Redknapp Prank Nearly Prompts Quits on I'm a Celebrity South Africa

A prank by former football manager Harry Redknapp during the filming of I'm a Celebrity... South Africa nearly prompted singer Sinitta and reality TV star Gemma Collins to quit the show shortly after their arrival in South Africa. The incident, which unfolded after a day of intense physical challenges, highlighted the grueling nature of the prerecorded all-star series set to premiere on ITV1 on April 6 at 9 p.m.

Sinitta recounted the episode at a press roundtable, explaining that the campmates were exhausted from completing demanding trials and games. As darkness fell and they anticipated a break, Redknapp entered holding a board and announced an additional challenge. He described a fictional trial dubbed the House of Hell or Prison of Hell, involving rats, being tied up, and other ordeals. Before he could finish, Collins invoked the show's exit phrase, "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here." Sinitta admitted her own hand began to rise in agreement, saying, "You know what? Me too, I'm too exhausted, gotta go." Redknapp then revealed it was a joke, diffusing the tension.

The narrow escape underscored the mental and physical toll of the competition, especially for Collins, who had...