Featured Image Credit: ITV
Topics: Im A Celebrity, Reality TV, Celebrity, TV And Film
Jen Thomas
I'm A Celebrity viewers were left shocked when former footballer Jimmy Bullard made an allegation against eventual winner Adam Thomas during the reunion show.
The argument between the pair has been continuing, ever since they clashed in the jungle.
Despite the controversy, Thomas was crowned the winner of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa in front of a live studio audience on Friday (24 April).
The two 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.
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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***’.
“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 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 spokesman 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.
"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."