Jimmy Bullard remains “seething” following his explosive confrontation with Adam Thomas on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here South Africa, according to multiple verified reports from the episode that aired on April 21, 2026. The former Premiership footballer has not spoken publicly about the incident since filming concluded, but insiders close to the production confirm he continues to harbor strong resentment toward his former campmate over the heated exchange during a bushtucker trial.
The clash occurred during the “Rancid Run” trial when Bullard, 47, abruptly refused to participate, invoking the display’s titular phrase: “I’m a celebrity… Get me out of here.” Thomas, 36, who was already covered in ants as part of the challenge, reacted furiously to Bullard’s decision, which jeopardized both of their positions in the competition. Footage shows Thomas rushing toward his co-star and demanding: “Are you f***ing taking the p*ss? Are you taking the p*ss?” before kicking the camp’s perimeter wall in frustration.
According to Metro.co.uk’s coverage of the episode, Bullard responded to Thomas’ outburst by calling his reaction “pathetic” while doubling down on his decision to withdraw. The publication reported that Thomas later broke down in tears while speaking with fellow campmate Scarlett Moffatt, explaining that he had been pushing through the trial for the sake of his children and felt betrayed by Bullard’s abandonment of the challenge.
The Mirror documented how Thomas forced his way out of his cage after Bullard remained frozen despite encouragement from hosts Ant and Dec. The footballer reportedly told the presenters: “Boys, I don’t think I’ve got it in me,” before ultimately walking away from the trial site. This left Thomas to complete the abacus cog retrieval task alone using only his tongue, a detail confirmed across all three verified sources covering the incident.
Following the broadcast, ITV issued a statement denying claims that the network had edited out Thomas’ employ of stronger language or fabricated physical contact between the two men. The broadcaster confirmed that while the exchange was intense, no physical altercation occurred beyond Thomas kicking the set wall—a detail visible in broadcast footage but not involving direct contact with Bullard.
Daily Mail Online reported that the fallout from the confrontation has created lasting tension within the camp, with sources indicating the pair have refused to film together since the incident. This development threatens the show’s planned live final, as producers struggle to navigate the strained relationship between two of its prominent All Stars cast members.
Neither Thomas nor Bullard has addressed the ongoing feud on their personal social media accounts as of April 23, 2026. Thomas continues to appear in subsequent episodes, while Bullard’s participation remains limited to previously filmed segments that do not require interaction with his former partner in the challenge.
The incident has reignited discussions among viewers about the psychological pressures faced by celebrities in the show’s high-stakes environment, particularly when personal conflicts intersect with competitive challenges that impact both individual and paired outcomes in the game.
As of this writing, no official reconciliation has been announced between the two entertainers, and their current status remains unresolved ahead of the series finale. Fans seeking updates are advised to monitor official ITV broadcasts and the network’s verified social media channels for any developments regarding the pair’s involvement in upcoming episodes.
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