The all-star version of I’m A Celebrity began with a row as David Haye clashed with Beverley Callard in the opening episode with returning stars including Mo Farah and Scarlett MoffattMark Jefferies Showbiz Editor and Carly Hacon Showbiz Reporter
22:55, 06 Apr 2026Updated 22:56, 06 Apr 2026
David Haye locked horns with Beverley Callard(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
The star-studded edition of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! kicked off with a dispute as David Haye locked horns with Beverley Callard – before the contestants even set foot in camp.
Returning celebrities include Olympian Sir Mo Farah, former Gogglebox personality Scarlett Moffatt, Pussycat Dolls vocalist Ashley Roberts, actor Adam Thomas, singer Sinitta and comedian Seann Walsh. However, tensions arose when ex-boxer Haye, 45, selected Corrie actor Callard to depart for basic rations.
In the premiere episode, Adam Thomas and Ashley Roberts were appointed team captains and were joined by Mo Farah and Bev Callard to participate in the inaugural trial named Tipped Over The Edge.
David Haye finished in third place back in 2012(Image: ITV)
Paired up, they were fastened back to back and had to gather puzzle pieces from the ledge to assemble a star. The duo that completed the star in the quickest time would win, and Farah and Roberts emerged victorious, reports the Mirror.
Later, Haye and Moffatt went head-to-head in another challenge dubbed Unlucky Lodges.
They had to rummage around in their lodges to locate a key which would enable them to escape, but regrettably the correct key was concealed amongst 50 incorrect ones and there were snakes and other jungle creatures to keep them company during the search.
Once Haye had triumphed, his team, which also comprised Farah and Roberts, could opt to send an opposing team member to Savannah Scrub immediately, a camp with basic provisions.
Ant and Dec hosted the show as usual(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
They were forced to decide between Moffat and Callard. Haye clashed with his fellow campmates and maintained that despite being 69, they ought to dispatch Callard to the camp. “It’s survival, we’ve got to eat,” he declared while praising Moffat who he had competed alongside, and also appearing to hint that Callard might prove less robust as a teammate should she eventually join their group.
Following her selection by Haye to head to the basic camp, Callard declared: “David you are going to pay for that decision.” She added “up yours” but with a smile also maintained she was fine and “had no hard feelings”.
Presenters Ant and Dec also appear to believe the choice was a mistake by Haye, with Ant commenting: “Poor Bev, I still can’t believe David Haye sent a pensioner to Savannah Scrub.”
The reality series spin-off shot in South Africa is pre-recorded, unlike the classic I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and has been praised by Moffatt as a more “intense” version in the build-up to the launch.
Tipped Over The Edge – Beverley Callard and Adam Thomas(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Prior to entering the show, Haye revealed he was drawn to return to I’m A Celebrity for the travel and the opportunity to have a digital detox.
He explained: “I’ve never been to South Africa before and when they asked me if I’d like to take part, I thought ‘perfect, lets go’. It’s also half the distance to get there (compared to Australia )
“After I did the Australian series, I went out to Costa Rica for three months and did something similar living in the jungle. I enjoy the serene nature.” Speaking about not having his phone and laptop on the show, he further commented: “And so now I’m here, I’m most looking forward to not having my phone with me – being able to detach from the matrix.
“You are perpetually connected to a myriad of businesses, relationships, family matters and there is always something transpiring. When you enter there, it all ceases.
“You can contemplate different aspects in your life, relationships and future plans. It halts the noise that I believe people don’t recognise is incessantly there every time they pick up the phone, glance at an email or look at text messages.
“In the jungle, you’re oblivious to what’s happening in the outside world and your new world is in there with these random individuals you don’t know.”
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