Adam Thomas has revealed David Haye reached out to him following his I’m A Celebrity win, but admits he fired back a blunt response as he opens up on his tough journey in camp
07:39, 29 Apr 2026Updated 07:42, 29 Apr 2026
Adam Thomas and David Haye(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Days after the chaotic final, Adam Thomas has candidly opened up on his time in the I’m A Celebrity camp and explained exactly what went on between him and ex-boxer David Haye. The duo were embroiled in a bullying row on the ITV show and soap star Adam has now had his say.
The actor said he feels ‘dead inside and numb’ and claimed he wouldn’t have appeared on the show again even if he was paid ‘£10million’ , saying the ordeal has ‘eaten away at his soul.’ Adam said he felt the colour ‘drain from his face’ when Ant and Dec announced him as the winner as his worst nightmare came true.
While David is reportedly planning to sue the broadcaster for their portrayal of him in camp, Adam admits he believes the footage showed was the truth. He also revealed that David, who insists his alleged ‘bullying’ was nothing but ‘banter’ reached out to him over the weekend.
Speaking on his The Thomas Bro’s podcast with brothers Scott and Ryan Thomas, Adam said: Adam went on: “The most disturbing is that I look at David and even after the show and after everything he did, you know he sent me a voice note and was like ‘oh mate, what a great show that was. I’m so happy you won. Congratulations.'”
And he revealed the blunt message he sent his former campmate back. “I just sent him a message back just saying, you know ‘I think this is where we draw the line and I hope that you find happiness bro, but I’m done.'”
Adam said: “The relationship with me and David is even after the camp, even after he told me [out of camp] ‘you’re the nicest guy I’ve ever met and I just wanted to break you’, like, it’s cool. He apologised. I moved on.
“You know, we had voice messages back and forth and we’d just been bantering and having a laugh. I’d just put it all to bed. I think for David and some of the campmates that have come out and been on the live show and everything, I feel like it’s just a show for them. It’s entertainment. It’s fun. For me, it’s not about entertainment. I’m not playing a character or here for anyone else’s agenda. I’m just here to have a laugh and have fun and enjoy this experience.”
The actor said he felt he was “exploited” in the live show. “I think you can see at the end of it, I felt like I was just in the mist of it all and it wasn’t even about me.”
In camp, David was slammed for branding Adam “useless” after he declined to participate in a trial due to a medical condition. Meanwhile, Adam and Jimmy clashed when Jimmy withdrew from a trial, leaving Adam at risk of being sent home early.
Despite the show being filmed months in advance, things hadn’t eased between the trio. On Friday, as Adam was crowned, Haye reportedly goaded the star saying: “You’re not a worthy winner,” before Adam fumed: “This is bullying.”
Gemma Collins stuck up for Adam after his win, calling out David and Jimmy’s actions. Sharing a snap of the star wearing his crown, Gemma fumed: “What a show up!!! Absolutely disgusted with Jimmy and David’s behaviour, the biggest show up in TV history!!! What an embarrassment! To all the took part in the show it was a discredit to the production crew, cast, Ant and Dec biggest disrespect ever!
“Last night was meant to be a celebration instead it was very upsetting!! X Let’s hope Adam will find some energy to absorb his victory!”
Gemma Collins has doubled down on her opinion that David Haye and Jimmy Bullard’s behaviour was ‘disgusting’ in the live I’m A Celebrity final, which crowned Adam Thomas as Jungle Legend
07:17, 27 Apr 2026Updated 07:18, 27 Apr 2026
Jimmy Bullard, Gemma Collins and David Haye
The I’m A Celebrity fallout continues and Gemma Collins isn’t prepared to let it lie. The former Towie favourite is very much Team Adam in the feud between Adam Thomas, David Haye and Jimmy Bullard.
And she has once again hit out at the former sports stars, doubling down that their behaviour in the live final was “disgusting”. The GC reposted claims the duo had been kicked out of the live show and again took aim at the pair.
Referencing the alleged kicking out Gemma wrote: “Good job!” She went on: “Behaviour [sic] was disgusting for rest of cast the right move was made as we all felt so uncomfortable.”
The words echoed Gemma’s statement a day earlier as she once again raged at the pair’s antics. While Jimmy called Adam’s behaviour “intimidating” after the former Fulham player’s decision to quit the show almost cost Adam his place, David has been labelled a “bully”.
David admitted in his exit chat he may have taken the “banter” too far, but Adam says he actions left him “broken”. And Gemma firmly stuck up for her soap star pal.
Tristan then said: “Because someone was bullying Adam.” Gemma went on: “And it was hard to see wasn’t it?. And did it ruin our night? Upset us very much? And what has it taught us in life?
Tristan continued: “Never bully.” As she spoke to her fans, Gemma added: “Adam, it was really difficult to sit there and watch you go through that last night. It was disgusting. And what a shame because we all…I mean the jealousy is real.”
During the live show, Gemma stormed off stage as the heated arguments took place. Ant McPartlin, who initially had tried chatting to the trio about the events, even appeared agitated with how things were playing out.
Body language expert, Judi James, told the Mirror: “You could see the rigid, unhappy and blank poker faces of Gemma [Collins], Scarlett [Moffatt] and Ashley [Roberts] as the lead men continued to steal the spotlight by continuing their arguments during the live final. Gemma, Scarlett and Ashley looked drained and resigned here while the battle for screen time raged about them.”
She added: “When Gemma walked, Ant reached peak anger signals. Dec stopped mirroring him here and it was Ant taking total control as authoritative leader.
“His angry stare suggested this was not an act for the camera, and he stabbed both hands onto his own chest in a gesture that signalled he was in charge before engaging in a pointed finger ‘duel’ with Jimmy. There was one final, stabbing point gesture from Ant that should have warned Jimmy that he needed to stop.”
Myleene Klass fronts the new Freemans Holiday Shop campaignCredit: Freemans/Roger WeberMyleene’s white bikini matches the one she wore in the I’m A Celebrity jungle showerCredit: Freemans/Roger WeberMyleene in the shower in I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, 20 years agoCredit: Rex
The design is for Freemans.com — after her first range for them sold out last year.
Myleene first wore her most famous look during a stint on the ITV1 show in 2006, on which she was a runner–up behind winner Matt Willis, 42.
She then returned to the jungle to compete in 2023’s first all-stars series, I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, which she won.
She previously said she had no idea the 2006 swimwear — later auctioned for £7,500 for charity — would cause a stir and bought it in a rush before the show.
She admitted last year: “I remember one of the show’s producers looking at my bikinis in the hotel before I went to camp.
“One was covered in stripes, and they said, ‘We’ll have to stop at the shops as that’s probably going to strobe on camera’.
“I ran into the shop en route to the jungle and asked the shop assistant for the plainest bikini she had. Best $40 I ever spent!”
