Anne Hegerty has sharply criticized the chaos surrounding the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! South Africa finale, clearly siding with champion Adam Thomas in the heated dispute involving David Haye and Jimmy Bullard.
The Chaotic Finale
The ITV show’s climax descended into turmoil when Jimmy Bullard confronted Adam Thomas over their clash during the Rancid Run trial. Bullard quit the challenge, impacting Thomas’s standing and leaving campmates stunned. Former boxer David Haye interrupted the broadcast to question Thomas’s win, while Bullard fumed over the TV portrayal of their argument.
Hegerty’s Direct Critique
Hegerty, who finished seventh in the 2018 series, targeted Haye’s perspective on masculinity. “David has a very narrow view of what constitutes manliness,” she stated. “We didn’t get him on the Celeb Chase because he had brains. We got him on there so I could tell him I wanted to lick him all over! I’m more impressed by smart men than macho ones!”
Turning to Bullard’s claims that Thomas was “intimidating, aggressive and abusive,” Hegerty defended the soap star. Hosts Ant and Dec rejected the intimidating label, sparking uproar. “Jimmy, he was aggressive because you threw him under the bus,” she countered, blaming the ex-footballer.
Background of the Dispute
The row began during a Bushtucker Trial over camp stars, escalating after news of departures. Bullard explained he informed producers of his planned exit to secure his full ITV fee. Haye backed this, claiming viewers missed the full clash, fueling ongoing debate.
Hegerty dismissed their narrative. As Haye interjected, she snapped, “Shut up David!”
Contrast to 2018 Series
Reflecting on her jungle experience, Hegerty noted the difference. “The great thing about my year was that this never happened,” she said. “Just one moment when it looked like it might kick off, and then someone smoothed it over. That’s why we had the highest ratings ever.”
Unlike Hegerty’s series, highlighted by her autism discussions, the All Stars edition featured disputes and tension, marking one of the show’s most dramatic finales.
