Despite frustrating I'm A Celeb fans during his time in camp, this year's contestants were utterly devastated by the departure of James Haskell from camp.

Advertisement

The former England rugby player was voted out of camp last night, after viewers turned on him following some bickering with Andrew Maxwell, a handful of grumpy moments, and a disability joke which caused Ofcom complaints.

The mood in camp couldn't have been more different however, as residents were absolutely gutted to see him go, some even reduced to tears.

Soap star Jacqueline Jossa sobbed: “He was definitely one of my favourite people in here, I felt like I had a big brother in here, it was so nice.”

Reality superstar Caitlyn Jenner said: "Sad, it's terribly sad. He was kind of the rock of the camp."

But the campmate hit hardest was Capital Radio DJ Roman Kemp, who broke down crying after seeing Haskell leave.

He confided in his fellow contestants: “He was someone that I spoke to, I feel I don’t have that person now.”

In the Bush Telegraph, Roman continued: “I had a real moment when James left because I realised I’d made a really good friend, it was a happy moment but also a sad one..”

Former Arsenal footballer Ian Wright was also close with Haskell, with the pair accused of "bullying" comedian Andrew Maxwell earlier in the series, claims that Maxwell himself has denied.

He said: “James leaving has ripped the heart out of the camp, he’s supported every person in the camp and it’s a devastating blow and he’s left a void that won’t be filled.”

The flood of emotions that came pouring out of camp over James' eviction made some viewers self-conscious about their decision, wondering if perhaps the editing of I'm A Celeb had done Haskell a disservice.

Of course, some people weren't so worried...

Advertisement

I'm A Celebrity continues all week at 9pm on ITV.

Authors

David Craig
David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement