Jimmy Bullard, the former footballer and I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! star, is reportedly pursuing legal action against ITV, using the chaotic live All Stars final to gather evidence. According to sources, the 47-year-old accused the broadcaster of protecting eventual winner Adam Thomas through the show's edit, claiming it did not provide a fair or accurate representation of their on-camp argument.
Heated Exchange During Live Final
During the live final, a heated exchange unfolded on stage, with Gemma Collins and Sinitta leaving amid the confrontation. Bullard challenged hosts Ant and Dec, as well as his fellow contestants, over how events in the camp had been portrayed. He repeatedly described Adam's conduct during their argument—pre-filmed in South Africa last year—as 'abusive, aggressive and intimidating', while criticizing the programme's edit. Bullard used this exact phrase nine times during the final, a key term in the celebrities' contracts defining unacceptable behavior.
Building a Legal Case
An insider told The Sun: 'Proving that Adam's behaviour was abusive, aggressive and intimidating is the key to Jimmy's legal case against ITV because that behaviour is in breach of the contract.' The source added that Bullard not only repeated the phrase but also built on-air evidence by getting other campmates to agree that Adam crossed that line. At one point, he had his phone out to check notes, though it is unclear if he was also recording chatter between the cast. Insiders say it is clear from his conduct that a case is being built, and ITV is braced for it.
Ant and Dec's Response
Hosts Ant and Dec invited Bullard to explain why he quit before attempting a Bushtucker Trial, where he was paired with Adam. Bullard argued: 'Adam and all of you can be upset with me. And I absolutely threw him under the bus, I get it, I'll wear that. But what I don't stand for is someone being abusive, aggressive and intimidating. You didn't show none of the C-bombs, that's a liberty!' Ant responded by rejecting that characterization, stating he did not agree with Bullard's account and that Adam's language had been 'un-broadcastable'. ITV previously insisted the programme 'showed an accurate and fair representation of events'.
Adam Thomas's Reaction
Adam acknowledged the explosive clash and admitted emotions ran high, taking 'full responsibility' for what happened. However, he was reportedly furious during the final, storming off set after being crowned King of the Jungle. His wife, Caroline Thomas, shared a statement calling the behavior a 'vile display'. Adam later posted on social media, saying he 'walked through this journey with my heart first' and stayed true to himself. Fellow campmates Scarlett Moffatt and Ashley Roberts showed support in the comments.
Craig Charles's Account
Craig Charles, who finished fourth, spoke about the bust-up on This Morning, describing it as 'deeply traumatic' and 'very upsetting'. He said Adam was 'so wound up, so aggressive, like a coiled spring' and looked like he was going to attack Jimmy, dropping F-bombs and C-bombs. Craig noted that ITV had to water down what really happened, but they did not water down his and Harry's responses.
Metro has contacted reps for Jimmy Bullard and ITV for comment.