Myleene’s first range for Freemans sold out last yearCredit: Freemans/Roger WeberThe beauty’s famous white bikini cost her just $40Credit: Freemans/Roger WeberStar Myleene won I’m A Celebrity… South Africa’s first all-stars series in 2023Credit: Freemans/Roger Weber
Her two-decade career has also seen her star in a host of TV dramas, such as ITV’s Cilla, following the life of singer and presenter Cilla Black. Sheridan scooped a National Television Award and a TV Choice Award for the role.
Appearing on BBC Radio 2, Sheridan recalled: “I do feel like an adopted Scouser and they do tell me that, which is lovely.
“I just love the city, I’m just obsessed with the people, they’re so friendly, although when I was doing Cilla, I do remember someone going past and they went, ‘Who’s that, Lulu?’
“But they’re just brilliant and fun and I do feel that after Cilla came out they’ve kind of taken me under their wing. So to be back there was great, they were bringing me cups of tea, inviting me around, inviting me out, it was great, I love them.
“I love playing Cilla, because obviously she’s so iconic and well known, I mean the teeth helped, but I did a lot of research on her three months before and training my voice to sound a bit like her. But we recorded the songs live, the history of the Cavern Club, of Liverpool, is amazing.”
Sheridan’s newest drama series, The Cage, kicks off this evening at 9pm on BBC One. The thriller centres on two casino workers who discover each other pilfering from their employer.
Co-starring Michael Socha, the programme tracks the duo as they mutually decide to call off their schemes, only to watch their lives descend into chaos. Their predicament propels them into a perilous collision course involving criminals, authorities, and ultimately one another.
The part required Sheridan, portraying Leanne, to head back to Liverpool for production. Last June, she was seen navigating a mustard yellow Fiat Multipla through the city’s centre while television crews prepared what looked to be a car chase sequence.
Production carried on along Brunswick Street alongside two additional cast members, Barry Sloane and Sophie Mensah, playing Gary and Fen respectively. The Cage comprises five episodes in total.
Sheridan has openly expressed her affection for Liverpool on numerous occasions. She remarked: “I love Liverpool that is my favourite city. I feel like an adopted Scouser. The people were so nice, we were invited over for cups of tea and people were bringing out doughnuts and biscuits. I just love that city from when I did Cilla. It was lovely being there, and seeing all the landmarks.”
The Lincolnshire-born actress has stated she experiences a sense of “coming home” whenever she visits Liverpool. Chatting to the Echo in 2023, she revealed: “I’ve got earrings saying Scouser and I should have worn them tonight. I love this city.”
A row soon ensued when Jimmy accused Adam of being “abusive, aggressive and intimidating”. He then asked what hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly thought of what happened, but Jimmy wasn’t happy with Ant’s response.
“He wanted everyone to see the shocking unedited version of the fight. Adam swore at him multiple times and most bystanders were shocked by his actions so Jimmy felt it was the last chance for viewers to see the full extent of his behaviour,” a source said.
“He was hugely disappointed in Ant and Dec for appearing to take Adam’s side and feels like he has been made a scapegoat. “Jimmy isn’t an angry person but he will stand up for what’s right.”
Jimmy was also said to be disappointed that Gemma Collins appeared to back Adam during the show.
The source told The Sun: “He was also disappointed his show buddy Gemma sided with Adam despite not even being present during their row. He thinks it feels performative on her part.
“He is talking to lawyers and looking into his ITV contract to see what grounds there are to sue.”
A spokesman for ITV said: “We showed an accurate and fair representation of events.”
Gemma doubled down on her comments on Instagram this morning, where she praised Adam. She wrote: “THE WINNER @adamthomas21. What a show up !!! Absolutely disgusted with jimmy and David’s behaviour the biggest show up in tv history !!! What an EMBARRASSMENT !
“To all the took part in the show it was a discredit to the production crew cast Ant and Dec biggest disrespect ever !!! Last night was meant to be a celebration instead it was very upsetting !! X Let’s hope Adam will find some energy to absorb his victory ! X”
During last night’s episode, Jimmy said: “Listen, Adam and all of you can be upset with me and I absolutely threw him under the bus, I get it and I’ll wear that. But what I don’t stand on, is someone being abusive, aggressive and intimidating, I don’t stand on that.” He then asked Ant and Dec – who were hosting the show – to share their opinions.
“You [Ant and Dec] were there and you didn’t show any of that footage. You didn’t show any of the C-bombs, it’s a liberty,” Jimmy told them. Ant then argued back: “The reason we didn’t air the C-bomb is because that is unbroadcastable. I was there and I didn’t think it was intimidating. I was there Jim.”
Adam then said: “I take full responsibility for my actions and yes emotions were definitely running high in that moment. I have nothing but love for Jimmy in that moment. I have apologised to Jimmy on numerous occasions and I do take everything that he is saying into account and the only thing I can do is apologise.
“That is not how I want to show myself off and I have never shown myself off like that before or after that. I do apologise Jimmy.”
It will be the first time that a famous trans person has competed on Channel 4’s military challenge show, which films its ninth series this summer.
Meanwhile Freddy Brazier is also in talks to compete on the show – following in the footsteps of his dad Jeff Brazier, who starred on the show in 2019.
Former Special Forces big dogsBilly Billingham, Jason Fox, Rudy Reyes, and Chris Oliver will all be on hand to push the stars to their limit.
Series eight, which went out in January, was given a Team UK v Team Australia theme and produced in conjunction with Aussie broadcaster Channel 7.
Seven stars from each country were pitted against each other to find out which of them were capable of completing the course.
Former Love Islanders Dani Dyer and Gabby Allen as well as retired Australian swimmer Emily Seebohm were crowned the winners.
Gemma Collins and Sinitta reacted angrily to Jimmy Bullard’s claims of what led to his own bitter row with Adam Thomas during this I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here series
22:52, 24 Apr 2026Updated 02:03, 25 Apr 2026
Sinitta had enough – and left her co-stars(Image: ITV)
Gemma Collins and Sinitta both stormed off stage during the I’m a Celeb finale.
Drama unfolded moments before actor Adam Thomas was crowned the winner of the show, beating Mo Farah to the title. Singer and actress Sinitta, 62, appeared to take issue at something Jimmy Bullard had said about his own spat with Thomas which happened earlier in the series.
Addressing the audience, Sinitta said: “You guys weren’t there, you don’t know what happened.” She then stormed off stage, and was soon followed by TV personality Gemma.
Jimmy, the former professional footballer, had accused Thomas of being “abusive, aggressive and intimidating”. Adam came face to face with Jimmy and David Haye again for the first time since their bitter camp fallouts in South Africa.
And it was ex boxer David that made the first move, calling out the star when he was chatting to Ant and Dec. This season has been full of twists, trials, tension and tears and now I’m A Celebrity South Africa has reached its end.
When he was announced the winner, Adam said: “Thank you guys, thank you so much. I love ya.” Before he did his final trial in South Africa, Adam, 37, admitted there had been “a lot of drama” in camp. And there was a lot of drama in the final too, as hosts Ant and Dec struggled to stay on top of things.
