BBC Radio 1 favourite isn’t getting on too well after swapping the studio for the jungle on this year’s
Tonight he faces his third of four after constantly being voted by the public, despite his ongoing failures. During Thursday night’s episode, Dean called the famous “get me out of here” phrase after earning just four stars for camp.
He joins the likes of “Wagatha Christie” detective Coleen Rooney, fellow Radio 1 presenter Melvin Odoom, Loose Women’s Jane Moore and Love Island’s Maura Higgins.
After getting zero stars in alongside influencer GK Barry and the four in , it’s hoped he turns things around on Friday’s episode in a bid to feed his hungry camp co-stars.
One person cheering on from the sidelines is his 55-year-old mum Ann who has now opened up about her son’s struggles, giving a heartbreaking verdict on his performance Down Under, revealing he’ll be “beating himself up over it”.
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Dean McCullough keeps getting nominated for the Bushtucker Trials (Image: ITV)
“The trials have been tough,” she told the . “He just needs to remember to do his best and have fun. I’m so proud of him. He is so loved and we are all cheering him on. Dean definitely has got what it takes to be king – and queen – of the jungle.”
It’s not only Dean’s campmates who could be beginning to get frustrated by his attempts at the trials, with some criticism also coming from hosts Ant and Dec.
During an Live, Ant admitted: “I got quite annoyed at one point because I am a bit like if you can’t do it you can’t do it, but just get on with it.” Dec even chimed in and said crew had been “debating” backstage if Dean’s reactions were genuine.
“As his mother I gave him special things to remember – how much he is loved, to remember where he’s from, to be himself, no cursing and to do his best and have fun. And to do a Myleene Klass in the shower,” Ann told the newspaper.
She also opened up about their family’s response when Dean was approached for the jungle job. “We both manifested and prayed. I saw him in the jungle – in the iconic boots, socks, bandana and hat. Lots of candles were lit. They’re still lit.”
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Ant and Dec were left less than impressed with Dean after his antics (Image: ITV)
She also spoke about her son’s love for all-things outdoors, revealing it should all be a walk in the park for Dean. “He loved camping and a caravan trip. And we still go now. Portrush [in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland] is our go-to.”
He’d go on family trips, joined by his younger brother Ben, now aged 27. Despite thoughts he’s rubbing people up the wrong way backstage, Dean reportedly “gets on with everyone”, according to his mum.
“He is very caring. If he sees anyone struggling, he’ll be the first to put his arm around them. He is very tidy and will be cleaning the camp and helping people with their washing – he’s so helpful.”
Dean recently landed his co-stars in hot water after smuggling four tea bags into the jungle, resulting in food-related consequences. Here’s hoping he can win some more meals for camp on Friday as he faces the next Bushtucker Trial, this time joined by McFly rocker Danny Jones.
I’m A Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.