I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is the best thing on TV right now, with every single episode bringing the drama.
Just this week, we’ve seen Dean Gaffney and Joe Swash debase themselves by drinking blended maggots, shaken cow vagina and other truly revolting combinations.
There’s been ‘bullying’, bravery and breakdowns. As well as the brilliant observational asides from hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly.
Here’s the top 10 reasons why I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is the best thing on TV right now.
10. The format change hasn’t ruined it
While some viewers were sceptical about the fact I’m A Celebrity… South Africa isn’t live, I actually think the format change hasn’t damaged the show at all.
In fact, I could even argue that it’s enhanced the show. Although I love getting the chance to cast my vote, I’m often left furious by the members of the public who don’t agree with me! This time, though, the celebrities have to vote for each other. It’s a wicked twist, which adds a new level of tension to the show.
This week, Amir Khan heroically fell on his sword when he told his campmates to vote him out as he was missing his family. But it won’t be so easy next time. I predict some serious backstabbing towards the end. Imagine The Traitors, but with bigger egos!
Likewise, the fact that it’s in South Africa and not Australia barely affects the show. Although I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss grumpy Kiosk Kev.
9. I’m A Celebrity… South Africa doesn’t drag on
Some reality TV shows seem to drag on for ages. Big Brother lasts the whole summer, usually around six weeks. Love Island, meanwhile, typically airs for around eight weeks. That is many, many hours of viewing time. And, if you have a reality-TV-hating-husband like me, then your marriage might seriously be on the line.
I’m A Celebrity, however, is a succinct three weeks, which is a perfectly-formed series. Not enough time to get bored, more than enough time to make up your mind about the celebs.
The final episode of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa will air on Friday, May 12, 2023 on ITV1 and ITVX. But was actually filmed several months ago.
8. There are villains and heroes in I’m A Celebrity… South Africa
Like all good TV shows, I’m A Celebrity… South Africa has its heroes and villains. This unites us as viewers. Like a pantomime performance, I watch from home and try to work out who has honest motives, and who hasn’t.
Although this series does not have a public vote, we remain judge and executioner. The public has a large part to play in who will go on to have success after the show.
This year, Paul Burrell has been accused of being a bully (boo, hiss), as has Janice Dickinson. Meanwhile, Helen Flanagan has heroically overcome her fears.
We need someone to rally against, and someone to love. I’m A Celebrity… South Africa provides this perfectly.
7. Unlikely bromances and friendships
In every series of I’m A Celebrity, there are unlikely friendships that form between the celebs. And it’s really heartwarming to watch.
Sometimes the most bizarre people become good friends. And this year’s special legend edition is no exception. I have to admit, I choked up when Fatima Whitbread and Carol Vorderman completed their recent trial, Tanks of Torment.
The two women are both the same age, but from very different walks of life. Even Fatima joked that Carol was the brains, while the former Olympian provided the brawn.
They completed the task, and it was a touching example of sisterhood. I’m not afraid to say I felt emotional when the women hugged, and agreed to keep Carol’s tears a secret from the rest of the camp.
Meanwhile, the bromance between Phil Tufnell and Shaun Ryder was cut cruelly short. But I could have watched them joshing around all day.
6. The reality show element
At the end of the day, I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is a reality TV show, and that’‘’’
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