Ant and Dec told 'shame on you' by raging I'm A Celeb fans after backstage video

27 November 2023 , 16:00

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I'm A Celebrity fans are not happy with Ant and Dec (Image: Twitter/@antanddec)

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly left fans unimpressed as they shared a glimpse of their backstage antics on I'm A Celebrity.

It's been a dramatic first week on the hit ITV show, with restaurant critic Grace Dent quitting the show today after fans expressed concern for her welfare. Nella Rose has also sparked controversy with her clashes with campmates Fred Sirieix, Nigel Farage and Sam Thompson, but it was Farage's appearance on the programme for a rumoured £1.5million that has caused headaches for ITV bosses.

Millions of viewers switched off amid a boycott over the GB News presenter's appearance on the show during the launch, with viewership continuing to drop as the week has gone on. The first show of the 2023 season of ITV's I'm A Celeb, featuring Farage being gunked during a challenge in the outback 2000 miles from camp, pulled in a peak audience of 7.8million and an average of 7million. This was down from a peak 10million and average 9.1million in 2022.

But Ant and Dec certainly haven't escaped the heat from furious fans, who have lashed out at the usually beloved Geordie duo for giving the thumbs up for Farage to appear on the show. Last year fans were unhappy former Health Secretary Matt Hancock was on the show, and for some it seems Farage is the final straw. When told that some people might not watch the new series because of his inclusion, Farage told the Mirror previously he expected to help ITV get MORE viewers by bringing his own supporters to the show for the first time.

Sharing an innocent clip of what it was like behind the scenes on their X – formerly Twitter – page, Ant and Dec wrote: "If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from #JungleClub week one, it’s don’t forget to boil ya water #ImACeleb."

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But the post provoked more anger than expected, with fans raging in the comments. One tweeted: "Have always liked you but allowing someone who has lied to the public and stoked racism to career wash himself on your show is irresponsible and disgusting. Reducing every single thing only to its entertainment value is why we’re in a mess, It’s gross & damaging. Shame on you."

While another sarcastically seethed: "The uk will be a more divided and hateful place after this series. Well done lads I hope you made your bag." A third raged: "Sorry @antanddec not watching a show that dresses up Farage as comedy while paying him the outrageous figure of £1.5 million (£1.5 million !!!!)." Another asked: "Are you going to bring in Tommy Robinson to replace Grace Dent? #I'mAFascist."

Rose Hill