Ant and Dec have sparked a strong backlash during the current I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here series, with viewers complaining to regulator Ofcom.
The Geordie presenters, who have fronted the ITV reality show since 2002, prompted 70 complaints to the authority over jokes about Christianity and the Bible.
Among the famous faces in this year’s show is Reverend Richard Coles, 62, who made a late jungle debut alongside Love Island star Maura Higgins.
Since he arrived, McPartlin and Donnelly have made numerous references to Christianity, making quips about the Bible.
During Coles and Higgins’ recent Bushtucker Trial, which was an eating trial, Donnelly joked: “More tea, vicar?”
He later described the challenge as “unholy,” to which McPartlin replied: “Bum-holey”.
Some I’m A Celebrity viewers have complained to Ofcom about Ant and Dec’s Christianity jokes
ITV
McPartlin has also been “quoting” the Bible to link it with what Coles has been up to on the show.
“Though the night before there had been darkness and a plague of insects had been visited upon him but he had received a small bounty that did taste of cheese and praise be… he did rise again,” the 49-year-old quipped while orchestral music played.
“So basically, you are saying Richard had a fright, got some crisps, then had a sleep and got out of bed?” Donnelly responded.
“Yes my child,” McPartlin responded, prompting laughter in the studio.
While some fans of the show were amused by the scenes, others deemed them offensive.
The running joke sparked some to issue formal complaints to Ofcom.
A spokesperson for the regulator stated: “We are assessing the complaints, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate,” The Mail reports.
Some disgruntled fans took to social media to express their outrage at the jokes, with one writing on X: “Why is no one talking about how I’m a celeb this year is mocking Christianity. I’m sure if they were to do the same about other religions it would be covered all over the papers! #imaceleb @antanddec.”
“I’m not religious, but the constant taking the p*** out of the Bible and Christianity on @itv #ImACeleb is offensive,” another shared.
“Hey, @antanddec @imacelebrity please stop with the blasphemous jokes. We get that there’s a Reverend in there, but honestly, you wouldn’t do it with any other religion, so please show the same respect for Christianity. #ImACeleb,” a third argued.
Ant and Dec have made jokes about Reverend Richard Coles
ITV
Another fan commented: “Whoever writes Ant and Dec’s jokes needs to be fired. Beyond cringe. #ImACeleb #imacelebrity2024.”
“wish I was one of the people paid to laugh at Ant and Dec’s jokes in the background because that s*** would be easy money #ImACeleb,” someone else remarked.
Some praised the duo’s humour though, with another adding: “Feel like Ant & Dec try to go as anti-woke as allowed on British television with their jokes, it is admirable #ImACeleb #ImACelebrity #ImACelebrity2024.” (sic)
GB News has contacted ITV for a comment.
