Is this the most disastrous series of I’m A Celebrity EVER? As Jamie Lynn Spears sensationally quits after days of tears and turmoil – how the ITV show has been plagued with woes from surprise exits to trial flops

• READ MORE: Meet the 2023 I’m A Celeb campmates

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! 2023 has been tipped as one of the most disastrous in the show’s 23-year history, after being plagued with shock exits, rows and drama.

The most recent blow came in the form of Jamie Lynn Spears’ decision to quit the show on Wednesday, just two days after Grace Dent pulled out on ‘medical grounds.’

ITV has been plunged into chaos by the exits, with insiders at the channel saying that they are ‘struggling to keep up with the drama’.

It comes after this series was already plunged into controversy following the signing of politician Nigel Farage for a reported £1.5 million fee.

So, as viewers question whether their annual trip to the I’m A Celebrity jungle could be saved, MailOnline takes a look-back at all the woes that have plagued the once-beloved show.

Jamie Lynn Spears quits after days of tears

Jamie Lynn Spears dramatically exited the show on ‘medical grounds’ after having a difficult time in the camp

The sister of pop icon Britney, 32, had a very emotional time in camp and has frequently been filmed in floods of tears over the difficult conditions and missing her family

Jamie Lynn Spears dramatically exited the show on ‘medical grounds’ after having a difficult time in the camp. 

The sister of pop icon Britney, 32, had a very emotional time in camp and has frequently been filmed in floods of tears over the difficult conditions and missing her family back home.

A show spokesperson said: ‘Jamie Lynn Spears has left I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! on medical grounds.

‘She’s been a fantastic campmate who has triumphed at trials and bonded well with her fellow celebrities.’

Jamie has spoken about Britney several times on the show giving an insight into their complicated relationship and upbringing.

Viewers were shocked to hear of her departure, with some believing ‘she was one of the best in there’ out of the campmates.

Jamie Lynn’s departure marked the first time in the show’s 23-series history that two contestants left on medical grounds as she followed her campmate Grace Dent. 

Insiders claimed staff on the programme ‘aren’t sleeping’ due to the stress.

While questions will be raised over what has changed this year, one anonymous source insisted the producers carried out stringent psychiatric tests on the participants before they joined and blamed the problems on ‘bad luck’.

Grace Dent’s shocking exit

Grace Dent quit I’m A Celebrity after ‘losing all her energy’ in camp and reaching breaking point as she faced the prospect of doing another Bushtucker Trial 

Concern: Fans claimed they didn’t even recognise the usual bubbly and glam MasterChef star due to her ‘unwell appearance’ (pictured left on the show and right on MasterChef in 2021)

Grace Dent quit I’m A Celebrity after ‘losing all her energy’ in camp and reaching breaking point as she faced the prospect of doing another Bushtucker Trial. 

The food critic, 50, had sparked concerns among viewers with her ‘unwell’ appearance, with a show spokesperson confirming that Grace left the jungle on ‘medical grounds’ after just eight days in the jungle. 

An insider has since revealed to MailOnline that the decision to leave was mutually decided between Grace and show bosses, who had intervened after seeing her visible deterioration in camp.  

A source close to the MasterChef star revealed: ‘Grace decided to leave the jungle soon after it was announced that she would be doing the latest Bushtucker Trial.

‘Knowing that she would be facing another tough challenge was the straw that broke the camel’s back.’

They continued: ‘It was mutually agreed upon that she would stand down from the competition, it was clear that she wasn’t being herself, she had lost all energy when usually she’s witty and fun to be around.

‘ITV’s duty of care and welfare teams had stepped in, and rightly so.

‘She had struggled since living in the camp with less amenities, the weather this year has been particularly miserable and as a restaurant critic, not eating well proved to be harder than she could have ever imagined.

‘Grace is looking forward to seeing her loved ones now and after a few days of rest and recovery will be fine.’

Grace has struggled since kicking off her journey filming the Pole Position trial on Friday, November 24 and last week threatened to quit the show.

ITV confirmed her departure on Monday with a statement that read: ‘Unfortunately Grace Dent has left the show on medical grounds. She has been a great campmate and will be missed by her fellow celebrities and viewers alike.’

Nella Rose’s medical scare

On Tuesday, influencer Nella was removed from camp to be treated by on-site medics, sparking fears she’d also quit the show

Insiders have now confirmed she sought treatment for a ‘physical medical emergency,’ with the timing deemed ‘unfortunate’

On Tuesday, influencer Nella was removed from camp to be treated by on-site medics, sparking fears she’d also quit the show.

Insiders have now confirmed she sought treatment for a ‘physical medical emergency,’ with the timing deemed ‘unfortunate’ as she had to be seen urgently during the live segment of the show.  

The emergency was not linked to any injury sustained in a trial. Just hours before her removal from camp, the social media star was tended to by animal handlers after a snake wrapped itself around her during her latest trial.

A source has told The Sun: ‘It was unfortunate timing that Nella had to be taken out of camp just before the live scenes.’

‘She had to be seen by the team with a physical, medical emergency but it was dealt with swiftly.

