I’m a Celebrity… South Africa Season 2 Sparks Frustration Among Viewers
The second season of I’m a Celebrity… South Africa has already sparked a wave of criticism from viewers, who have described one of the returning stars as “insufferable” and “annoying.” The spin-off series has brought back a fresh batch of former contestants to the jungle, giving them a chance to be crowned the second-ever ‘Legend’ of the show. In tonight’s episode, the celebrities arrived in South Africa and took part in their first trials, splitting into two teams to compete against each other while avoiding being sent to a remote camp with limited facilities.
Among this year’s contestants are Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, Emmerdale’s Adam Thomas, Coronation Street icon Beverley Callard, and professional boxer David Haye. 
David Haye has already caused controversy by taking over decision-making duties when selecting team members and later banishing them to the secondary camp. Despite Adam and Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts being named team captains, David’s actions have divided opinions. After his team won a challenge and had the opportunity to send a member of the rival team to the secluded camp, he chose Beverley, stating, “It’s survival. We’ve got to eat.” He also suggested she would not perform well in challenges, which annoyed Beverley. She retorted, “You are going to pay for that decision.”
Later in the remote camp, Beverley confided in fellow soap star Adam that she had considered “chinning” the sports icon due to his comments and general demeanor during the task. She wasn’t the only one upset by David’s behavior, as several viewers took to social media to express their frustration.
One user wrote on X: “What has David Haye got against women over 60 may I ask?” Another added, “A third posted: ‘Oomfg can this David pure shut up tryna be in charge all the time, oh my goddddd.’” Some viewers said they needed him to “go home first,” while others branded the star “annoying” and “insufferable.”
“I didn’t like David’s attitude the first time round, he’s not doing much to change my opinion this time round so far!” one person wrote. Another said: “David is very lucky it’s not public vote cos he’d be gone first. Out to make enemies with everyone & it’s not a good look.”
David first appeared on I’m a Celebrity in 2012, coming in third place. His season was won by Charlie Brooks, with Ashley coming in second place. Other castmates in the spin-off series include Harry Redknapp, Jimmy Bullard, Sir Mo Farah, Seann Walsh, and Sinitta.
ITV has confirmed that the next latecomer contestants in the series will be TOWIE star Gemma Collins and Red Dwarf legend Craig Charles. I’m a Celebrity… South Africa season 2 premiered tonight (6 April) on ITV1 and ITVX, with I’m a Celebrity… Unpacked airing afterwards on ITV2 and ITVX, hosted by Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers.
The new edition of Living Legends, a 100-page all-colour celebration of Harry Styles, is here! Buy Harry Styles in newsagents or online.
