Television presenter Joel Dommett has issued a formal apology after making an inappropriate joke about knife violence during Tuesday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Unpacked.
The Controversial Moment
During the ITV2 spin-off show, Dommett was discussing an incident where fellow contestant Ruby Wax had stolen a bag of sweets following a challenge. The comedian remarked: 'If someone stole my Haribo, I'd shank them', before immediately questioning whether his comment was appropriate for television.
Main show hosts Ant and Dec were quick to respond, with Ant stating 'Not really' and Dec informing Dommett that he had 'overstepped the mark'. Recognising his error immediately, Dommett offered an on-air apology during the broadcast, saying: 'I'm sorry about that'.
Formal Apology Issued
Following the episode, Dommett provided a more comprehensive statement to Metro, expressing his regret. 'I would like to once again apologise to anyone offended by the language used in Tuesday's show', the presenter stated.
He emphasised that the remark was not pre-planned, explaining: 'I realised the error in the moment and immediately apologised live on air. This was not a pre-written joke and I would never make light of such a serious issue as knife crime.'
ITV also responded to the incident, with a spokesperson confirming: 'We would apologise to anyone offended by the language used in Tuesday's show. Joel recognised this unfortunate choice of language in the moment and immediately apologised to viewers.'
Knife Crime Context and Reaction
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about knife violence in the UK. According to UK Parliament statistics, England and Wales recorded approximately 53,000 offences involving a sharp instrument in the year ending March 2025.
Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust - a charity that educates young people about knife crime dangers - commented to The Sun about Dommett's remark. 'I am sure that when Joel made this comment, he was not intending to cause offence or trivialise knife crime', Green stated, while noting that the immediate apology indicated the presenter's recognition of his error.
Green added: 'However, it does highlight how knife crime has become so ingrained in our society that it has entered everyday language, when in reality it is something we should strongly oppose and never joke about.'
This wasn't the only apology Dommett made during the week's programming. During Friday's episode, the presenter swore after being attacked by an insect live on air, promptly apologising to viewers afterwards.
I'm A Celebrity continues to air on ITV1 at 9pm, with I'm A Celebrity... Unpacked following immediately on ITV2.
