IAN Wright has sparked 32 Ofcom complaints with viewers accusing him of bullying his I’m A Celebrity campmate Andrew Maxwell.
Viewers have complained to the broadcasting regulator that Ian has been purposely targeting Andrew in recent episodes.
Ian Wright has been criticised for his behaviour towards Andrew Maxwell
Ofcom told HOAR: “We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”
This past week has seen Ian clash with Andrew several times, and on last night’s episode the comedian became emotional as he acknowledged that the ex footballer doesn’t talk to any other campers the same way he does to him.
James Haskell replied: “Youre an important part of the group, Ians temperament shouldnt dictate that you dont engage.”
The night before Andrew, 44, had returned from completing a Bushtucker Trial and insisted on “going for a nap” and leaving the washing up until later in the evening, but his decision annoyed Ian who felt Andrew should have stepped up.
Ian complained: “We’re grateful for the ten stars but at the same time you can’t get ten stars then clock off, if it worked like that it would be anarchy.”
The 56-year-old then approached Andrew to talk it out: “The thing is, James had to go and help with the dishes because you got the stars, came back, but because Caitlyn wanted to do it you went to sleep.
“Just do it, it would have taken 10, 15 minutes.”
Andrew apologised and said he would “do it in the future” but Ian was still not happy: “Do you understand what I am saying? I don’t want us in a situation where I am festering.”
Ian’s words however left a sour taste for some fans, with many taking to Twitter to suggest it was now “borderline bullying”.
“James Haskel and Ian Wright are both prize t**ts disguised as gentlemen (sic),” tweeted one annoyed viewer.
“Haskel actually thinks he is the boss. The way he talks to the women is medieval. And the way they both treat Andrew is real school yard bullying (sic).”
The comedian decided to step back from the camp after the public criticism from Ian
The ex-footballer later apologised to Andrew
Others however defended Ian and James, tweeting: “I actually cant believe people think Ian and James are bullying Andrew?
“I would be livid if he went and had a nap because he couldnt be arsed to do his dishes as well!”
Ian’s wife Nancy, who has been married to him since 2011, defended her husbands antics to HOAR, insisting the duo are simply strong characters.
Nancy, Ian’s wife, has defended her husband
Arriving in Australia, she explained: I dont know. I think everyone gets a bit tetchy after a while.
I dont think its anything particular between them. Theyre both quite strong characters.”
Ian has become one of the shows more popular stars, with bookies making him among the favourites to reach the later stages William Hill currently have him at 14/1 to win the jungle title.