Adam reflected on it and said he had apologised to Jimmy several times. Looking serious he said: “Listen I take full responsibility for my actions. Yes emotions were definitely running high in that moment. But, you know, I have got nothing but love for Jimmy.”
When David Haye tried to interrupt him Adam also said “will you just let the finalists speak”. Adam then said: “I take everything he said into account. That is not how I want to show myself off and I have never showed myself off in that light before that or after that. And I am sorry Jimmy.”
Adam was given a final eating trial in South Africa called Swallow the Odds, and looking ahead to the prospect of winning said: “I am gonna be a legend baby” He then proceeded to smash the trial, eating five courses with the likes of five pig teats, two century fermented eggs, tarantula and fermented tofu.
He even cheered himself on, saying “come on Adam, ” in between mouthfuls. After watching Gemma said: “You done so well, you amazing.”
But he also had to cope with a backlash from other contestants, as David Haye interrupted the show at this point and said: “Do you think you deserve to win it after calling Jimmy the C-word a couple of times?”
Scarlett Moffatt is reaping the benefits of her popularity during her latest I’m A Celeb stint with her already being offered huge deals thanks to her on-screen success
Scarlett Moffatt has been offered a huge new ITV deal(Image: Getty Images)
Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt has landed a huge new deal with ITV following her I’m A Celeb success.
The popular TV personality missed out on being part of the I’m a Celebrity South Africa final after she was given the boot from the camp following a Bushtucker Trial that saw her have to count coloured balls. Fans were disappointed to see Scarlett, 35, axed before reaching the finale which ended up being an all-male line-up.
However, the exit has done her no harm with ITV bosses among an array of channels and brands who are keen to work with her following her latest stint. Scarlett said: “I have got something coming up with ITV and I’ve just done a photoshoot in Barcelona.”
She continued to The Sun: “It’s been a whirlwind recently. It feels like the first time I came out of the jungle ten years ago — the same thing is happening again.”
Scarlett was just 25 years old when she was crowned the Queen of the Jungle in 2016, two years after she found fame on Gogglebox. She went on to become a TV presenter in joining Ant and Dec on their hit show Saturday Night Takeaway, before diverting to Channel 4 to reboot Davina McCall ’s dating show Streetmate.
Scarlett also served as a host of I’m a Celeb spin-off Extra Camp. She welcomed her son Jude in June 2023 and took some time away from the world of entertainment, however her fresh stint on the I’m a Celebrity all-stars series has placed her firmly back in the spotlight cementing her popularity with the public.
A source said: “Scarlett might not have reached the final of I’m a Celebrity but she’s shone this series and it’s reminded everyone how funny, kind and brilliant she is. Her diary is packed with offers but she’s thrilled to have a big new project with ITV booked.”
Meanwhile, Scarlett revealed earlier this week that she and fiancé Scott Dobson are now expecting their second child. Speaking at ITV’s Showcase event on Thursday night, she said: “I’m so excited to be pregnant again.
“I didn’t know if it would happen again so I’m so grateful that I get to be a mammy for two. When I first had my little boy Jude, I decided to take two years off. Then I’ve come back into it head first and I’m pregnant again.
“But I don’t know if I’d want to take another two-year break — I love this job. I feel so grateful that I get to call this my career. I hope I’ll do lots of new things.”
The baby news came after viewers saw Scarlett talking about her fertility struggles in heart-wrenching scenes shown on I’m a Celebrity last week.
Jimmy Bullard, described as “a massive joker”, is set to reunite with Adam Thomas for the live I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here finale months after that bust-up
Jimmy Bullard has caused a stir on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here… South Africa(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
ITV bosses are understood to be nervously counting down to the reunion amid uncertainty over what might unfold between Bullard and Thomas, whose bust-up in scenes that aired this week was described as the programme’s biggest ever row. It is reported Bullard, 47, remains “seething” over the argument, which happened several months ago as the I’m a Celeb spin-off is pre-recorded until the final.
But sources believe the former professional footballer is ready to give his version of events tonight. One insider said: “Jimmy is a larger-than-life character with a wicked sense of humour and will be revelling in the opportunity to make everyone sweat.
“He’s a massive joker, so they don’t know what he’s going to say or do in the live final. He is also not afraid to say exactly what he thinks — and that means he won’t be toeing ITV’s line… It’s the ultimate sweet revenge.”
I’m A Celeb: Adam confronts Jimmy after he backs out of trial
Adam, an actor who is in Waterloo Road, and Jimmy clashed on the show as they teamed up for a Bushtucker Trial which would end with the losing duo being sent home. Former Fulham midfielder Jimmy quit the challenge and, in an angry confrontation, Adam raged at him: “You’re taking the p***!”
Campmates, including Harry Redknapp and Craig Charles, will now gather for the last time in tonight’s programme. Despite the row, Adam was allowed to remain in the camp and so battles to win the competition tonight.
But it will be the first time the former Emmerdale star comes face to face with his rival since the bitter spat, recorded last autumn. It was unclear whether dad-of-two Jimmy would attend the series finale because he remains so furious over the edit of his dramatic clash with Adam. Boxer and fellow campmate David Haye had said in an interview: “It was a lot more intense.”
ITV, though, insists what viewers saw was an accurate and fair representation of events. It also denied wild claims Adam attempted to kick Jimmy. A spokesperson had told the Mirror: “This is categorically not true. Adam did not try to kick Jimmy.”
While Adam, from Manchester, was visibly angry over Jimmy’s decision and he did kick a door in the trial area, it was said to be “nowhere near” his co-star, and was included in the broadcast this week.
I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here fans were divided after Adam Thomas, who has been in Waterloo Road and Emmerdale, became locked in a feud with Jimmy Bullard, a former Premiership footballer
01:11, 23 Apr 2026Updated 01:32, 23 Apr 2026
Millions watched Adam Thomas and Jimmy Bullard’s bust-up(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Adam, who is in Waterloo Road, was seen yelling at Jimmy, shouting: “Are you f***ing taking the p***?… I am in there getting covered in f***ing ants.” Father-of-two Adam, 37, later appeared distressed as he attempted to talk to the camera following the trial.
But now an insider has claimed it is Jimmy who still remains upset by the spat even now, several months after the spin-off was pre-recorded in South Africa. The source said: “Jimmy is devastated by it all, it was supposed to be a celebration of I’m A Celeb, but Adam appeared to have let his temper get the better of him.” They said Jimmy, who played football for Wigan Athletic and Fulham among other sides, is “seething” following the argument.
Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were forced to step in and break Jimmy and Adam’s row. However, the clash — described as the programme’s biggest ever — was watched by millions, including former contestants. One of whom, Carol Vorderman, branded Jimmy “disgraceful” and said the scenes made her “angry, furious, crying”. The source, though, supported Jimmy, telling the Daily Mail: “Adam just completely lost it and went for Jimmy.”
