31 complaints relating to comments which were critical of right-wing politics, after Nigel’s army of fans accused the show of ‘woke’ bias
Oh dear! Another 24 complaints related to a joke made by Ant and Dec related to the city of Sunderland
‘It’s something different in life, it’s an adventure. It’s a challenge, it’s not going to be easy, but why not?’ said Nigel, as Josie explained that she was ‘petrified.’ She responded: ‘It can’t be worse than Brexit.’
Nigel said: ‘Oh, didn’t take long did it? Didn’t take long. I had a feeling we’d get a bit of that,’ to which Josie insisted that she was ‘only joking’.
Minutes later, Nigel had to drive 4×4 with Josie and TikTok star Nella Rose. Ant and Dec didn’t miss a beat – saying: ‘Is it me, or did he veer just a bit too far to the right?’
And shortly after that Ant & Dec took a swipe at rival channel GB News, which Nigel is taking a break from to appear in the jungle.
Following some viewers declaring they would boycott the show due to the former Brexit leaders appearance, Dec said: ‘The man who had got everyone talking, Nigel Farage.
‘Now, Nigel is not just known for his controversial political career, he’s also got his own show on GB news.
‘Of course he won’t be presenting that show over the next three weeks, so we’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to all of GB News viewers.’
Ant quipped: ‘Sorry Keith, Sorry Linda’ – to roars of laughter from their crew.
However, this week I’m A Celebrity has reportedly been hit by a behind-the-scenes row over politician Nigel’s airtime on the show.
The GB News presenter 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 screen time’, with Nigel aware of the moves he has to take to get more exposure on the show.
Shocking! Elsewhere, I’m A Celebrity has reportedly been hit by a behind-the-scenes row over politician Nigel’s airtime on the show, after he flashed his bare bottom in the shower
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.
‘And on a wider level it’s left bosses with something 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’.
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!
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