Why Jimmy Bullard, 47, and David Haye, 45, Were Reportedly Removed from 'I'm a Celebrity' Final – Video That Sparked Buzz

A live TV finale spiralled into chaos — accusations, walkouts, and a shock removal that left viewers stunned. What really happened between Jimmy Bullard and David Haye? Stay to the end to see the dramatic moments that have everyone talking.

Friday's "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! South Africa" final was supposed to be a night of cheering, tears, and a worthy champion crowned. But by the time the cameras cut, two contestants were being walked out of the studio.

The evening had been building towards something combustible for months. The spin-off, filmed in South Africa in September 2025, reunited 12 celebrities and former contestants for a fresh run at the competition, but the final also put old tensions back in the same room.

Chief among them was the row between actor Adam Thomas and former footballer and coach Jimmy Bullard during a trial in camp, which saw Thomas reportedly confront Bullard for not giving his all, costing both of them their place.

By the time the live final arrived, those feelings had been simmering for seven months. On screen, Bullard accused Thomas of being "abusive, aggressive, and intimidating," and claimed that ITV had not broadcast Thomas's alleged language during the original airing.

Presenting duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly — known professionally as Ant and Dec — pushed back openly, defending Thomas. Former professional boxer David Haye joined the fray on the opposing side, describing Thomas as a "victim" given his own previous disagreements with the actor.

The situation quickly spiralled, with interruptions, raised voices, and visible frustration overtaking what should have been a polished live event.

The tension proved too much for some, as both singer Sinitta and television personality Gemma Collins walked off set mid-broadcast. When Thomas was ultimately crowned winner, the atmosphere remained subdued, his reaction reflecting the uneasy tone that had defined the night.

Still, the drama did not end when the cameras stopped rolling. Viewers quickly noticed that Bullard and Haye were absent from "Unpacked," the companion programme that aired immediately after the final and was expected to feature all contestants.

A source later indicated that the decision had been made due to discomfort among other participants, with some unwilling to share the stage following the earlier confrontation.

Subsequent footage published on 25 April captured the pair leaving the studio on foot, with Bullard telling waiting photographers, "We got kicked out!" When asked to elaborate, Haye offered just five words: "For trying to tell the truth."

The same footage also showed Thomas departing shortly after, accompanied by his brothers, signalling a swift and uneasy end to the evening for multiple cast members.

Bullard was photographed in conversation with McPartlin outside the venue as well. However, according to The Independent, the two briefly exchanged words about the show as McPartlin was on his way out.

The emergence of this footage only intensified public scrutiny, with viewers dissecting both the on-screen clash and the off-camera decisions that followed.

Some sided firmly with the show's handling of the situation, with one person commenting, "Deserve to be kicked out," while another added, "They ruined the final."

Others criticised the behaviour more broadly, with one remarking, "They are like caged animals. Bullard couldn't blow a feather down."

A more sarcastic take read, "Good shocking behaviour [sic]," while another netizen called for transparency, stating, "I think we all deserve to see the unedited footage. Then and only then can anyone claim to be informed."

As debate continued, voices from within the "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" camp and those with close ties to the contestants began to emerge. Those closest to Thomas made their feelings plain online in the hours that followed.

The actor's wife wrote that the evening had become a glimpse of a real jungle rather than the family show it was meant to be, describing it as a vile display and adding that her heart was breaking after watching what her husband had gone through on national television.

The actor himself shared a reflective post after his win, thanking his family and fans, and noting that those who try to dim someone's light reveal more about themselves.

He wrote that he carried no negativity towards those who had doubted him, and that he had already won in the ways that mattered most.

Collins described Bullard and Haye's behaviour the following day as the biggest embarrassment in television history and a discredit to the entire production. The television personality went on to say that the night had been upsetting rather than the celebration it deserved to be.

Sinitta, who had initially appeared to side with Bullard's account of events in camp, separately described the original confrontation between Thomas and Bullard as something she had found very uncomfortable and disturbing.

Taken together, the accounts, reactions, and fallout paint a picture of a final that spiralled far beyond entertainment — exposing fractures that had clearly been simmering long before the live show.

For those looking to understand the full extent of the drama — from the heated exchanges to Bullard and Haye's removal — the key scenes can be found below.

As questions continue to swirl around the explosive final and the fallout that followed, attention has increasingly turned to the deeper tensions that had been building long before the live broadcast.

A seemingly light-hearted morning in camp took a tense turn when former professional Boxer David Haye and actor Adam Thomas reignited their ongoing friction, with barbed remarks and visible irritation dominating the exchange.

When Banter Becomes Something More

The moment unfolded during the latest episode of "I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa," when contestants had initially woken in high spirits.

Thomas, 37, appeared upbeat as he greeted campmates, casually noting, "I felt like it wasn't that cold last night, though." However, Haye, 45, quickly steered the tone elsewhere, replying, "That's because the warm love everyone's been giving you."

Thomas shot back, "Apart from you," setting the tone for what followed. What began as teasing soon edged into something more pointed, as Haye continued to challenge Thomas's resilience and mindset. "Someone's got to keep it real, don't they?" the 45-year-old remarked.

Despite the visible irritation, Haye continued, seemingly doubling down with sarcastic remarks that kept the exchange alive.

"I spent my whole life trying not to be in that place of fainting or losing consciousness or whatever. It feels like you're trying to get to it so comfortably," he added.

Thomas firmly pushed back, insisting, "No, I'm fighting very hard not to get to it, mate. And you're not helping." The tension simmered as camp chatter briefly shifted to a previous challenge, but the focus soon returned to the pair.