‘Nella has had a rough time so far but she is a tough cookie and will be back smiling and laughing with the other campmates in no time – this wasn’t anything to do with her mental health.’

An ITV spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline that Nella has since rejoined the camp after her visit to the medic on Wednesday morning, Australian time.  

‘During last night’s live broadcast, Nella Rose required medical treatment on site and was deemed unable to take part in the trial. Nella has since rejoined camp,’ they confirmed. 

Nella was noticeably absent in Tuesday night’s live segment of the show which was filmed between 7am and 8am on Wednesday morning in Australia.

Earlier in the episode, the public voted Nella in for her sixth Bushtucker Trial alongside the champion jockey Frankie Dettori  but viewers claimed they missed out on winning any stars because of how slow Nella was.

Nigel Farage’s £1.5 million signing sparks huge backlash 

Nigel was considered a controversial signing not just for his political views but because he’s said to have secured the biggest I’m A Celeb pay cheque ever at £1.5million

I’m A Celebrity has also reportedly been hit by a behind-the-scenes row over Nigel’s airtime on the show, after he flashed his bare bottom in the shower

The former UKIP leader was also ridiculed by fans during Wednesday’s show after failing to win a single star in the Bushtucker Trial

Nigel was considered a controversial signing not just for his political views but because he’s said to have secured the biggest I’m A Celeb pay cheque ever at £1.5million.  

His controversial political views have changed the face of Britain and divided the nation with some hailing him a ‘hero’ and others branding him ‘toxic scum’.

The former Ukip leader and Brexit Party founder will be paid a staggering £1.5million for his time in the jungle, where he will be forced to eat testicles as part of a series of Bushtucker Trials.

He admitted he’s joined I’m A Celeb in a bid to change the public’s perception of him and prove he isn’t ‘nasty’ and a ‘little Englander’.

Nigel’s army of fans were left irate after he was immediately the butt of a series of Brexit-related jokes on the first night of I’m A Celebrity.

ITV viewers have also laid into Ant and Dec after they gleefully made a ‘far right’ joke within minutes of the show starting.

Following some viewers declaring they would boycott the show due to the former Brexit leaders appearance Dec, 48, said: ‘The man who had got everyone talking, Nigel Farage.

‘Now, Nigel is not just known for his controversial political career, he’s also got his own show on GB news.

‘Of course he won’t be presenting that show over the next three weeks, so we’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to all of GB News viewers.’ 

Ant quipped: ‘Sorry Keith, Sorry Linda’ – to roars of laughter from their crew. 

Meanwhile, ITV bosses are also furious with Nigel’s team complained to the channel after he was seen nude in the shower.

They claim the network has broken an ‘indecency’ clause in his contract. They are also whinging that the producers are left wing.

One ITV insider said: ‘It is becoming really tiring and annoying now.’ 

The politician sent viewers into a frenzy when he accidentally flashed his bare bottom to campmate Josie Gibson in the jungle shower. 

Josie was left in hysterics as she was confronted by Nigel’s bare bottom within hours of meeting him.

The former UKIP leader was also ridiculed by fans during Wednesday’s show after failing to win a single star in the Bushtucker Trial, despite openly pleading with viewers to vote for him in a bid to boost his airtime.

Several viewers took to X/Twitter to poke fun at the fomer UKIP leader for quitting after saying how he really wanted to do more trials.

One viewer wrote: ‘Nigel said I’m a celebrity get me out of here after a week of straight up begging to do the trials.’

Another fan wrote: ‘Nigel begging a whole week to do a trial. Also Nigel: Gives up on his trial.

A third added: ‘LMAO Nigel getting 0 stars and calling I’m A Celeb even after begging for the screentime of a trial is hilarious.’

Torrential rain leaves the camp in misery

This year’s I’m A Celebrity camp has been plagued by over a week of heavy rain and poor weather, causing misery in the camp

Many I’m A Celebrity stars hope that a trip to Australia will mean a break from Britain’s freezing November weather.

However, this year has been far from the case, as the camp has been plagued by over a week of heavy rain and poor weather, causing misery in the camp.

A source spilled: ‘The weather in the jungle this year has been terrible. The campmates have had barely one full day of sunshine and have had to contend with endless rain which has only made the already gruelling living conditions worse.’

‘The weather has really affected the mood in camp. Everyone is miserable and wanting to leave.’

‘The forecast predicts more sunshine next week so hopefully that will make everyone happier and give them all a boost.’ 

The camp was hit by thunderstorms before the celebs entered ten days ago, with the rain not letting up since. 

Celebrities are partly sheltered from downpours by a retractable white canopy that hangs above the main camp, Radio One DJ Chris Moyles revealed last year.

When the weather turns torrential, it stops the campmates from getting rained on directly and protects the fire from being put out – but celebrities are still at risk of getting soaked if they sleep in the hammocks on the edge of camp. 

Tensions rise in the camp

I’m A Celebrity is no stranger to drama, but this year’s camp has been flooded with tensions, no doubt heightened by stars’ poor performance in the trials.