Jimmy and former Emmerdale star Adam — brother of former Coronation Street actor Ryan — were joined by the likes of ex-Corrie star Beverley Callard, former The Only Way Is Essex’s Gemma Collins, Olympian Mo Farah and footballing legend Harry Redknapp for the second series of the I’m A Celeb spin-off — which features stars who have competed in previous series.
Although the rest of the series was pre-recorded, the finale is live — but it is thought Jimmy is unhappy about returning for this. The dad of two, from east London, was notably absent from the launch earlier this month too.
It is believed Adam and Jimmy have not spoken since the row. Those familiar with both men say that it is unlikely they ever be on good terms again. One insider said: “It’s got really, really bad. They know one another through mutual friends, but this has put paid to any kind of friendship now.”
Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas has admitted that he wishes he had “stood his ground” when David Haye bullied him on the set of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…South Africa
21:59, 19 Apr 2026Updated 21:59, 19 Apr 2026
Adam Thomas has spoken out about his tough time in the jungle(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Adam Thomas wishes he had “stood his ground” when David Haye ‘bullied’ him on I’m A Celebrity…South Africa. The Emmerdale star, 37, is currently on-screen in the all-stars edition of Ant and Dec’s reality survival show, having initially competed on the regular edition of the ITV series a decade ago.
The programme was all filmed towards the end of last year but as it was being broadcast to the nation, viewers got to see boxer David Haye trying to force Adam into doing a Bushtucker Trial, even though he was unwell.
Adam has arthritis, which he has been open about. Explaining how it affects him, he said previously: “It is an autoimmune disease. Basically means my immune system is attacking my own body. It causes a s**t-load of pain,” and on Sunday evening, the former Strictly Come Dancing star took to social media where he admitted that it has all been a struggle to watch his time on I’m A Celebrity play out on TV.
As part of his lengthy statement, Adam explained that he just wished he had stood up for himself during the tense moment but has decided to choose “peace” since it all happened.
He wrote: “I won’t sit here and say I handled everything perfectly, because I didn’t. 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, and sometimes it takes going through tough moments to find your voice.
“Since coming out, I’ve taken time to process everything, and I’m in a much better place now. I let go of the anger, had the conversations I needed to have, and chose peace.”
Adam’s twin brother Scott, who found fame himself when he appeared on Love Island in 2016, was amongst the first to show his support publicly as he wrote: “It’s tough watching my twin bro go through that in there…makes my blood boil!
“To see someone’s pure heart be tested like that is hard to watch, especially my brothers. But I understand he had to go through his own journey in there and the man he’s become during/since this experience has made me so proud! I love you @adamthomas21 and will always have your back.”
Meanwhile, Ryan Thomas, who is best known for having played Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street, also showed brotherly support as he wrote: “I would like to say I would stick up for you in there but hes not the guy to pick a fight with! We need to give [fellow boxer] Tony Bellew a call bro!”
Gogglebox legend Scarlett Moffatt, who won I’m A Celebrity in 2016 and is also back for the all-stars series, wrote: “Aww Adam I bloody love you. You’re one of the kindest men i know, if my little boy ends up being as caring as you then I know I’ll have done a good job as a mam. LOts of love [heart emoji].”
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch, who starred alongside Adam in Waterloo Road, wrote: “Love you Adam [heart emoji], whilst Liam Scholes, who also appeared in the BBC school drama, wrote: “An incredible individual my man, so much love xx”
Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa Woodfield in Emmerdale, said: “You handled yourself incredibly Adam and the rest of your campmates were right behind you,” whilst Isabel Hodgkins, currently on maternity leave away from her role as Victoria Sugden, said: “Never been prouder.”
Danny Miller, who took time away from Emmerdale in 2021 to compete in, and eventually win, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! himself, said: “You’re a beautiful man and those who really know you know what you bring to their lives. Love and laughter, you’ve handled yourself incredible. Love you, brother x”
It all came to blows as Adam tried to sleep and admitted it would be hard for him to undertake a Bushtucker Trial because he was feeling dehydrated. David raged: “Dehydrated?! We’ve all got the same amount of water! Adam is doing it and that’s it!”
“When is your top form gonna come? Why aren’t we forcing this dude to go and do it? Coincidentally, every time there’s something to do, he’s not feeling well.” It was at that point that Gogglebox legend Scarlett Moffatt, who won I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2016, weighed in as she begged David to “stop it.”
PUSSYCAT Doll Ashley Roberts has an eye on the Maldives after her time in the South African bush.
The singer, 44, is on a luxury break on the paradise islands and posted snaps in a tropical pink bikini, as well as relaxing on the sand and cooling down after a shower.
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Ashley Roberts has an eye on the Maldives after her time in the South African bushCredit: InstagramAshley is on a luxury break on the paradise islandsCredit: InstagramShe also posted this snap relaxing on the sand and cooling down after a showerCredit: Instagram
Over the years I’m A Celebrity South Africa star Ashley Roberts has made a number of wild sex confessions.
From a steamy dream about romping with Harry Styles, to revealing her turn-ons in the I’m A Celeb Jungle, the Pussycat Dolls star, 44, is known for not holding back.
It’s fair to say Ashley has made a career out of being sexy.
The star oozes sex appeal, thanks to being in the sizzling girlband the Pussycat Dolls.
In an unusual move, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have spoken out about an I’m A Celeb camp-mate after criticism of David Haye amid his Adam Thomas ‘bulling’ row
Im A Celebrity David Haye calls out camp mate
Ant and Dec have piled into David Haye saying the incident that sparked bullying complaints was “not nice” to watch. The boxer was already at the centre of controversy thanks to sexist comments he made about his girlfriend and other women before he scolded Adam Thomas after he said he wasn’t feeling well enough to take part in Termite Terror.
It was the latest comments to shock the South Africa camp, with Gemma Collins since saying she had to “protect” the actor. Now the hosts have spoken, and in a rare move criticised the behaviour of a I’m A Celebrity contestant. The Geordie duo says David doesn’t know when to stop after his remarks last week continue to spark outrage as the show’s fans turn on the sports star.
Ant was talking on ITV1 show’s podcast I’m A Celebrity . . . Unpacked and seemed unimpressed with his choice of words. He said. “It’s not a nice watch. He just kind of picks and picks at them. 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.”
Agreeing with his co-star, Dec said. “It’s kind of crossed the line from banter. I don’t find it comfortable to watch.” Adam suffers with autoimmune illness psoriatic arthritis and requested to sit out the Bushtucker Trial on Friday because he felt unwell and dehydrated.
David said he was being “useless” and stated that he “doesn’t like men like that”. Gemma Collins was one of the stars to appear uneasy at David’s comments and she spilled on I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked. Gemma said: “I think David Haye might have seen a weakness in Adam, there were times where I had to protect Adam in there.
“If I was going full GC mode on David Haye, and a lot of them, then it would’ve been a disaster in there but I had to remain calm and composed and just remember that I’m not here to be performative. I am here as me. I think the fact that I stretched my arms out, I’m sort of saying to ’em all, without biting their heads off, ‘enough’”.
