I'm A Celebrity Fans Rally to Gemma Collins' Defence After Sinitta's 'Uncalled For' Attack
In a dramatic turn on the I'm A Celebrity South Africa spin-off, fans have leapt to the defence of Gemma Collins after a brutal takedown by fellow campmate Sinitta. The clash erupted during Thursday night's episode, just days into the series, as tensions flared over Collins' past casting in the West End show Chicago.
Sinitta's Brutal Takedown Sparks Outrage
Sinitta, the 62-year-old 80s hitmaker, expressed incredulity upon learning that Collins had been cast as Mama Morton in Chicago in 2022, a role Sinitta has also performed. Despite Collins never taking the stage due to an injury—replaced by Brenda Edwards—Sinitta branded the casting announcement a 'joke' during the camp discussion.
Collins, 45, defended herself firmly, stating, 'Not a joke, Sinitta. I auditioned for it and got it fair and square. Did all the training, everything. Had the voice coach.' She explained her withdrawal was due to a 'terrible injury' related to insurance issues, but Sinitta doubled down, calling Collins a 'comedian' and questioning her talents.
Sinitta added, 'I think you'd just presented something at an awards and fallen off the stage. I thought you were that girl, like, you don't really do anything, but you make a great entrance, and you make everybody laugh. But I didn't know you could actually sing, dance and all of that. All that jazz.' The exchange left fellow campmates Scarlett Moffatt and Seann Walsh visibly shocked, with Moffatt whispering, 'what is happening?'
Fan Backlash and Support for Collins
Viewers have been appalled by Sinitta's comments, taking to social media to express their support for Collins and condemnation of the attack. One fan, Lord Ben, wrote on X, 'Sinitta is just digging herself further into this hole with what she's said to Gemma Collins.' Jessica noted, 'Sinitta is almost coming across like Gemma didn't deserve to be cast the same part as her? Cause she's not as famous as her...but yet she's sharing the same camp with her.'
Others called for Collins to showcase her talents, with Emma suggesting, 'I wish Gemma had got up & performed a bit of Mama Morton in front of Sinitta.' Karen declared, 'I've gone right off Sinitta. How bloody rude was that?' while Aaron posted, 'I'm not Gemma's biggest fan but Sinitta basically calling her a clown was not on. Someone who can't sing or has no talent doesn't get casted in Chicago.'
Mike echoed the sentiment, stating, 'Sinitta going for her like that about the play was uncalled for in front of everyone,' and joey agreed, 'Her coming for Gemma is nothing but vile.' Collins herself concluded the exchange defensively, asserting, 'I don't think you'd get casted as Mama Morton in Chicago, if you didn't pass the audition.'
Additional Controversy with David Haye
Sinitta was not the only campmate to leave fans unimpressed in the episode. Former heavyweight champion David Haye also sparked backlash with his 'attitude' problem. When discussing potential additions to their circle, Scarlett Moffatt suggested Beverly Collard, to which Haye bitingly responded, 'What's she adding? What value is she adding?' His words shocked viewers, with many already calling for him to be the first man evicted from the show.
The episode has fueled discussions online, with trending topics including other celebrity news, but the focus remains on the camp dynamics. I'm A Celebrity continues tonight at 8pm on ITV1, promising more drama and fan reactions.
