I’m A Celebrity viewers have been left divided over hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly treatment of Radio 1 DJ contestant Dean McCullough during Friday night’s Bushtucker trial.
The presenting duo faced accusations of favouritism from some fans who claimed they were overstepping by giving too many hints during The High Street of Horrors challenge.
Viewers watching from home took to social media to express their frustration at what they perceived as excessive guidance from the hosts.
“Could @antanddec be giving Dean anymore hints… this guyyyyyy,” one viewer posted on X, while another noted: “Ant and Dec are dropping a few hints there.”
During the trial, tensions became evident as McCullough showed visible signs of frustration towards the Geordie hosts.
As McPartlin and Donnellly continued to bark orders in an attempt to help him locate stars, particularly around the fish guts area, Dean snapped back at the pair.
Viewers felt McPartlin and Donnelly overstepped the mark
ITV
The Radio 1 DJ, who was facing his fourth consecutive trial, appeared increasingly irritated by their directions.
“Dean had a quick recovery from that trauma with his snap backs to Ant and Dec,” observed one social media user, while another viewer noted Donnelly’s own frustration, commenting: “‘Dean get back to the fish guts’ you tell him Dec.”
The social media debate intensified as viewers took opposing stances on the hosts’ behaviour during the trial.
Some fans were frustrated McPartlin and Donnelly’s aid appeared to be falling on deaf ears: “ant and dec literally telling #dean where the star is and he refuses to do it.”
Fans also appeared to be turning against McCullough (right)
ITV
Others expressed frustration at McCullough’s performance compared to his trial partner and former McFly star Danny Jones.
“Danny is amazing.. dean is rubbish,” commented one viewer on social media.
The trial ultimately saw the pair successfully uncover eight stars while dealing with various challenges including fish guts and pigeons.
Despite their success, many fans still called for McCullough to be axed from the show.
“Get Dean out. Hes the most annoying over reacting drama queen ever. No one else is getting a word in,” wrote one frustrated viewer.
Another simply stated: “Yeh, Dean has to go first.”
McPartlin and Donnelly teased McCullough for his teabag stash
ITV
However, the Radio 1 host maintained some supporter base, with one fan declaring: “I want Dean to win.”
The trial concluded with a notable moment involving a missed star hidden inside a kettle, prompting playful jibes from the hosts.
Donelly couldn’t resist highlighting the irony, given McCullough had previously revealed a hidden stash of teabags to his campmates.
“We know you like a cup of tea,” McPartlin quipped, while Donnelly added: “In honour of your sneaky little teabags. We thought you’d have gone straight for the kettle, we know you love a cup of tea!”
