ITV’s jungle show is famous for its untamed wildlife, creepy and often dangerous trials and lots of drama and gossip. 2024’s series with celebs like Jane Moore and Coleen Rooney has captivated audiences with drama, humour and classic jungle thrills.
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Show hosts Ant and Dec—who make millions from the show—are the heart and soul of the jungle adventure. Their chemistry and quick wit have been a cornerstone of the show’s success since it first aired in 2002.
However, their dynamic was recently affected after a spider bite caused panic backstage and Dec was rushed to the show medics. This comes as Ant has been facing some backlash behind-the-scenes.
I’m A Celeb’s Dec rushed to camp medics after spider bite
Dec, 49, had an unexpected visitor during filming when a spider jumped from his script onto his neck. According to The Express, the spider caused a bite that in turn caused quite a commotion backstage.
Dec’s co-host Ant shared the incident with fans during an Instagram Live and revealed how medics had to be rushed to treat Dec. He said:
We’ve had quite a lot of drama not only on the show but off the show as well because Dec had a spider on his neck and was bitten by a spider and the medic was called in to have a look.
Though initially the situation appeared alarming, the spider turned out to be a jumping spider. These little creatures are known for their dramatic leaps but harmless bites. Dec joked about the situation and said:
The medic said I was lucky to be alive. If I wasn’t so fit and healthy, and masculine, I might not have survived.
Ant instantly debunked his exaggeration and added:
No, she didn't, she said it was a jumping spider and it was absolutely fine.
Despite not being venomous, Jumping spiders can leave victims with redness and mild swelling. With years of experience on the show, Dec showed great courage and even managed to click a picture of the spider before the bite, reports Metro.co.uk.
I’m A Celeb campmates who have been rushed to medics or hospital
Aside from Dec's backstage crisis, one recent incident of the 2024 series saw singer Tulisa Contostavlos need urgent medical assistance in the middle of a trial. Tulisa feared an insect had crawled into her ear during a Bushtucker Trial. Medics rushed in to perform a syringe wash before she bravely continued the trial.
Over the years, many celebs have needed medical assistance. In 2018, John Barrowman was rushed to the hospital after twisting his ankle in camp. The incident left fans worried about his fate in the competition. In 2022, Olivia Attwood quit the show on medical grounds.
Other notable incidents include comedian Freddie Starr’s allergic reaction during a trial in 2011, which required immediate medical attention. Freddie had taken on the infamous ‘Greasy Spoon’ trial and fell ill soon after.
In 2016, Olympian Sam Quek called in medics after a cockroach crawled into her ear. In 2011, Fatima Whitebread also went through a similar incident when a cockroach managed to crawl up her nose during a trial. It took medics 20 minutes to remove the critter, which Fatima later preserved as a quirky keepsake.
Even former jungle host Joe Swash wasn’t spared. In 2018, a cockroach lodged itself inside his ear. He had to wait for a day to go to the hospital and get the critter out, reports Mirror.
Read more:
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Sources used:
The Express: Declan Donnelly rushed to I'm A Celeb medics after horror spider bite
Metro.co.uk: I’m A Celebrity’s Dec Donnelly rushed to medics backstage after being bitten by spider
Mirror: Every time I'm A Celeb has been thrown into chaos with stars rushed to hospital