When Thomas explained he had faltered due to "an itch on me elbow," Haye interjected, "He didn't have the mental strength not to itch an itch." That comment appeared to strike a nerve.

"Shut up, man. Honestly, just shut up now," Thomas snapped, his frustration becoming increasingly clear. Despite the visible irritation, Haye continued, seemingly doubling down with sarcastic remarks that kept the exchange alive.

"No, I'm just saying. But you weren't well, though. You weren't well, though, was you?" he said, prompting Thomas to respond, "Shut up, bro. All day, every day for two days straight. Just chill."

As the exchange intensified, Thomas drew a line, declaring, "Enough's enough now, bro." Fellow contestant and former football player Jimmy Bullard stepped in, urging, "Let him wake up, Dave," attempting to defuse the situation.

Despite the eventual laughter, some viewers were not convinced by the lighter tone and took to social media to voice concern over the exchange.

Thomas questioned the ongoing digs, asking, "Why are you coming for me like for two days?" to which Haye replied, "I'm trying to be nice—I'm trying to be caring," likening it to "big brother being caring."

Bullard later reflected in a confessional that "David's being David," but noted that Thomas had been feeling low, which made the situation "seem twice as bad." However, just as the moment appeared to reach a breaking point, the mood shifted — revealing a more playful undertone beneath the friction.

It was Bullard who eventually broke the mood entirely, drawing a comparison between the pair and a couple making up after a row, telling them the friendship would only be stronger for it.

Both Haye and Thomas began to laugh, easing the tension. The former even joked, "I'm looking forward to that phase," signalling that the clash may not have been as serious as it first appeared.

Viewers Were Not Laughing

Despite the eventual laughter, some viewers were not convinced by the lighter tone and took to social media to voice concern over the exchange.

One person said, "Why wasn't something said then [sic]. It was a hard watch." Another shared, "David Haye should not have been shown on TV. This was recorded last year. ITV should never have broadcast."

Others expressed frustration at the lack of intervention. "Why is no one stepping in and stopping this [sic]" one commented, while another added, "He over stepped [sic] the mark. I hope he goes next."

A more decisive reaction came from another viewer, who typed, "If David does not go tonight I will be not watching any more, Adam does not deserve this and the show producers should put a holt to this ASAP [sic]. Just my opinion."

'He Broke Me in There' – Thomas Reflects on 'Toughest' Experience After Filming Wrapped

Following his return home, Thomas addressed the experience directly, offering a candid and emotional reflection on his time in camp. In an Instagram post dated 19 April 2026, the actor admitted the experience had taken a significant toll.

He described the show as "one of the toughest things I've ever been through, physically, mentally, and emotionally," revealing that watching it back had been particularly difficult. Thomas also acknowledged:

"There were moments I felt pushed to my absolute limit, and if I’m honest, times I didn’t even recognise myself."

The former contestant also opened up about living with arthritis, explaining that it "really took its toll" during the show, while he tried to maintain a brave face despite the pain.

Reflecting on his behaviour, Thomas admitted he did not always handle situations perfectly, noting, "I wish I spoke up for myself sooner." However, he added that the experience ultimately helped him find his voice and gain perspective.

The actor also confirmed that he and Haye had since addressed the situation privately. He stated, "He broke me in there, he pushed me to my limits," but added that the former professional boxer had apologised and that he had "moved on now."

Thomas concluded on a note of resilience, emphasising that despite wanting to quit at times, he never gave up and encouraged others to "be kind."

Haye Doubled Down as 'Professional Victim' Remark Fueled Backlash

Since his exit from the show, Haye intensified the fallout surrounding his clash with Thomas, launching a fresh and pointed critique during a televised interview that has since reignited debate around their on-screen dynamic.

Speaking on "This Morning" on 23 April 2026, the former boxer dismissed suggestions of bullying and instead turned his focus on Thomas, accusing him of exaggerating events.

The remarks quickly drew a strong response online, with many taking issue with Haye's comments and delivery during the interview.

When pressed by hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, Haye insisted that Thomas was "playing the victim card," repeatedly describing him as a "professional victim." He claimed that key moments had not been broadcast, suggesting the public had only seen a partial version of events.

Haye argued that Thomas's health struggles appeared at "convenient times," stating, "Whenever there was a trial, his sickness popped up and I just called that out."

While acknowledging that Thomas was "a super sweet guy," he maintained his stance, adding that he had even explained "what banter is" during a long flight they shared after filming.

Despite attempts by the presenters to challenge his tone, Haye stood firm, further claiming that the narrative presented on screen had worked in Thomas's favour. He suggested that editing choices meant other campmates' perspectives had not been fully shown, adding:

"But don't take my word for it, watch the live show, listen to what the other campmates say."

The remarks quickly drew a strong response online, with many taking issue with Haye's comments and delivery during the interview. One person commented, "He should be barred from tv hes a horrible man [sic]."

Another shared, "Couldn't watch the end of this. Clearly David not a nice man if all he can do is criticise someone for the whole interview. I think David is the one who seems to be saying he's a victim [sic]."

Others questioned his approach more broadly. "Wow, I've only seen clips and heard a bit of what's happened. But my goodness, this man has done himself no favours!" one wrote.

"He's been told that Adam needed therapy when he came back and this guy just brushed past it! Unempathetic and signs possibly of sociopathic or narcissistic behaviour," they added.

A further reaction read, "If he like this on tv, wonder what his home life is like, BULLY!!! [sic]," as criticism continued to mount. The interview added a new layer to an already divisive storyline, with Haye's comments sharpening the contrast between differing accounts of what unfolded inside the camp.