A late-stage twist had campmates choosing exits, resulting in Gemma Collins and David Haye leaving together and prompting online backlash
The latest instalment of I’m a Celebrity… South Africa ended in an unexpected double exit, with Gemma Collins and David Haye told to pack up and leave camp in a sequence that surprised both the participants and viewers. The decision came during a pre-arranged camp vote rather than a public poll, a structure that has been in place for this special all-stars edition.
The dramatic nature of the elimination and the immediate reactions on social platforms turned the episode into a talking point, with many fans expressing disappointment that a marquee name had been removed so early.
How the twist played out in camp
The elimination unfolded through a chain of in-camp saves led by the celebrities themselves. After a series of choices began, Ashley James elected to save Scarlett Moffatt, who then continued the process by selecting another campmate to remain. This led to a narrowing field until only a handful were left.
At one point camp dynamics were altered by a separate save when Beverley Callard opted to protect Sinitta, which meant the boxer faced an exit. Organisers ran this as part of the show’s internal nomination structure, with presenters revealing the consequences as the sequence progressed.
David Haye’s unexpected choice and Gemma’s reaction
When the presenters announced that one of the remaining celebrities would have to choose a companion to leave with them, the spotlight fell on David Haye. under pressure, he indicated he would select someone who was willing to go and picked Gemma Collins. According to accounts from the camp, Gemma accepted the decision without resistance and prepared to depart. The pair left immediately, which contrasted with the usual viewer-led eliminations in other series. The moment underscored the difference created by the show’s production choices this season, as contestants themselves carried significant power over who stayed or went.
Immediate audience reaction
Viewers reacted swiftly on social platforms, with many expressing frustration at the loss of Gemma’s presence. Comments ranged from bemusement at the format to sentiments that the show lost some of its entertainment value. Phrases praising Gemma’s recent performances and suggesting she might have been a strong contender circulated widely, while others questioned whether they would continue watching. The emotional intensity of the responses highlighted how invested audiences are in particular personalities within the all-stars cast and how eliminations shaped by campmate votes can polarise the fanbase.
Context: pre-recorded format and camp divisions
This edition of the programme is distinct from the live Australian series in that it was pre-recorded, a choice that changes how eliminations and trials are resolved. The series split participants into two groups: the Lions, featuring names such as Ashley Roberts, Scarlett Moffatt, Seann Walsh, Mo Farah, David Haye, and Harry Redknapp; and the Rhinos, which included Gemma Collins, Adam Thomas, Beverley Callard, Sinitta, Craig Charles, and Jimmy Bullard. The altered production approach meant that viewers did not vote in real time for trials or exits, so the campmates’ internal decisions determined several departures.
Who has left and what remains
Before the double exit, Seann Walsh was the first campmate to leave after being selected by his camp leader, Harry Redknapp. Despite that departure, a core group remains in contention as the series moves toward its finale. The show has confirmed that episodes were filmed earlier and that the climax is scheduled for a broadcast final on 24 April 2026. With that date approaching, more eliminations and strategic choices by the celebrities are expected to shape the closing episodes.
What the exit means for the series’ momentum
Removing two high-profile personalities in quick succession has immediate implications for the show’s narrative and viewer engagement. On one hand, the surprise nature of the decision adds unpredictability and fuels conversation; on the other, losing a crowd favourite can fracture audience enthusiasm. Producers and fans will now watch how remaining contestants adapt to the shifting cast. As the series progresses toward the final on 24 April 2026, the balance between drama driven by trials and drama driven by in-camp decisions will likely define viewer sentiment and the ultimate winner’s story.
I’m a Celebrity… South Africa airs nightly on ITV1, and with the end in sight, both makers and viewers are braced for more twists that could reshape the competition before the final curtain.