Nella Rose previously admitted she felt ‘disrespected’ by Fred Sirieix after he joked that he could be ‘like her dad,’ hours after she shared that her father had passed away

I’m A Celebrity is no stranger to drama, but this year’s camp has been flooded with tensions, no doubt heightened by stars’ poor performance in the trials.

The group have been left hungry after Nella Rose and Frankie Dettori failed to win any meals for camp in the latest trial. 

The show’s producers are now worried more campmates may sensationally quit the jungle. 

A source told The Sun: ‘Nella and Frankie’s trial fell flat. No coins or stars. What’s worse backstage is it was a two-month build to create that set and it’s resulted in a s*** trial.

‘Her going back empty handed – and this awful weather – have left a real sense of misery.’ 

Nella has also been involved in several fiery clashes with her fellow campmates, including Fred Sirieix and Nigel, which have sparked 2,000 complaints to media watchdog Ofcom.

The social media star admitted she felt ‘disrespected’ by the First Dates star after he joked that he could be ‘like her dad,’ hours after she candidly shared that her father had passed away.

While Nella attempted to avoid Fred following the exchange, she later explained that was irked by his comment, and suggested that they keep their distance in the camp moving forward.

During her clash with Nigel, which aired on November 22, Nella claimed that black people ‘don’t like’ the ex-UKIP leader, 59. 

She said that he is also ‘anti-immigrant’ and ‘wants all them gone’. 

She added: ‘I’m one of them’ – a nod to her birth in Belgium to Congolese parents before arriving in the UK in 2009.

Nigel then asked her: ‘Who told you that?’, to which Nella replied: ‘The internet’. He exclaimed: ‘Oh, well there we are then it must be true’. Nella then said: ‘It must be! OK, but then why don’t black people like you?’

‘If you came with me through South London, you’d be astonished’, Nigel hit back.

Just days later Nigel and Nella had another tense exchange over a discussion over Jamaicans pronouncing ‘water’ as ‘wata’ – after Jamie Lynn began to ask questions. 

Nigel was quick to get involved, telling Fred: ‘If you said that, they’d call it cultural appropriation, Fred.’

The conversation soon broadened out into a general discussion over cultural appropriation, which ended with Nella branding Nigel as ‘ignorant’ and ‘deluded’, before refusing to speak to him as her trial approached. 

Ratings take a tumble

While bosses hoped that Nigel Farage’s signing would boost viewership, this year’s series has been the least-watched for many years

While bosses hoped that Nigel Farage’s signing would boost viewership, this year’s series has been the least-watched for many years.

The show launch was 2.2million down on the previous year and figures have continued to dwindle over the past week.

According to Overnights.TV the second episode of the series, only brought in an average of 6.1m viewers.

Wednesday’s episode, the first to air after Jamie Lynn’s exit, pulled in an average of just 5.4 million viewers, while Monday’s following Grace’s departure drew in just over 6 million viewers.

In 2022, the I’m A Celebrity…  launch got an audience of over 10 million people at its peak  – up two million from the previous year.

That was despite former health secretary, Matt Hancock being paid £400k to join the line-up, donating 3% of that fee to charity. 

I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates

NIGEL FARAGE

Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party  and leader of the Brexit Party.

Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty. 

Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news. 

Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore. 

Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields 

DANIELLE HAROLD

Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.

Phobias: Rats. I hate them! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in. 

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too! 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either. 

Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.

FRED SIRIEIX

Claim to fame: First Dates star.

Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp. 

Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning. 

Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient! 

Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.

NELLA ROSE

Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star. 

Phobias: I am fearful of everything! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book. 

Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it! 

Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele. 

NICK PICKARD

Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star. 

Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character. 

Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts. 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop! 

Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock. 

FRANKIE DETTORI

Claim to fame: Champion Jockey

Phobias: I am not sure as I don’t walk across rooftop planks in the middle of the day nor do I have any snakes or rats in the house!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: None. I’ve lived in the public domain for as long as I can remember so I’d hope everyone knows me well.

Role in camp: To have fun with everyone, I am a happy-go- lucky person.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? Travelling. I have spent my whole life at airports and I’ve got to like it!

Best & worst attributes: I am outgoing and I am a fighter. Worst? I can’t sit still and I am impatient.

Dream camper: Robbie Williams would be fun.

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS – LEFT!

Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.

 Phobias: I am scared of everything.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.

Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone. 

Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed. 

Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot. 

Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.

SAM THOMPSON

Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter. 

Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck. 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!

Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming. 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things. 

Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle! 

JOSIE GIBSON

Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.

Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information! 

Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on! 

Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry. 

Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her. 

MARVIN HUMES

Claim to fame: JLS star.

Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me. 

Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too. 

Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food. 

Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.

GRACE DENT – LEFT!

Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic. 

Phobias: Horrible people. 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this. 

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour. 

Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep. 

Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour! 

TONY BELLEW

Claim to fame: Former champion boxer

Phobias: Like most normal people, I am scared of almost everything.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People will portray me as something I am not because of the profession I have had. I am just a normal person.

Role in camp: I’d like to think I am domesticated so hopefully I can help out.

Best & worst attributes: I do get hangry…who doesn’t! But I am easy going and I get on with everyone.

 

 

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