She went on: “I knew if it was ever gonna get too bad I would be taking David on. You know, bring on the next heavyweight champion fighting the world….. because if I feel that something’s too much, I’m not afraid to step up.”
Explaining how his health issues impacts his life, Adam said previously: “It is an autoimmune disease. Basically means my immune system is attacking my own body. It causes a s**t-load of pain.”
Today, he spoke out and alongside an image from the show, which was filmed towards the end of last year, Adam wrote on Instagram: “Not going to lie,this picture breaks my heart, as I know on the inside what I was dealing with and truth be told I thought it was all my fault. I now know that’s not the reality… 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. There were moments I felt pushed to my absolute limit, and if I’m honest, times I didn’t even recognise myself. Living with arthritis is something I don’t really talk about, as much as I should do…but in there it really took its toll. My biggest fight was pretending to put on a brave face and trying to hide the pain! that can be exhausting within itself.
“There were days my body just didn’t want to keep going, but I did. “I won’t sit here and say I handled everything perfectly, because I didn’t. 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, and sometimes it takes going through tough moments to find your voice.
Gogglebox legend and former jungle queen Scarlett Moffatt will beg David Haye to “stop it” on tonight’s I’m A Celeb as the boxer causes tensions in the camp to rise even further
13:47, 17 Apr 2026Updated 13:47, 17 Apr 2026
Scarlett Moffatt weighs into a brewing row on tonight’s I’m A Celebrity…South Africa (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Scarlett Moffatt is seen begging David Haye to “stop it” as a huge row breaks out on tonight’s episode of I’m A Celebrity…South Africa. The TV star, 35, who became Queen of the Jungle on the regular edition of Ant and Dec’s reality survival show just two years after she found fame on Gogglebox in 2014, is back on the All Stars version of the programme and can be seen trying to keep the peace during tense scenes set to air on Friday night.
Trying to sleep, Adam admits it would be hard to get through it today because he is feeling dehydrated, but David is seen raging: “Dehydrated?! We’ve all got the same amount of water! Adam is doing it and that’s it!”
Adam has arthritis, which he has been open about. Explaining how it affects him, he said previously: “It is an autoimmune disease. Basically means my immune system is attacking my own body. It causes a s**t-load of pain.”
Some days he will need help doing simple day-to-day tasks and his mental health has been affected, but ultimately, it’s made him stronger. He can experience pain in his fingers and knees on some days, but others, he can be in pain all over his body
David’s co-stars continually try to remind him that their campmate isn’t feeling well enough to get through it, but he becomes hellbent on trying to force Adam into it. He continues: “When is your top form gonna come? Why aren’t we forcing this dude to go and do it? Coincidentally, every time there’s something to do, he’s not feeling well!”
It is at that point that Scarlett, clearly in despair at the situation developing, says: “Stop it David, he’s not well!” David has already caused a major stir during his All Stars stint, when early on in the series, he made comments about his girlfriend Sian. When talking about his partner cooking for them all, he then added: “She’s like tall, blue eyes. She’s lovely. She’s got the personality of a proper ugly bird.”
Despite Scarlett’s suggestion he should stop there, he continued his tirade as he added: “She has. Most ugly girls realise they don’t they’re not pretty enough to… they gotta have a personality to banter and to tell jokes and s**t, so people overlook the fact that they’re not aesthetically amazing, straight away.
“Which is what’s called Ugly Duckling syndrome, where girls are ugly, when they start off, and then they and then they kind of they, they get pretty as they get older. But they still got the personality of when they’re ugly. Does that make sense?”
In the rant, which left angry viewers fuming, he added: “You get a girl who’s pretty from day one, you get a girl who’s different day one. Everyone goes ‘You’re so beautiful. You’re amazing’. She grows up thinking, I’m amazing. Everyone loves me. I can open any door. I can go anywhere I want.
“They don’t have to have a personality, because most super pretty girls are just idiots. But then their ugly friend, they’ve got work a bit harder, be more personable. They got to be nicer to everyone. Gonna get you a drink.”
It was recently claimed that David made those comments because he could not rely on AI to tell him that they were “safe” to say out loud. The source insisted there was “no malice” but added he would use AI to “check he’s not offending someone before he comments”.
“His focus inside camp has always been the game, survival decisions and camp dynamics rather than trying to offend anyone. Those who know him best understand there was no malice behind the remark,” a source told The Sun.
“When AI started he started using it all the time to check he’s not offending someone before he comments. It’s a bit of a comfort blanket for him – but he didn’t have that in the jungle.”
Corrie star Craig Charles took on the Retching Ball challenge with fellow campmate David Haye in a bid to earn food for camp in the latest bushtucker trial
The trial was making Craig throw up but he carried on and they won 7 stars(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
The latest bushtucker trial left I’m A Celeb star Craig Charles throwing up a mouthful of maggots.
The 61-year-old Corrie star took on the Retching Ball challenge with fellow campmate David Haye in a bid to earn food for camp. The duo were strapped into a revolving ball while having to answer questions directed at them by Ant and Dec.
But of course in true I’m A Celeb style they were not alone in the ball cage, as creepy crawlies were dumped on them to add to their distress. Following a dumping of maggots on the duo, David Haye cried out ‘I’ve got maggots in my mouth’ and it wasn’t long before co-star Craig began throwing up.
David and Craig carried on for another round but the momentum seemed to catch up with Craig. As he threw up Ant quipped “Oh I think we’ve had a vomit. Now Craig you’ve just worked out why it’s called the wretching ball,” he added.
Despite his sickness, he kept going but he ended up being sick again in the final round where they were asked to name Adele songs. Craig looked delighted when time was up and he and David were removed from the retching ball to learn they had secured seven out of a possible 11 stars in total.
In a sneak peek at tomorrow evening’s episode Gemma Collins appears to quit again. She told the cameras: “I’m A Celebrity get me out of here. I am done.”
She looked to be in tears again as a stunned Scarlett watched on. It left fans pondering if she had actually walked again, or if it was another low moment for the reality TV star.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, one user said: “Hope Gemma doesn’t go from that clip! I need misery guts David gone before anyone else in camp!”
David Haye stuns I’m A Celeb camp with comments about pretty girls and their ‘ugly mates’ in a chat about his girlfriend
21:30, 13 Apr 2026Updated 21:32, 13 Apr 2026
David Haye has left viewers divided with controversial comments and decisions on the ITV show.(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
David Haye left the I’m A Celebrity camp stunned with a string of sexist comments. In the second week of the ITV show, the 45-year-old former boxer made a series of statements related to how women look and their personalities, during a group discussion.
It all started innocently enough when it was suggested the group of celebs should meet up for a party when they left the show, and David said his girlfriend Sian was a great cook and could possibly provide food for the event. He then added: “She’s like tall, blue eyes. She’s lovely. She’s got the personality of a proper ugly bird.”
Scarlett Moffatt replied: “You can’t say that.” But David brushed off the response and added: “She has. Most ugly girls realise they don’t they’re not pretty enough to….they gotta have a personality to banter and to tell jokes and s**t, so people overlook the fact that they’re not aesthetically amazing, straight away.
