I'm A Celebrity's Fred slams Farage in second heated clash as he reignites row

26 November 2023 , 22:48

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I'm A Celebrity's Fred slams Farage in second heated clash as he reignites row

I’m A Celebrity star Fred Sirieix let rip at Nigel Farage in Sunday's visit to the jungle, telling him: "You've really created a big mess" and "you've ruined the economy".

As the camp was preparing dinner, Farage told a story about standing for election saying when he first started, he "didn't care if anyone voted". Fred was quick to call him out, saying: "The thing is Nigel, you destroyed the economy."

Farage didn't agree and responded: "That is absolute b***ocks. Have a look at the German economy and the French economy." Fred hit back: "One thing they said during the Brexit vote is we're gonna get £350 million a week that we can redirect to the NHS and build new hospitals and have free care and all that, it never happened."

As Farage responded: "Spending has gone up £500 million," boxer Tony Bellew then joined in asking: "So why are we struggling with hospitals then?" Farage said: "Well we have exploded, well, for lots of reasons."

Minutes later Fred said: "You have really created a big mess Nigel." Farage hit back: "If you believe in democracy and independence, Fred, it is the liberation."

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I'm A Celebrity 2023 star Fred Sirieix was quick to take aim at Nigel Farage (ITV)

The row rumbled on with Farage calling out Fred in the Bush Telegraph, as Fred refused to let things drop. This is the second time Fred and Farage have clashed in camp. On the second night Fred told Farage his Brexit campaign was "shameful".

It comes amid reports that the show's ratings have continued to fall since the launch last week, after the opening night’s ratings decreased by millions compared to the 2022 series. It was revealed that this was partly due to an audience boycott due to Farage’s inclusion in the series.

And now, it appears that viewing figures have plummeted once again as a further 1.3 million people have turned off the series, in comparison to Monday’s episode. The show launch was already down by 2.2 million viewers compared to the previous year, while viewing figures have continued to drop this week.

I’m A Celebrity star Fred Sirieix let rip at Nigel Farage in Sunday's visit to the jungle (ITV)

This Saturday’s episode - which was aired at the later time of 9.30pm after losing its usual slot - was viewed by 5.5 million people. On average, 4.8 million viewers tuned into the celebrity competition series, which was over 1 million less than Monday night’s score of 6.1 million.

Last week saw former UKIP party leader Farage being faced with an eating trial, in which he was forced to gorge on a four-penis pizza, camel udders and a cow teat in order to win stars - which mean meals - for his campmates. The politician has been reported to earn an unfathomable £1.5million to appear on the series, which would be the biggest celebrity payout.

Despite the backlash from his appearance on the series, it has also emerged that the Brexit campaigner could be set to release a pin-up calendar.

I’m A Celebrity 2023 airs every night at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , and .

Mark Jefferies at the I'm A Celeb camp