I’m a Celeb’s most outrageous moments (Image: ITV)
As the latest season of hurtles toward its dramatic conclusion, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the chaos, controversies, and jaw-dropping moments that have made this show a television institution.
Over the years, we’ve watched in awe as celebrities braved everything from creepy crawlies to awkward campfire confrontations, but some moments were so outrageous they’ve gone down in history as pure jungle gold.
Whether it’s a celebrity going to extreme lengths to complete a secret mission, a controversial political figure stirring up headlines, or even the hosts themselves landing in hot water, I’m A Celebrity… has never been short on outrageous twists.
As we prepare to say goodbye to another action-packed season, it’s the perfect time to take a trip down memory lane and revisit the moments that left us gasping, laughing, or just utterly speechless.
So, buckle up as we dive into some of the most outrageous scandals ever to hit the jungle. From eyebrow-raising trials to post-show drama, the jungle is a place where anything can (and usually does) happen.
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Gillian became infamous for her dramatic fainting spells (Image: ITV)
Gillian McKeith’s Fainting Episodes
Renowned nutritionist Gillian McKeith became infamous for her dramatic fainting spells during Bushtucker Trials in the tenth season.
The trials, which often involve eating bugs or facing phobias, seemed to overwhelm her. After collapsing ahead of her seventh Bushtucker Trial, many viewers questioned the authenticity of her fainting, with accusations that she was exaggerating to avoid the challenges.
Even Carol Vorderman publicly doubted her, claiming she was “pretending.” While some viewers believed she genuinely struggled with the intense challenges, many accused her of faking the collapses to avoid participating. Her theatrics sparked widespread debate and ridicule, becoming a highlight of the season.
Despite criticism, McKeith claimed her fainting was due to real medical issues and is a recurring issue.
“I have fainted several times and not just in the jungle. I even fainted at a wedding once when I was the bridesmaid. They were about to say: ‘do you take this man to be your husband?’ and I passed out.”
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Nadine’s appearance led to her suspension from the Conservative Party (Image: ITV)
Nadine Dorries’ Participation
Conservative MP shocked the public and her own party by appearing on the show during its twelfth season. Her decision to join without informing party officials led to her suspension from the Conservative Party.
Critics accused her of neglecting her parliamentary duties for a publicity stunt, sparking a national conversation about the appropriateness of politicians engaging in reality television.
Dorries defended her decision, claiming she wanted to connect with the public and discuss political issues, but the controversy remained a defining moment of the season.
Ferne McCann created a media storm when she ate a live water spider (Image: ITV)
Ferne McCann’s Live Spider Consumption
Reality star Ferne McCann created a media storm when she ate a live water spider during a Bushtucker Trial in season 15.
The trial, designed to push contestants to their limits, resulted in nearly 1,500 complaints to Ofcom from viewers outraged by the perceived cruelty toward animals. McCann’s calm demeanour during the task contrasted with the backlash she faced afterward.
Despite the complaints, Ofcom ruled that no action was necessary, as the trial adhered to the show’s guidelines. The moment remains one of the most talked-about trials in the show’s history.
The pair made jokes they made about Christianity and the Bible (Image: ITV)
Ant and Dec’s Controversial Jokes
Hosts faced backlash during the latest season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! after jokes they made about Christianity and the Bible sparked complaints. The controversy erupted during segments featuring Reverend Richard Coles, who was sharing the jungle spotlight with Love Island star Maura Higgins.
Ant and Dec’s perceived mockery included exaggerated prayer poses with swelling orchestral music whenever Richard was mentioned. In one eating trial featuring both Richard and Maura, Dec cheekily quipped, “More tea, vicar?” Back in the studio, Dec described the event as “unholy,” while Ant followed with a pun, calling it “bum-holey.” Ant even delivered a tongue-in-cheek sermon during a live episode, further stirring the pot.
An Ofcom spokesperson confirmed, “Complaints related to Ant and Dec’s references to the Bible and Christian faith.” The duo’s antics divided opinion, with some viewers finding the humour harmless while others labelled it sacrilegious.
Dean vomited on live TV (Image: ITV)
Dean Gaffney Vomits During Surprise Live Trial
In 2006, star Dean Gaffney made one of the most unforgettable entrances in I’m A Celebrity history when he was thrown straight into a surprise live Bushtucker Trial. Dubbed the “Jungle Spa,” this twisted version of a luxury retreat had the actor screaming his way through a series of spa-themed horrors.
From lying on a massage chair while being showered with creepy crawlies to dunking his head into a sink filled with critters, Gaffney’s reactions were pure TV gold. He let out ear-piercing screams, gagged repeatedly, and even vomited mid-trial. Clearly overwhelmed, he yelled, “Is this a wind-up? I’ve genuinely thrown up about four times!”
His high-pitched shrieks and over-the-top reactions instantly became iconic, with fans loving his dramatic meltdown. Dean’s chaotic trial remains one of the show’s most memorable moments
Iain claims he was subjected to multiple foul-mouthed exchanges (Image: ITV)
Iain Lee’s Alleged Bullying
Radio presenter Iain Lee appeared to face hostility and exclusion from fellow campmates during season 17, leading to accusations of bullying.
He claims he was subjected to multiple foul-mouthed exchanges from fellow campmate , during their stint Down Under in 2017. The former presenter then rubbished claims he accused Becky of bullying and said on : “I quit showbiz about 18 months ago, it had absolutely nothing to do with her.”
Fans rallied around Lee, with many praising his vulnerability and openness about his mental health struggles.
The controversy led to broader discussions about bullying on reality TV and the pressure contestants face in the jungle. Lee later revealed he had received overwhelming support from viewers, even though his time in the jungle was emotionally taxing.
The X Factor star Stacey Solomon was assigned a top-secret mission (Image: ITV)
Stacey Solomon hurls a stone at Dom Joly
The X Factor star was assigned a top-secret mission and needed to attract the attention of comedian Dom Joly without any of their campmates noticing.
Unfortunately, Joly was a little slow on the update, so Solomon resorted to desperate measures: chucking a stone that ended up hitting him square in the face.
Joly subsequently freaked out, at first thinking it was a giant insect (fair, given their surroundings), but later making a big show out of accusing Solomon, who was frantically winking at him.
Tulisa allegedly had a screaming match with a pal (Image: ITV)
Tulisa Contostavlos’ Post-Show ‘screaming match’
Singer and former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos stirred controversy after her recent jungle stint. Reports claimed she had a fallout with her best friend following her departure from the show, sparking rumours of behind-the-scenes drama.
Tulisa fuelled speculation by deleting social media posts and skipping scheduled appearances. She later denied the rumours, stating that she needed time away from the spotlight to recuperate.
“I can get overwhelmed quite easily and started to feel overwhelmed. I realised I needed to take time for myself, and to chill, it’s all a little bit much at the moment,” she said.
“I’m just going to archive all my stuff to do with the jungle and then, when the time is right and I’ve had time to process, I’m going to make my own reels of my best bits that I really like.”