Scarlett Moffat Exposes Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil in I'm A Celebrity South Africa
Scarlett Moffat has candidly revealed that the WhatsApp group for the upcoming I'm A Celebrity... South Africa series is already experiencing significant drama, despite the cast's seemingly harmonious public appearances. The former Gogglebox star, who was crowned Queen of the Jungle in 2016, is returning to the show in a bid to become the first campmate to win twice, but her latest comments suggest this journey may be fraught with more tension than anticipated.
All-Star Cast and Surface-Level Camaraderie
The full lineup for the second all-star series, filmed in South Africa last year, was announced at a special event at London's Ham Yard Hotel. Scarlett will join fellow winner Harry Redknapp, Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts, Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard, and Olympian Sir Mo Farah, among others. At the launch, the cast appeared to get along exceptionally well, with observers noting their chemistry seemed as warm as "a house on fire."
However, Scarlett hinted at underlying issues when questioned by event host and former winner Sam Thompson. A reality TV veteran, Thompson inquired whether the cast's WhatsApp group remained active or if, as often happens, "everyone is out of that group in a month." Scarlett's response was telling: she anxiously looked around at her campmates before admitting, "I think that's what's happened with this group."
Peaks and Troughs in Camp Dynamics
Scarlett elaborated, stating, "I don't want to burst the bubble—let's not lie on stage. I think, naturally, in any sort of social setting you are drawn to certain people over others, but we did all get on." Pulling an awkward face, she added, "I mean, there were peaks and troughs…" While she did not name specific individuals, her comments suggest that not all interactions were smooth behind the scenes.
A first-look clip previewed at the event hinted at further drama, with late entry Gemma Collins warning a fellow celebrity, "I'm not a joke, darling." Scarlett played coy when asked about the source of the tension, simply noting, "I don't know who's been announced, I don't know if I can mention… you'll know I'm on about when she comes in." Given that Gemma Collins is the only female latecomer, it appears Scarlett was referencing her.
Motivations and Challenges in the South African Bush
Scarlett, who has appeared on I'm A Celebrity numerous times—hosting Extra Camp and the South Africa podcast with Seann Walsh—was frank about her reasons for returning. In her introduction video, she joked, "I'd love a new kitchen," later clarifying at the launch, "I actually am getting that done in June. At least I'm honest, right? Obviously, we all do because we love it but we also need to pay our mortgage somehow. If we somehow can do that by eating a few kangaroo testicles, why not?"
This series promises to be particularly grueling, with hosts Ant and Dec confirming it will feature the longest eating challenge in the show's history—lasting a revolting five hours. Campmate Adam Thomas emphasized the difficulty, stating, "This was so much tougher—the trials, the challenges, everything—and although I did quite a lot of trials in the first series, these trials were so much bigger and harder than ever before."
Public Vote and Competitive Spirit
Unlike the first all-star series, this edition will allow the public to vote for their I'm A Celebrity legend, with the cast reuniting in the UK to discover the winner. Ant explained, "They're competitors, they want to become legends," while Dec noted, "In Australia the last few years everybody's really gotten on—not anymore." This competitive edge, combined with the intense challenges, sets the stage for a dramatic series.
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa is set to return to ITV in April, with Scarlett Moffat's revelations offering a tantalizing preview of the conflicts and camaraderie that will unfold in the South African bush.