“Which is what’s called Ugly Duckling syndrome, where girls are ugly, when they start off, and then they and then they kind of they, they get pretty as they get older. But they still got the personality of when they’re ugly. Does that make sense?”
As Scarlett and others made shocked noises, David continued to express his opinions. Haye added: “You get a girl who’s pretty from day one, you get a girl who’s different day one. Everyone goes ‘You’re so beautiful. You’re amazing’. She grows up thinking, I’m amazing. Everyone loves me. I can open any door. I can go anywhere I want.
“They don’t have to have a personality, because most super pretty girls are just idiots. But then their ugly friend, they’ve got work a bit harder, be more personable. They got to be nicer to everyone. Gonna get you a drink.”
Scarlett again took David to task over the comments. She explained: “It is not just ugly people saying ‘would you like a drink’. What are you talking about? You are just talking s***.”
And actor Beverley Callard added: “Complete claptrap. So do handsome men have s*** personalities? I have never heard anything so sexist in all my life.”
Haye then changed to conversation onto the fact when he was growing up only pretty girls were allowed into nightclubs in London’s West End.
He said: “They only let pretty girls into the club, and the pretty girls go, oh, so sorry about that. They leave their ugly friend behind. I’ve seen it, I’ve watched it. I’ve watched it with my own eyes. I’ve seen it. It’s horrible. I feel terrible for these poor girls. She’s the one normally driving as well.”
Admitting he was “digging” a bigger hole for himself, Bev replied the shovel was “not big enough”.
Sinitta tried to bring the chat back to his own situation and Haye concluded he would be with his girlfriend “even if she didn’t look how she looked”.
But on Haye’s girlfriend, Beverley said: “He has hit the jackpot, but his partner has got the booby prize.”
The camp were not the only ones surprised by the comments from Haye.
Show hosts Ant and Dec also weighed in. Dec said the comments “might be interpreted as sexist” and Ant said he made “nine jaws drop to the floor” without throwing a punch.
Haye has been in a relationship with model Sian Osborne since 2020, but over recent years he’s also been linked to Saturdays singer Una Healy. He has been in the headlines more for his colour love life than his former skills in the ring in recent years, with suggestions he was in a throuple situation.
The one-time heavyweight champion is non-monogamous which is when someone has multiple romantic and sexual relationships, with the consent of a partner or spouse. Ant and Dec have commented on this during the series, but Haye himself is yet to bring up his relationship status in camp.
I’M A Celebrity fans have been left horrified as vegan campmate Beverley Callard was forced to eat crocodile tail.
The Coronation Street icon, 69, was seen tucking to the meaty dish on Friday’s episode, leaving fans questioning if she was still a vegan.
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I’m A Celeb fans were left baffled as vegan campmate Beverley Callard tucked into croc tailCredit: ITVThe Corrie icon admitted it was the best meal they’ve had so far in campCredit: ITVThe actress declared she was vegan while appearing on the 2020 seriesCredit: Rex
They were each placed inside one of four tanks which slowly started to fill with water.
They then had to dive down and retrieve ten numbered keys, before passing it along to the other tanks, with the last person responsible for unlocking the corresponding lock.
Despite some panic, the team managed to bring back six stars.
Later that evening, the food was delivered to the camp and they celebs were delighted to find out they were having crocodile tail.
Craig Charles said in the hut: “I’m not sure what crocodile tail tastes like.
“People have said it tastes like chicken, but they say that about every meat.”
The camp chefs then dished up and the celebrities were seen polishing off off their containers.
Scarlett described the texture as a “mixture of fish and chicken”.
Beverley was also seen getting stuck into the crocodile tail and admitted it was one of the best meals so far.
She said in the hut: “It actually looked and tasted like pieces of lobster. It was truly fantastic.
“I want to go jump up trees and climb trees because it was ecstatic.”
Fans will remember that Beverley went vegan back in 2020 to avoid eating any grim animal body parts during the eating challenge.
So fans were left confused when Beverley was seen eating the crocodile tail.
One asked: “So Beverley is not vegan anymore?
“She ate croc tail last night and said it tasted like lobster! I’m sure she was vegan when she was in it before.”
A second posted: “I heard she lied just to avoid certain eating trials but it backfired and all the vegan stuff was even worse.”
A third commented: “I think she just said it last time to avoid kangaroo penis lmao. I feel like I remember last time she said she’d become vegan very recently.”
Another added: “You’ve got to give her props for trying to find a loophole. The vomit fruit last time have been so much worse.”
On Bev’s first stint on I’m A Celeb, she explained she had become vegan and would therefore not be participating in some of the eating trials.
Her co-stars Jordan North and telly presenter Vernon Kay all had to get their teeth stuck into some pretty awful things during the challenges.
The boys had to chomp down on a range of things including sheep’s brain, cow’s tongue, a deer’s testicle and even a sheep’s penis, whereas the Corrie star has the pleasure of eating some fermented plums, five cubes of fermented tofu and a vomit fruit dish.
At the time, Bev’s former co-star Simon Gregson was quizzed about Bev’s veganism on Loose Women, to which he replied: “Yeah! You see Rebecca her daughter is vegan.
“I’m sure Bev has done it for all the right reasons, health and to save the planet. If you believe that, I’m a mango!”
Presenter Linda Robson joked: “Are you sure so it’s just so she doesn’t have to eat anything disgusting?”
Simon, who has portrayed Bev’s on-screen son 21 years, added: “I’m pretty sure it’s because she doesn’t have to put a willy in her mouth, yeah.”
Footballer Jimmy Bullard is set to stir things up on I’m A Celebrity All Stars as he joins the camp with Harry Redknapp, completing the full South Africa line-up
22:00, 12 Apr 2026Updated 22:02, 12 Apr 2026
Jimmy will be on the All Star Show going in late alongside Harry Redknapp(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Jimmy Bullard vowed to shake things up in the I’m A Celebrity All Star camp as a late entry with some pranks.
The former Premier League footballer, 47, will head into camp alongside Harry Redknapp, and both King Harry and King Jimmy are new monarchs who will pick their subjects from the celebrity campmates to form two teams: the Lions and the Rhinos.
On playing pranks, Jimmy said: “I’m A Celebrity is a very similar scenario to being in the changing room – and it brings the devil out in me! When I did the jungle in Australia, I loved having a laugh playing some pranks and messing around like kids.
“That’s what I loved most about it and I was always playing up! I’ve always done it in changing rooms too and so now this time around, I am sure it will naturally happen because I’m always going to look to have a laugh and wind people up!”
Jimmy hopes to do better than first appearance in Oz when he was first out in 2014 having gone onto the show as one of the favourites to win. He said: “My last time I was there I finished stone cold last because I came out first, so it’s flattering that I didn’t get forgotten. It’s nice to have another bash at it, but it was tough last time and I know the trials are going to be tough again!”
