Ashley Roberts reflects on ‘unhinged’ I’m A Celeb live final and says ‘I thought I was going to get smacked’ by ‘horrific’ male campmates during studio chaos

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Ashley Roberts admits she’s still processing her time on ‘I’m A Celebrity… South Africa,’ describing the show’s live final on Friday as chaotic and reminiscent of a dramatic episode of ‘The Jerry Springer Show.’

The singer, known as a Pussycat Doll, rejoined her fellow contestants for the show’s final episode. It was filmed live at London’s Apollo Theatre on Friday, after most of the season was filmed in September at Kruger National Park in South Africa.

She was stuck in the middle of a heated argument that flared up between Jimmy Bullard, a former footballer, and David Haye, a retired boxer, and it involved Adam Thomas, who ultimately won the competition.

It was completely chaotic! It felt like something you’d see on a sensational talk show, like Jerry Springer,” 44-year-old Roberts shared with Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston on Heart Radio Monday.

It was absolutely incredible, but also really chaotic. People were leaving, and there was a lot of frantic energy – people yelling, showing strong emotions, and even crying. Honestly, I’m still shaken up and haven’t fully recovered.

Everyone was eager to share their thoughts, but David Haye and Jimmy Bullard had a specific goal in mind when they arrived.

Let me tell you, things really heated up between Thomas and Bullard in camp! It all started when Bullard refused to take on a Bushtucker Trial, which put both of them in jeopardy since they were a team. Thomas felt like that almost led to his elimination, and honestly, it brought all that old tension bubbling back to the surface. It was a pretty tough moment for both of them, and definitely reignited a disagreement they’d been having.

Roberts found herself caught in the middle of a public argument, as Haye and Bullard teamed up to criticize the actor.

She remembered trying to avoid someone’s swinging arms near her face. She even thought she might get hit.

Everything was completely chaotic. It’s unfortunate, because even though Adam achieved legendary status, he couldn’t truly appreciate it due to all the surrounding drama.

He went through a difficult experience, and it’s a shame their conversation didn’t go well. They had a chance to talk things through calmly and resolve the issue, but it unfortunately turned into an argument with inappropriate behavior.

Holden said she was shocked and disgusted by what happened on Friday, calling the behavior of both Bullard and Haye “horrific and awful.”

It’s not the case with everyone, but with Adam Thomas, Harry Redknapp, and Craig Charles, there are individual issues happening.

Roberts explained that he was upset and hurt by how things unfolded, especially considering everything else happening in the world. He felt that everyone involved had gone through a difficult time and could have simply talked it through like mature adults.

It’s a television show meant to be enjoyable, and I was slightly let down by how the people involved acted.

Roberts also claimed Haye intentionally played up his tough persona while filming for ITV, suggesting it wasn’t genuine.

It really upset me to witness how those men were talking to each other – it wasn’t just anger I felt, but a deep sadness too. Seeing that interaction just got to me.

The world is already chaotic, and it seems like David was attempting to be entertaining by adopting a certain persona. However, I believe it genuinely upset Adam.

During Friday’s live episode of ‘I’m A Celebrity… South Africa,’ hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly attempted to calm tensions after disagreements between several campmates. David Haye and Jimmy Bullard argued with Tony Thomas, and Sinitta and Gemma Collins became so upset they walked off the set.

Shortly after, another show on ITV was disrupted when security removed a member of the audience from the Hammersmith Apollo in West London. Police arrested the woman and took her away in a police van.

But Roberts has disputed recent claims that Haye made amends with Thomas following Friday’s row.   

She said she didn’t recall that specific moment, but explained that David was overly encouraging, repeatedly telling the other person they were going to win. Adam didn’t appreciate this, possibly because of how intensely David was pushing him.

Adam wasn’t comfortable with the playful teasing happening amongst the group. Everyone reacts differently, and some people, unlike David, don’t handle that kind of back-and-forth easily. It seems to roll right off David, but it bothered Adam.

When asked if Thomas was bullied in South Africa, she explained that David and Adam engaged in some playful teasing that crossed the line. She believes this made Adam uncomfortable, and he did defend himself at one point.

The scene with Adam and Jimmy was very human. Considering everything, it’s understandable why Adam reacted so strongly, even if it wasn’t typical for him. He did feel bad afterwards and apologized, which shows his character.

The current season of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa has been filled with arguments and disagreements, including several instances of bullying between the celebrities.

Thomas spoke with Bullard on Friday following a heated argument where he reportedly used offensive language towards him. This happened after Bullard participated in a trial on ‘I’m a Celebrity,’ putting Adam at risk of elimination.

The actor had previously discussed being in therapy on his podcast, At Home With The Thomas Bros, and openly shared that his conflict with Haye deeply affected him.

He became very emotional and explained that the experience felt similar to being back in school, where someone was deliberately trying to upset and confuse him. While he didn’t want to label it as bullying, he felt mentally manipulated and distressed.

I regret not standing up for myself while I was there. Thinking about it now, that’s what bothered me the most.

Honestly, seeing him talk about it… it just gets me. He’s so right, you know? He’s completely different. He said it himself – the jungle changed him. It wasn’t just a little bit, either. He wasn’t even kidding when he said it wasn’t an exaggeration. It’s like a total transformation, and it’s amazing to watch him realize and admit it. He’s not the same guy who went in there, not at all!

I’m now seeing a therapist because this situation has really affected my mental health. I keep wondering how this could be happening – I’m a 37-year-old man, and I’m upset that I’m letting someone else have this kind of impact on me.

Haye hasn’t stopped criticizing Thomas, recently making a dig at him on social media and alleging he earned between £20,000 and £25,000 per day for being on the ITV show.

In the show’s finale, Bullard claimed that Thomas had been ‘abusive, aggressive, and intimidating’ during a heated argument with swearing that was filmed last year.

Haye also chimed in, after taking fresh swipes at Thomas earlier this week, reigniting their feud.

After the disturbing events, Thomas’s wife, Caroline, expressed her shock and stated that good people are ultimately rewarded, not overlooked.

What should have been a happy celebration quickly became a chaotic and unpleasant scene, like watching vultures descend on prey.

I was shocked by the awful behavior I witnessed on national television last night. It was completely inappropriate for what is meant to be a family-friendly and cheerful program.

That was absolutely not enjoyable, and it certainly wasn’t playful joking. As a wife, I’m devastated and will never forget the pain my husband endured while I had to watch it happen.

Despite feeling heartbroken, Adam managed to remain calm and found the strength to defend himself, yet again.

Congratulations, my dear! I’m so proud of you for staying true to who you are, and for winning not just the competition, but the affection of everyone watching.

You were a wonderful role model, demonstrating the qualities of a truly good person. You lived with grace, kindness, honesty, and a generous spirit – values all parents hope to instill in their children.

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2026-04-27 14:51