I’m a Celebrity… South Africa fans were left calling for Sinitta to be removed from the jungle after a tense and awkward exchange with Gemma Collins during Thursday’s show.
Thursday evening’s instalment delivered a tense confrontation when the singer challenged the reality TV star about her 2022 casting in the West End production of Chicago.
Ms Collins re-entered the South African jungle after only lasting three days during her original stint
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Sinitta questioned what had happened to the role, noting that Ms Collins had been announced as her successor to play Mama Morton.
Ms Collins explained she had withdrawn due to a serious injury and insurance complications, but Sinitta’s response left her stunned.
“I’m sorry, but I’m going to admit it, that when I heard, I thought it was a joke announcement,” Sinitta told her campmate.
The singer compared Ms Collins to Zsa Zsa Gabor, suggesting she was “more of a comedian” who makes “a great entrance” but doesn’t “really do anything.”
The singer was the second person voted out during her series
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The Towie star fired back firmly: “I don’t think you’d get cast as Mama Morton in Chicago if you didn’t pass the audition.”
Speaking in the Bush Telegraph afterwards, Ms Collins expressed her shock at the exchange, insisting she is not a joke.
Fellow campmates watched the awkward scene unfold, with Scarlett Moffatt retreating to her hammock and silently mouthing to comedian Seann Walsh, “What is happening?”
Viewers also felt awkward after the conversation and swiftly took to X to express their displeasure at Sinitta’s remarks.
Fans backed Ms Collins after the awkward remarks from Sinitta
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“How rude of Sinitta!” declared one viewer, whilst another demanded: “Get Sinitta and David Haye OUT.”
Several fans speculated about the singer’s motivations, with one suggesting: “I think Sinitta feels a bit threatened by the possibility of loss of screen time since Gemma Collins joined main camp.”
Others questioned the pop star’s attitude, with one writing: “Sinitta thinking she’s better than Gemma Collins… as it!,” and another asking: “Sinitta calling the GC a joke?? Like really?? Ger her out!” (sic)
The Sinitta clash was not Ms Collins’ first conflict since arriving in the jungle.
During Wednesday’s episode, the Towie star became embroiled in a dispute with boxer David Haye after he refused to let her drink water during an eating trial.
Ms Collins vented her frustration to former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas, declaring: “I just can’t get over that David Haye – instead of thinking, ‘go on girl’ – actually refused me water. That’s evil.”
Mr Thomas attempted to calm the situation, advising her not to dwell on it whilst acknowledging that Mr Haye’s competitive background as a fighter meant his approach differed from theirs.
The former heavyweight champion had already found himself at odds with Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard, who later warned him he had received “some stick” for his competitive nature.
The Towie star was put through the wringer before she even entered the camp
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The drama surrounding Ms Collins had already ignited viewer frustration during Wednesday night’s broadcast, when audiences watched her lose an eating challenge against former Coronation Street actor Craig Charles.
After being sent to the basic Savannah Scrub camp, Ms Collins made no attempt to hide her displeasure with the conditions.
“This is so bad. I want someone to call my agent if they’re listening because this is not acceptable!” she complained whilst lying on her wooden bed.
When questioned about whether she regretted returning to the show, she admitted: “Yeah. What have I done in my life to deserve this?”
Viewers were unforgiving in their assessment, with one fuming: “Nothing worse than someone going on I’m a Celebrity and moaning the whole time.”
Another pointed out: “Is Gemma forgetting that she signed up for this?” (sic)
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