Gemma Collins goes full ‘GI Jane’ after I’m A Celeb exit as she addresses David Haye feud after shock axe
Gemma Collins goes full ‘GI Jane’ after I’m A Celeb exit as she addresses David Haye feud after shock axe
The Australian jungle and the South African savannah have seen many legends, but few have commanded the screen quite like the Queen of Essex herself, Gemma Collins. Following a dramatic double elimination on I’m A Celebrity South Africa, the star has stepped back into the limelight to address the simmering tensions that defined her second stint on the reality show. In a display of resilience that fans are calling her GI Jane moment, Gemma has finally spoken out about the controversial behavior of fellow campmate David Haye and her mission to protect those she felt were being targeted by his blunt and often abrasive commentary. This shock exit has not only left viewers fuming but has also reignited discussions about camp dynamics, loyalty, and the fine line between banter and bullying in the world of high-stakes reality television.
Gemma Collins and David Haye were eliminated from I’m A Celebrity South Africa in a shock double eviction during the episode aired on April 20, 2026. The exit occurred after campmates were forced to save each other one by one, leaving Haye as the final person, who then chose Collins to depart with him. Since her exit, Gemma has addressed her ongoing feud with the former boxer, particularly focusing on her role in protecting campmate Adam Thomas from Haye’s criticism and her own experiences with what she described as unwelcoming behavior.
The Shock Double Elimination That Rocked the Savannah
The atmosphere in the I’m A Celebrity South Africa camp was already thick with tension before Ant and Dec arrived to deliver the news that would change everything. In a brutal twist that many fans did not see coming, the celebrities were tasked with a survival-style selection process. One by one, the stars had to pick a fellow campmate to save. This game of musical chairs without the music eventually left David Haye standing alone. However, the twist didn't end there. The hosts informed the heavyweight boxer that he was not only leaving but had the power to take one person with him.
In a move that surprised some but seemed calculated to others, David chose Gemma Collins. While Gemma expressed that she was happy to be leaving, the suddenness of the axe sent shockwaves through the camp. Viewers took to social media in droves to express their frustration, with many claiming that the show had lost its primary source of entertainment. The "GC" had lasted far longer than her infamous three-day stint in the 2014 Australian series, proving her mettle and gaining a form of redemption that her fans had long awaited.
Addressing the Feud with David Haye
Since stepping out of the camp, Gemma has been vocal about the friction between herself and the former world champion boxer. The roots of this feud trace back to the very beginning of the series. Gemma noted that the energy in the camp shifted significantly when the Savannah Scrub merged with the main camp. She described Haye's behavior as "unwelcoming" and "frosty," citing specific instances where his comments felt more like personal digs than friendly banter.
One particular moment that stayed with Gemma was a comment Haye made about her hair. When she mentioned that her hair was thick, Haye chimed in with, "It definitely ain't thin." For Gemma, this was the first of many indicators that the boxer might not be as friendly as others perceived. In the Bush Telegraph, she admitted that she wouldn't tolerate such comments in the outside world and would have "blocked and scrubbed" him from her life if they weren't confined to the show's environment.
The GI Jane Transformation: Protecting Adam Thomas
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Gemma's journey this season was her role as a self-appointed protector. When David Haye turned his sights on actor Adam Thomas, Gemma stepped up in a way that many have likened to a "GI Jane" transformation. Adam, who suffers from psoriatic arthritis, had been struggling with his health and opted out of a Bushtucker Trial due to dehydration and feeling generally unwell. Haye's response was to label the actor "useless" and state that he "doesn't like men like that."
Gemma was visibly uncomfortable with these remarks and used her platform both inside and outside the camp to defend her friend. She emphasized that loyalty is "solid" and about "backing them in rooms they're not in." By standing up to a heavyweight champion, Gemma showed a level of courage that went beyond the physical challenges of the jungle. She noted that while she had to remain "calm and composed" to avoid a total disaster in camp, she was always ready to "go full GC" if things became too much for Adam to handle.
