I’m A Celeb’s Jimmy Bullard allegedly said four-word phrase repeatedly during live final for one reason
Topics: Im A Celebrity, Reality TV, Celebrity, TV And Film
Jen Thomas
Featured Image Credit: ITV
Topics: Im A Celebrity, Reality TV, Celebrity, TV And Film
An insider has revealed another twist after Jimmy Bullard went head-to-head with Ant and Dec in last week's chaotic I'm a Celebrity live final.
Former footballer Bullard accused eventual winner Adam Thomas of crossing a line when they clashed in the jungle, and said ITV had taken a 'liberty' by cutting out some of the foul language Thomas used, which Ant and Dec insisted was 'unbroadcastable'.
Jimmy and Adam exchanged heated words when Bullard, 47, didn't want to take part in a challenge he was paired up for with Thomas, 37, and tried to call time on it.
Doing so meant that Thomas also would have been sent home from the reality TV show, and the tension blew up, with Thomas asking Bullard if he was ‘taking the p***’.
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“What’s up with you bro? If you wanted to go, go. Don’t take me with you. Go home in camp, don’t do it on my f***ing watch," he fumed.
During the I'm A Celeb reunion, ex-Premier League star Bullard made some serious accusations and allegations about the row with Thomas, and repeatedly claimed that the actor was ‘abusive, aggressive, and intimidating’.
According to The Sun, Bullard repeated the phrase nine times throughout the reunion show, and the exact language he used is important.
The outlet reports that the phrase ‘abusive, aggressive, and intimidating’ appears in the contract wording that all of the celebs sign, regarding unacceptable behaviour.
The Sun also quotes a source who alleges that Bullard's repetition of the word could be to build a legal case against Thomas and the TV broadcaster, after he had reportedly sought legal advice.
“Proving that Adam’s behaviour was abusive, aggressive and intimidating is the key to Jimmy’s legal case against ITV because that behaviour is in breach of the contract,” they said.
“Jimmy didn’t only repeat that phrase, he also built up on-air evidence of other campmates agreeing that Adam crossed that line.
“At one point he had his phone out to check notes but no one is sure whether he was also recording chatter between the cast. Insiders say it’s clear from his conduct that a case is being built and that the channel is braced for it after the way he monopolised his moment.”
An ITV spokesperson said of the latest series: “We showed an accurate and fair representation of events.”
The ex-Wigan and Hull player also alleged that Thomas had thrown 'C-bombs' at him and and accused ITV of editing and cutting them out.
“Adam and all of you can be upset with me. And I absolutely threw him under the bus, I get it, I’ll wear that. But what I don’t stand for is someone being abusive, aggressive, and intimidating. You didn’t show none of the C-bombs, that’s a liberty!”
Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly replied saying that the alleged C-bombs and language were not aired because they were ‘unbroadcastable’.
Bullard turned to the other campmates and asked repeatedly, “Was it abusive and aggressive?” before Sinitta stood up and said: “Enough, enough, I was there and it was aggressive and abusive.”
She went on to tell The Sun on Sunday that Waterloo Road star Thomas was repeatedly ‘screaming F bombs and C bombs’ in an ‘explosive way’, which was ‘abusive and aggressive’.
Ahead of the live final, Thomas shared his side of the story on social media.
He said: “I’ve seen some comments going around about things that some of my fellow campmates said during the row between me and Jimmy, and I just want to make one thing clear, I completely stand by them.
“Not everything was shown, and honestly, a lot of it probably couldn’t be aired anyway, I’ll hold my hands up to that. So I understand where they were coming from, and I respect their honesty.
“It’s genuinely disappointing to see any negativity directed their way because they don’t deserve it. They are some of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
"Being in the final alongside them is a real honour. I’ve got nothing but respect for these people, and if anyone deserves to win this, it’s them. They have my vote.”
Sinitta, who walked off during Friday’s explosive final, also shared a statement on social media where she explained that she ‘really wished everyone had been given a proper chance to speak’ so it ‘didn’t end up feeling hectic'.
She continued: “Before I walked out, all I wanted to say was this: I hate that people are being called bullies and that there’s bad blood between us. I had a wonderful time with everyone, despite one difficult incident, and I truly hope we can hold on to the life lessons and the incredible experience we shared together. I adore them all.’
“I also feel that the word ‘bully’ is a very serious accusation. It’s something I don’t believe should be used lightly. There are too many truly bad people in the world already, and it’s dangerous to label good people in that way.
“Adam apologised, and I thought that was a very grown-up thing to do. I also believe friendships and banter can sometimes be misunderstood when viewed from the outside. I simply ask people to try and see both sides.
“I also want to say clearly: I am not a bully either.”
The former football manager addressed the chaos while speaking to TalkSport, joking he thought he’d ‘gone to the wrong show’.
Redknapp continued: “I thought it was The Jeremy Kyle Show. I’ve never seen so much aggravation.
“I thought I’m in the wrong studio here. All the crowd is shouting and things.
“Oh, it was a nightmare. I thought, you know, I’m not a celebrity… get me out of here. That’s what I was going to say.”
He added: “This wasn’t strong banter compared to what you’ve had in dressing rooms over the years. You just get on with it, don’t you?
“It all got out of hand. You know, people couldn’t take a bit of banter and it became a big issue.”
After walking off the set during the I’m A Celeb episode, the GC, who came to Thomas’ defence, took to Instagram to say: “What a show up !!! Absolutely disgusted with jimmy and David’s behavior the biggest show up in tv history !!! What an EMBARRASSMENT ! To all the [sic] took part in the show it was a discredit to the production crew cast Ant and Dec biggest disrespect ever !!!
“Last night was meant to be a celebration instead it was very upsetting !! X Let’s hope Adam will find some energy to absorb his victory ! X.”
She also penned an Instagram Story which read: “Jimmy Bullard and David Haye should be absolutely DISGUSTED WITH THEMSELVES.”
During an appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Unpacked Live after the final, the Pussycat Dolls star said: "I hope Adam enjoys it, I think he's been through so much, and I just hope that he can take a second, because I feel like he doesn't feel like he maybe deserves it because he's won."
2016’s Queen of the Jungle also came to Thomas’ defence, telling Unpacked hosts Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers: “He does deserve it. It was hard in there, and he was amazing, and he was a friend to us all.
“It is really disheartening that he didn’t get to have that moment of glory.”
The comedian appeared to make light of the drama in a video he shared on Instagram.
In the clip, Walsh joked: "Bit of a mad one last night. Not as smooth as we would have liked. But that's what rehearsals are for, to iron out a few of the creases. Everything should be ok, see you tonight on ITV. What could go wrong?"