I’M A Celebrity contestant James Haskell was accused of “bullying” by furious fans – who then took their gripes one step further to the television watchdog.
A total of 32 irked viewers of the ITV series, set in an Aussie jungle, made a formal complaint to the broadcasting regulator after his most recent outburst.
It came on a busy weekend for Ofcom who also recorded a flurry of complaints over the Pussycat Dolls racy performance on X Factor: Celebrity.
They confirmed the exact number of formal gripes to HOAR Online, which centred on a meltdown from the rugby ace during which he called his campmates “stupid.”
He told his co-stars he was “too intelligent” to take part in the trial, following a long drawn out conversation over how it would be decided and who would put themselves forward.
Viewers witnessed Chloe Madeley’s husband become increasingly irritated as the scene played out.
The issue arose again with the latest Dingo Dollar Challenge question; What percentage of adults think that a stiff upper lip is generally a good thing? A 37% or B – 57%.
Kate explained to everyone what a stiff upper lip was, they started to discuss the question but James took charge and said to vote on it, he asked for a show of hands.
Feeling they were being rushed to make a decision, Kate said James, weve got nothing else to do, its o.k.
James wouldnt let the issue go and bumped into Andrew Maxwell, to which he said It irritates the p*** out of me because its that simple.
“Explain the question, answer the question A or B, its a circus of stupidity.
“I cant do it, Im too intelligent and too switched on, just put your hands right up, let someone count them, right the majority win, shut up and lets move on.
Spin off show host Emily Atack later waded into the drama saying James’ blunt remarks had angered her too.
The series is already under the radar of Ofcom after 78 fans complained when James mocked Ian for what he said was his “clubfoot.”
Meanwhile, James’ wife of a year, Chloe Madeley, has defended him over bullying claims.
She told Monday’s Lorraine show the use of the “B-Word” to describe her other half was “a bit intense.”
Yet while she was making her point, the fitness guru was attacked by jungle bugs on the live TV segment.
