Real reason I'm A Celebrity star Gemma Collins didn't leave the South Africa jungle
The TOWIE star survived 72 hours during her first attempt...Gemma Collins has left fans stunned after appearing to leave I’m A Celebrity South Africa in dramatic scenes tonight, (Friday, April 17) but she never actually quit!
The former TOWIE star, 45, has struggled throughout her time in the jungle, and it seems the pressure may have finally become too much.
Gemma threw her arms into the air before declaring: “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here… I’m done,” during tonight’s episode. The emotional moment unfolds as she breaks down in tears, covering her face with her hands and shaking her head, seemingly at the end of her tether.
But it turns out, it’s all part of a prank from mastermind and fellow campmate, Harry Redknapp! Gemma Collins was prepared to leave the I’m A Celebrity jungle though, so what happened?
Gemma Collins shouts I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here as she intends to leave camp
The camp had a busy day, first Mo won 10 stars during the Termite Terror Bushtucker Trial. Then the group had to compete in a challenge to see who could hold up a ball on a sea-saw.
Harry Redknapp walks into camp after dinner with a clipboard, revealing he was reading out a statement from the team. He told them all that they would have to compete in another trial, where they’d be locked in prison cells with creepy crawly inmates.
But the sound of doing another trial – and an enclosed space – terrified Gemma, who has claustrophobia.
“I’m a celebrity get me out of here!” she yelled.
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Her team members are gobsmacked and rush over to try to get her to stay. She is confident in her decision that she wants to leave. Many are dumbfounded and have no idea what is going on.
Harry then reveals that it was all made up! There is no more trials for today and he was winding the camp up for a giggle.
Gemma then gave a sigh of relief and hugged him as they camp fell about laughing. She said she would have been prepared to walk if she had to do another trial, and one that included being in such a small space.
It’s been a rough ride
Gemma’s jungle journey has been far from smooth, with tensions already bubbling between her and boxer David Haye. On top of that, she has repeatedly struggled with the demanding trials and harsh camp conditions.
In a recent episode, she was pushed to her limits during a terrifying crocodile-themed challenge. After being hit in the face with slime and bugs, Gemma initially stepped back, telling Scarlett they had already won.
Through tears, she said: “I did my best, I did my best.”
“I feel like you’re trying to kill me. You’re going to kill me. It’s not even funny. I feel like you’re definitely trying to kill me,” she added in a confessional.
Gemma has also admitted she’s found it hard to cope without her usual comforts, previously breaking down over not being able to wash properly or enjoy everyday luxuries.
When did Gemma Collins leave I’m A Celebrity?
Gemma Collins has been open about how determined she is to make a success of her return to I’m A Celebrity South Africa after quitting her original series after just three days.
However, despite vowing to redeem herself, the former TOWIE star has been finding camp life far from easy.
In a recent episode, Gemma became emotional as she broke down in tears while speaking to Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas. Struggling to cope, she admitted: “I don’t think I can take it,” before later opening up further in the Bush Telegraph.
“It’s been a difficult day and I don’t know why. And obviously, I’ve got close with Adam, so I just had to break down and let it all out,” she said.
Adam tried to reassure her, reminding Gemma that they were on “the long stretch now”.
“It’s just I can’t wash properly. I can’t have anything nice. I’ve got to wash up every five minutes,” she explained.
“I’m not used to this. I’m just so not used to this.”
Ahead of entering the jungle for a second time, Gemma had already shared her nerves, previously admitting she was “absolutely bricking it” before flying out to South Africa.
Gemma vs David
It comes after Gemma was reportedly snubbed in a comment from David Haye during Thursday’s episode. It sparked accusations of fat-shaming among viewers.
The moment unfolded in camp when David made a remark about Gemma’s eating habits, which didn’t go unnoticed by fans watching. While the comment may have been intended as light-hearted, many felt it crossed a line.
In the clip, Gemma says: “We all need to eat tonight,” as David jumped in to ask: “You need to eat tonight?”
She then said: “You know what I’m like without food.”
David then said: “Where were you last night and where was I last night? What did I eat last night?”
Gemma then chimed in to add: “You know what, sometimes eating a bit of humble pie makes us stronger and better as people.”
Viewers were quick to react on social media, with many calling out David’s behaviour. Some labelled the comment “unnecessary” and “uncomfortable,” while others defended the TOWIE star.
