Channel 4 personality Anna Williamson has stepped forward to defend her Celebs Go Dating co-star Tom Read Wilson after his distinctive speaking voice left I'm A Celebrity viewers questioning its authenticity.
The Accent Controversy
The 39-year-old receptionist, known for his scene-stealing appearances on E4's dating show, has taken his refined Received Pronunciation accent to the Australian jungle for the latest series of the ITV reality programme. However, some viewers expressed scepticism about whether his noticeably posh delivery reflected his natural way of speaking.
The confusion intensified this week when Wilson entertained his campmates by adopting a deep cockney accent during a humorous segment where he pretended to chat up fellow contestant Kelly Brook. The moment prompted peals of laughter within the camp, but left at-home viewers baffled by his seemingly effortless transition between vocal styles.
Co-Star Comes to the Defence
Anna Williamson, his 44-year-old colleague from the dating agency, has now assured audiences that Wilson's erudite voice is completely genuine, despite his talent for impressions. The TV presenter provided clarification to The Sun newspaper, stating: 'Everybody is seeing exactly who Tom is. There is no act.'
Williamson elaborated on her long-standing familiarity with Wilson's authentic voice, explaining: 'I'm so used to Tom being Tom, and Tom speaking as he does, which is his usual very posh voice. To hear such conversation around it, is it real, isn't it, when he does his accent is really funny.'
She confirmed unequivocally: 'I can confirm Tom does speak how Tom speaks, as in his normal voice.'
Jungle Antics and Impressions
Wilson further demonstrated his vocal versatility during his time in camp, successfully impersonating rapper Aitch when challenged by the musician himself. The moment revealed what Williamson described as his 'playful side' and natural talent for mimicry.
Following his cockney impression, Wilson carried the joke into the Bush Telegraph, adopting a gruff voice to comment: 'Do you know what? That Tom character with all the fancy language, it is so exhausting. Much nicer to hang in here,' before breaking character with laughter.
Williamson praised her colleague's authentic representation in the jungle, noting: 'It's lovely to see him doing his thing, but it's also really lovely to see him being so accurately represented, which is that he is unflappable, he's very kind, he's very funny and he's hugely likeable.'
The defence from his Celebs Go Dating co-star appears to settle the debate about Wilson's genuine speaking voice, confirming that while he possesses a talent for impressions, his refined RP accent is indeed his natural mode of speech.
