I'm A Celebrity fans threaten to boycott new series as Nigel Farage is confirmed for line-up

The former UKIP and Brexit Party leader is set to enter the Australian jungle alongside the likes of Britney Spears' younger sister Jamie Lynn and ex EastEnders actress Danielle Harold
Tina Campbell15 November 2023
The Weekender

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I'm A Celebrity fans are threatening to boycott the new series after politician Nigel Farage was confirmed for this year's line-up.

Viewers of the ITV reality TV show are furious over the 59-year-old former UKIP and Brexit Party leader's signing, which will reportedly see him pocket £1.5m from the appearance – the highest any person has ever been paid to appear.

It comes after disgraced former Health Secretary Matt Hancock joined last year's series after being sacked from his government position for breaking Covid-19 restrictions.

Other celebrities confirmed for this year include Britney Spears' younger sister Jamie Lynne, former EastEnders actress Danielle Harold and former JLS star turned radio DJ Marvin Humes.

Many flocked to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice their outrage with almost 10,000 people said to have used the hashtag "Boycott I'm A Celeb" in the past 24 hours.

©ITV Plc
Nigel Farage joins a line-up including Danielle Harold, Jamie Lynn Spears and Marvin Humes
ITV / I'm A Celebrity starts Sunday 19th November, 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX

"ITV notoriously choose the most heinous politicians. They secure these guests by promising to show 'another side' to them," fumed one person.

Adding: "There are no other sides to sc**bags like Matt Hancock & Nigel Farage & attempts to rehabilitate them for the nation is propaganda. #BoycottImACeleb."

"Hancock was bad enough but I can't even look at Farage. Do itv realise how many viewers they will lose with this decision? #BoycottImACeleb," penned another.

While a third person directed their frustration at the broadcaster and show hosts Ant and Dec, whom they tagged in their own post.

"@ITV @antanddec @DecsMcpartlin I boycotted @imacelebrity when you put @MattHancock on your show. Now the odious @Nigel_Farage," they remarked.

"I'm livid that you give these people a voice, a platform and way to be seen. I can't, I'm livid spitting feathers. #BoycottITV #Boycottimaceleb."

A number of celebrities have also shared their distain over the Farage situation.

Addressing the issue on her ITV show, Lorraine Kelly said: "I personally think it is wrong."

"I think it’s very bizarre," she added and predicted he would rule himself out of trials for health reasons.

Comedian London Hughes wrote on X: “If I went on #ImACeleb and found out I was on the show with Nigel Farage, I’d leave and sue for racial negligence… but that’s just me. I’d say that I’m quite shocked that ITV is platforming a racist as a form of entertainment, but nothing really surprises me anymore.”

Broadcaster Danny Baker added: “Nigel Farage being put into the jungle by @ITV shows how insensitive, crass, tone deaf, idiot provocative, morally bankrupt a network they are.”

Where There's A Will There's A Wake podcast host Kathy Burke also didn't mince her words, writing: "Quick, there’s another hate baiting c**t available," referencing Hancock's stint which saw him finish third.

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