He added: “I was scared of lots of things and I still am fearful of snakes. Doing I’m A Celebrity… did not cure me of any of my phobias!” However his time in the Aussie jungle should at least help him a little bit for his return in South Africa. Speaking before he went onto the show, he added: “I feel a little bit more prepared because you understand what is coming but I have been watching it year after year, and the trials just seem to get tougher!
“I am still scared of snakes and spiders too and I am apprehensive about what is going to happen. You could be jumping out of a plane before you know it or getting chucked in a box full of snakes! But I signed up for this, so I am looking forward to getting started.”
According to reports in November after this series was filmed, viewers will see Jimmy clash with Adam Thomas during a row in camp. And Jimmy did admit it can be difficult living in camp with others,
Looking back on his Aussie experience, he explained: “I learnt that when you are in the camp, it can be difficult because you are with 11 other people you don’t really know.
“You don’t want to rub people up the wrong way. But I did have a lot of fun whilst I was there and it was amazing how bonds form. You get close to the other celebrities so quickly.”
And Jimmy is honest enough to admit that despite not being on the show for long first time around, it gave his career a boost. The show opened doors and gave him new opportunities after retiring from football.
He said: “It’s weird because ever since I did the programme, a lot of families have come up to tell me they watched it. In the past, it was always lads as I obviously used to play football. I don’t think I would have had some of the gigs I have had were it not for I’m A Celebrity… I co-presented Soccer AM for seven years and you do question yourself whether you would have had gigs like that if you hadn’t done the jungle.
“I’m always in front of the camera now with my golf YouTube programme. My life has definitely changed (for the better) post I’m A Celebrity…”
* I’m A Celebrity…South Africa airs weeknights at 9pm on ITV1.
Harry Redknapp and Jimmy Bullard were seen for the first time on I’m A Celebrity South Africa with the football legend dressed as a king as fans say they ‘can’t wait’ for the next episode.
22:45, 10 Apr 2026Updated 22:45, 10 Apr 2026
Harry Redknapp seen in I’m A Celeb for the first time dressed as a king(Image: ITV)
At the end of Friday’s episode (10 April), I’m A Celeb aired a snippet of what’s to come next week, including the arrival of two new campmates. Football manager Harry and former Fulham and Hull player Jimmy, who were both announced as part of the cast earlier this year, were then seen entering the camp. Harry was dressed up in an elaborate outfit, reminiscent of the King of the Jungle flower crowns.
The footballer could be seen in the normal I’m A Celeb uniform of a khaki shirt and shorts, but also had a velvet cape over the top as well as a huge flower crown.
Fans were delighted to see Harry and Jimmy. One said: “Lowkey quite looking forward to Jimmy and Harry going back in.” Another said: “Monday is gonna be a great episode. The dynamics are definitely gonna change with Harry and Jimmy coming in!” A third added: “Can’t wait to see Harry Redknapp and Jimmy Bullard on Monday show.”
Unlike the normal series, I’m A Celebrity South Africa will not air across the weekend. So while the arrival of Harry and Jimmy will be teased on Friday, it will air on Monday.
Prior to tonight’s episode, fans had been wondering when Harry and Jimmy would make their debut. Taking to social media, one fan said: “Where is Harry and Jimmy Bullard?” Another asked: “So no Harry?” as a third said: “Now we just need Harry!” Some viewers were quick to comment that they’d heard the pair would be late arrivals.
Host Ant McPartlin previously said that Harry and Jimmy’s arrival would kick the show into “another gear”. He said: “We’ve got two more late entries coming at the end of this week. Then, from week two, it just goes off again to another gear. It’s just got everything.”
This week has already been dramatic as several feuds have flared up. To begin with, David Haye and Beverley Callard began to feud after he sent her to Savannah Scrub, much to the shock of the other campmates and Ant and Dec. While the hosts proclaimed the Corrie star to be “poor Bev”, she vowed to get even and said that she would “chin” the boxer.
David also appeared to have a feud with Gemma Collins, first because he insisted that his team draft Craig Charles to his team over Gemma and then because he refused her water during her eating challenge. Gemma told him that she didn’t think that was very nice, but that was not the end to their fighting.
In Friday’s episode, Gemma was talking about the thickness of her hair and David said: “It ain’t thin.” An offended Gemma later told Adam Thomas that she felt David was “unwelcoming”.
Gemma has also had a feud with Sinitta, after the singer said she thought it was a “joke announcement” when Gemma was announced as Mama Morton in Chicago in 2022.
Gemma fumed: “I am not a joke.” The feud was so intense that it was taken off air, with Sinitta slamming fans for their “nasty” response, and Gemma saying “f**k you” to anyone that didn’t believe in her.
JEDWARD star John Grimes hard launched his new girlfriend on social media today, and she’s absolutely stunning.
It comes just before the singer is due to appear on CelebrityEx On The Beach.
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John Grimes hard launched his new girlfriend on Instagram todayCredit: InstagramThey posed together in sparkles in front of Tower BridgeCredit: Instagram
Taking to the official JedwardInstagram page that he shares with twin brother Edward, John shared some cosy snaps of himself with his lady on a day out in London.
In the photos the loved-up duo are standing in front of the iconic Tower Bridge.
The beautiful brunette rests her hand on John’s chest while he wraps his around her waist.
The happy couple beam at the camera, both dressed up with sparkles as the sun sets.
In thefirst-look at the new episodes, John is stunned to be reunited with former flame Sarah Carragher – but it’s not long before they pick up where they left off.
He tells her: “No one really ever came close to what we had.”
John and Sarah are then seen kissing, suggesting the shock reunion was a successful one.
While he’s never publicly spoken about his relationship with Sarah, John previously revealed he prefers to keep his private life separate from his work after shooting to fame on The X Factor in 2009.
He said in 2017: “I’ve had two long-term relationships that were private. That wasn’t part of my career.”
John is one half of the Irish musical duo, JedwardCredit: Getty Images – GettyThey rose to fame on The X Factor in 2009Credit: Reuters
THE OSCARS is back for another year, and will see the crème de la crème of Hollywood clamouring to snatch one of those famous golden statues.
But despite the prestigious nature of the Academy Awards, they don’t always guarantee an A-list life forever in Tinseltown – as these past winners have found out…
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Mo’Nique
Mo’Nique was riding high in her career when she scooped the Best Supporting Actress gong for PreciousCredit: AlamyHowever, shortly after winning the gong, the actress says she was ‘blacklisted’ from HollywoodCredit: Getty
Let’s kick off our look at forgotten Oscar winners with Mo’Nique, who claimed she was “blacklisted” after her win at the Academy Awards.
When she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2010 for her performance in Precious it was her acceptance speech that got people talking, which began: “First, I would like to thank the Academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics.”
Mo’Nique was referring to a fallout which started long before the Oscars.
It came when she refused to travel the world to promote the film – against the advisement of director Lee Daniels and producers Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey – despite the movie having “Oscar buzz”.
