I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly took aim at former politician Nigel Farage just minutes into the 2023 launch show on Sunday, November 19. The presenters made the savage dig as they appeared to confront the backlash head-on.
Speaking to viewers at home, Dec said: "There's the man who's got everyone talking. Nigel Farage," before Ant interjected: "Nigel now, not just known for his controversial political career, he's also got his own show on GB News."
"Now of course, he won't be presenting that show over the next three weeks. So we'd like to take this opportunity to apologise to all of GB News viewers," Dec continued, before Ant then stepped in and quipped directly to the camera: "Sorry Keith, sorry Linda."
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It comes after Ant and Dec faced backlash last week over the decision to let the controversial former politician fly out to the jungle, with some fans threatening to boycott the show before it even began, reports The Mirror.
ITV has since responded to the backlash, telling the publication a statement: "I’m A Celebrity has always featured a diverse cast from all areas of public life and has a history of featuring political figures throughout its 20 years on screen. As with any camp mate, viewers are invited to form their own opinions when the show begins on Sunday."
Nigel joins a line-up that includes Britney Spears' sister Jamie Lynn Spears, This Morning presenter Josie Gibson, First Dates star Fred Sirieix, and YouTuber Nella Rose.
As well as Made in Chelsea's Sam Thompson, food critic Grace Dent, JLS singer and presenter Marvin Humes, Danielle Harold, who is best known for EastEnders, and Hollyoaks Icon Nick Pickard. You can see the line-up in full here.
This Morning's Josie was the first to meet Nigel as the pair were dropped in the Australian Outback before having to help their fellow campmates from afar. The presenter told the GB News presenter: "I thought this was a good idea until they dropped us off in the middle of nowhere. I’ve never been so petrified."
"It’s something different in life, it’s an adventure!" Nigel responded: "It’s a challenge, it’s not going to be easy, but why not?"
Josie then quipped: "It can’t be worse than Brexit!” Chuckling, Farage said: "Oh… didn’t take long did it? Didn’t take long. I had a feeling we’d get a bit of that!" Awkwardly laughing herself, Josie commented: "Only joking..." For more showbiz and television stories, get our newsletter here.
