Gemma Collins is set to face emotional turmoil and a heated confrontation with pop star Sinitta in the upcoming episode of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa.
The reality television personality, who previously exited the show early, is seen struggling with the harsh realities of jungle life, tearfully admitting her fear of appearing vulnerable to her fellow campmates.
A preview of Thursday’s instalment reveals Collins’ ongoing difficulties, as she confides in the Bush Telegraph about needing to contact her agent after enduring “the worst possible bed” in the Savannah Slum camp.
Her complaints about the living conditions also provided a moment of levity for her campmates. “We shouldn’t be suffering,” she declared. “Like, let’s get real, we are celebrities – do you know what I mean? No one should have to suffer like this, let alone a celeb.”
The situation intensifies when the Savannah Slum residents merge with the main camp. Collins, 45, is then seen confiding in Craig Charles, her co-star from the 2014 series, expressing her anxieties. “No one else knows me here and I don’t want them to think I’m weak,” she shared.
The DJ and Red Dwarf actor offered reassurance, telling her: “You’re going to fit right in, just be yourself.” Collins famously quit her original series after just three days due to the challenging Australian environment, but has described her return to the South African version as a quest for “redemption”.
However, her hopes for a smoother experience are quickly challenged by Sinitta. The pop star directly questions Collins’ career and talent, referring to the TV personality as a “comedian”. The tension escalates as Sinitta brings up Collins’ planned role as Matron “Mama” Morton in the musical Chicago, from which she withdrew in 2022 citing a “terrible injury”.
Sinitta, who has also performed in Chicago, told Collins she believed the casting announcement was a “joke announcement”. Collins swiftly retorted: “It’s not a joke, Sinitta, I auditioned for it fair and square. Did all the training and everything, had a voice coach.”
Sinitta elaborated on her perception, stating: “I think you had just presented something, some awards, and fallen off the stage – it was like you were more of a comedian.” She then drew a comparison to US socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor, adding: “Very camp, very glamorous. You don’t really do anything, but you make a great entrance and make everybody laugh. I didn’t know you could actually sing, dance and all that jazz.”
Former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt and comedian Seann Walsh appeared visibly shocked by the exchange, as Collins defended herself: “I don’t think you’d get cast as Mama Morton in Chicago if you didn’t pass the audition.”
Elsewhere in the episode, the Savannah Slum contestants face the daunting “petrifying plunge” bushtucker trial. The challenge requires the stars to retrieve keys from boxes submerged in water and filled with aquatic creatures, including crocodiles and catfish. Collins is shown panicking within the confined space, questioning: “Have I got air, have I got air?”
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa airs at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player, continuing on weeknights.