Following this fallout, Mo’Nique declined to thank filmmaker Lee during her acceptance speech, leading to a HUGE Hollywood feud – during which the actress alleged that he had “blackballed” her from the industry.
And shortly after winning the coveted statue she practically vanished from Tinseltown.
The star has since reflected on being a victim of so-called “Oscarscurse” – where stars suffer bad luck in their career after winning an Academy Award.
Speaking to CNN in 2020, Mo’Nique said: “I believe winning that Oscar award, just as Hattie McDaniel, she said, ‘I felt like I was cursed instead of winning something that should be congratulated’.
“That award was something that I did not ask for, but because I didn’t respond the way people thought that I should have responded, as Lee Daniels said, I was blackballed.”
Mercedes Ruehl
Mercedes Ruehl won the Academy Award for The Fisher King in 1992Credit: AlamyThe actress returned to the stage after the movie roles failed to pour in after her Oscar winCredit: Getty
At the 1992 Oscars, Mercedes Ruehl was having the time of her life after scooping the Best Supporting Actress gong.
Despite her movie The Fisher King being led by Hollywood heavyweights Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges, Mercedes was the one who took home that coveted gold statue.
But even though she won such a huge award, the movie roles failed to pour in after her night of glory and the actress “vanished” from Hollywood.
Reflecting on the “curse” of winning such a top prize, she told the HuffPost: “It’s hard to get a job after that.
“People think you want more money.”
Instead, Mercedes returned to the stage and went on to win a Tony award the same year as her Oscar – she has remained a fixture of Broadway ever since.
Harold Russell
Harold Russell (centre) won the Best Supporting Actor gong for The Best Years of Our LivesCredit: AlamyHarold was the first non-professional actor to win an OscarCredit: Getty
Harold Russell’s Oscars tale is very different to the others.
The late star lost both his hands in World War II and had them replaced by hooks.
Harold had never acted before when he played the role of Homer Parrish in The Best Years of Our Lives in 1946.
He was cast after the director of the film saw him in Diary of a Sergeant, an Army film about rehabilitating war veterans.
Despite his lack of acting experience, Harold proved to be a huge hit in The Best of Our Lives, and he won not one, but TWO Oscars for his role.
At the 1947 Academy Awards he was awarded the Best Supporting Actor and a special Honorary Academy Award for bringing hope and courage to fellow veterans.
Harold was also the first non-professional actor to ever win an Oscar.
But despite all this glory, he took a step back from acting and didn’t appear in another film until 1980.
Instead, he decided to get a business degree and devoted his life to charity.
Speaking about why he didn’t continue his Hollywood career, he told the Los Angeles Times in 1996: “Wyler (the director) told me I should go back to college because there wasn’t much call for a guy with no hands in the motion picture industry.
“I figured he was right. [In the handful of roles I’ve taken since then,] I always play a disabled veteran.
“And this is what Wyler said, ‘After a while they’re going to run out of ideas’—and he was absolutely right. How many times can you play the same role?”
Harold died in 2002 at the age of 88.
Roberto Benigni
Italian actor Roberto Benigni scooped the Best Actor gong and Best Foreign Film at the 71st Academy Awards in 1999Credit: AlamyThe actor is seen here at the Venice Film Festival in 2021Credit: Getty
Next up we have Italian actor Roberto Benigni, whose double Oscar win in 1999 caused quite a reaction.
The star won two gongs for the foreign film La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful), taking home the statues for Best Actor and Best International Feature Film – as he directed the movie too.
The film was the first non-English speaking picture to win the Best Actor award.
But Roberto, who was up against Tom Hanks, Ian McKellen, Nick Nolte and Ed Norton for the award, faced a huge backlash for his “over the top” reaction to winning the coveted gong.
He was seen climbing over audience seats to accept the award, which was slammed as being “chaotic”.
Roberto was also criticised for his “disingenuous” acceptance speech, where he appeared to make light of winning such a huge award.
“This is a terrible mistake. I used up all my English!” he joked, upon being handed the award.
Despite his big win, the actor retreated back to his native-Italy to make films instead of in Hollywood.
Speaking about life as a two-time Oscar winner, Roberto once told The Guardian: “The most important thing is to continue to be yourself.
“The day after the Oscars, you have to get on with your life. To be honest and true to yourself. I could have made a small film and kept all the money from Life is Beautiful. Instead, I spent more money than I had on Pinocchio, a very risky film.”
The actor is referring to his 2002 movie Pinocchio, which was only released in Italy and received mixed reviews from critics, with one calling it “the worst movie ever made”.
Marcia Gay Harden
Marcia Gay Harden won the Best Supporting Actress award for Pollack in 2000Credit: AlamyThe actress later called her win ‘disastrous on a professional level’Credit: Getty
Marcia Gay Harden beat the odds to scoop the Best Supporting Actress award for Pollack in 2000.
Critics were also shocked that Marcia won the Oscar as she hadn’t been nominated for any other major award in the run-up to the ceremony.
Despite the actress’s huge win, her movie career stalled and she headed back to the small screen.
Reflecting on being a victim of the “Oscar curse”, Marcia once told the LA Times: “It’s disastrous on a professional level.
“Suddenly the parts you’re offered and the money become smaller. There’s no logic to it.”
Mira Sorvino
In 1996, Mira Sorvino was the toast of the OscarsCredit: AlamyHowever, these days she is best known for Romy and Michele’s High School ReunionCredit: Getty
Mira Sorvino
Fans of the quirky movie Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion may be surprised to know that the film’s co-leading actress, Mira Sorvino, actually won an Oscar before starring in the cult classic movie.
A few years before, the actress won a huge amount of praise when she played a prostitute in Woody Allen’s Mighty Aphrodite.
She wowed so much, she scooped the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1996 for the role.
Despite going on to star in Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion the following year, the movie roles after that failed to pour in and she has switched her focus to TV.
Marisa Tomei
Film fans may be surprised to know that Marisa Tomei won an OscarCredit: Corbis Historical – GettyThe actress faced some backlash over her Oscar win, with a rumour going around that she was ‘given it by mistake’Credit: Getty
It may come as a surprise to film fans to find out that the actress won an Oscar in 1993 – but that is nothing compared to what happened on the actual night.
Shockwaves went through the prestigious ceremony when the relatively-unknown actress at the time scooped the gong for Best Supporting Actress, beating veteran stars like Joan Plowright and Vanessa Redgrave.
But it didn’t stop there, as poor Marisa, who won the award for her role in My Cousin Vinny, faced rumours that she had been given the Oscar “by mistake”.
Vicious gossip began to circulate that suggested that presenter Jack Palance had misread the envelope and mistakenly given the Oscar to Marisa instead of “its rightful owner”, Vanessa.
However, the Academy addressed the conspiracy theory and denied that she had been given it by “mistake.”
Speaking about the cruel rumour, Marisa once said: “That was really hurtful at first.”
Despite the fall out from her Oscar three decades ago, she has been nominated for two more since.
These days Marisa is best known for playing Spider-Man‘s mum in the famous franchise.
