Ant McPartlin has addressed a reported confrontation with I'm A Celebrity...South Africa contestant Jimmy Bullard following the show's controversial finale last week. The all-stars spin-off ended with winner Adam Thomas facing criticism from Jimmy Bullard and David Haye during a live showdown. Hosts Ant and Dec admitted on their podcast that they struggled to manage the campmates on stage.
Ant McPartlin Denies Confrontation
Speaking on their Hanging Out podcast, Ant clarified that there was no heated exchange in the car park after the show. 'There was no confrontation,' he insisted. 'I shook his hand and said, "look after yourself," and he replied, "yeah, cheers." He wasn't shouting at me, I wasn't shouting at him.' Ant explained that he approached Jimmy Bullard after seeing him with David Haye, and they parted on good terms.
Dec's Encounter with David Haye
Dec Donnelly also recounted his own interaction with David Haye in the car park. The former boxer reportedly told him, 'What about that then? Hope you get some good ratings for that one.' Ant commented that Haye's behavior was typical of a boxer, calling out from the audience as part of his stock and trade.
Behind the Scenes of the Live Final
The duo revealed they were uncertain about what to expect during the live final, given the 'moaning and complaining' from campmates before their reunion. They learned that Gemma Collins and Adam Thomas had left the cast WhatsApp group, and they were unsure if Jimmy Bullard would attend. Once David Haye began heckling from the audience, Ant and Dec promised him a right of reply on stage, though they admitted, 'Not thinking that we would give them that much right of reply, but that's what happened.'
Ant expressed regret that the crowning moment was not more celebratory, lamenting that they were unable to direct a question to each celebrity as intended. 'Unfortunately, it went on too long,' he said. 'We tried to handle it as professionally as we could and keep on track.'
I'm A Celebrity...South Africa is available to stream on ITVX.