Banter vs. Bullying: The Public Reacts
The controversy surrounding David Haye's comments has sparked a wider conversation about the nature of "banter" in reality TV. Even the show's hosts, Ant and Dec, took the rare step of criticizing a contestant's behavior. In a podcast following the episode, the duo described Haye's treatment of Adam as "not a nice watch" and suggested that he "crossed the line." They observed that while Haye might have seen it as harmless fun, the recipient was clearly struggling.
The public sentiment mirrored this view. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints about Haye’s conduct, with many viewers labeling it as bullying. Gemma’s decision to intervene was praised by fans who felt that Adam was being unfairly targeted during a time of physical vulnerability. The debate highlights the psychological pressures of the I'm A Celebrity format, where hunger and exhaustion can often amplify existing personality clashes.
| Key Event | Impact on Camp/Viewers |
|---|---|
| Initial Feud (Hair Comment) | Established tension between Gemma and David early on. |
| Adam Thomas Controversy | Sparked bullying complaints and public outcry against Haye. |
| Gemma's Consolation | Baffled viewers after Haye's previous disparaging remarks. |
| Double Elimination | David chooses Gemma to leave; fans threaten to stop watching. |
| Post-Exit Commentary | Gemma clarifies her "GI Jane" stance on protecting campmates. |
Gemma's Journey of Redemption
For Gemma Collins, this series was always about more than just entertainment; it was about proving to herself and the public that she could handle the pressure. Her 2014 exit after only 72 hours had become a recurring joke in pop culture, but her 2026 performance tells a different story. She faced emotional breakdowns, wept over the lack of proper washing facilities, and even came moments away from quitting when faced with the "Prison of Hell" trial. However, each time, she stayed.
She admitted that while it's easy to be "outwardly confident," she often felt less so on the inside. By lasting several weeks and involving herself in the complex social dynamics of the camp, she has transformed her narrative from one of "quitter" to one of "survivor." Her exit, though a "shock axe," saw her leaving with her head held high, having secured the friendships of people like Adam Thomas and Sir Mo Farah.
The Impact on the Remaining Campmates
With Gemma and David gone, the dynamics of the South African camp are set to shift once more. Gemma's departure leaves a "void" that many viewers feel will be impossible to fill. She was the camp's primary source of levity, even in her most dramatic moments. Conversely, Haye's exit removes a source of significant friction, though it remains to be seen if the "beef" he started with Adam Thomas will have lasting effects on the actor's morale.
Before leaving, both Gemma and David shared their hopes for who would be crowned the ultimate 'Legend'. Gemma threw her support behind Sir Mo Farah, Beverley Callard, and Harry Redknapp, while Haye also backed the Olympic champion. The remaining stars now face the final push toward the Friday finale, with the shadow of the Collins-Haye feud likely to linger over the campfire conversations.
Gemma's "GI Jane" Philosophy
In her post-show interviews and social media updates, Gemma has leaned into the idea of being a warrior for her friends. She described her approach as being "calm and composed" but always ready to step up. "I knew if it was ever gonna get too bad, I would be taking David on," she remarked. This "GI Jane" mentality—defending the weak and standing firm against perceived bullies—has resonated with her audience.
She emphasized that in a place like the jungle, where everyone is "stripped back," you bond in unusual ways. For Gemma, those bonds meant more than the competition itself. Her willingness to risk her own popularity or comfort to check Haye's behavior toward others has been seen as a sign of maturity. She is no longer just the "GC" who wants a ham sandwich; she is a woman who understands the weight of her influence and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Conclusion
Gemma Collins’ exit from I’m A Celebrity South Africa may have been a shock, but the legacy of her time there is clear. She proved her critics wrong by enduring the physical and emotional toll of the savannah, but more importantly, she demonstrated a protective side that many hadn't seen before. Her "GI Jane" moment, addressing the feud with David Haye and standing by Adam Thomas, has solidified her status as a reality TV icon who isn't afraid to fight the tough battles. As the show moves toward its final episodes, the memory of Gemma's resilience and her fiery defense of her friends will remain the defining narrative of this all-star season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why did Gemma Collins leave I’m A Celebrity South Africa?
A1: Gemma was eliminated in a shock double eviction alongside David Haye. After David was not saved by his fellow campmates, he was given the power to choose one person to leave with him, and he chose Gemma.
Q2: What was the cause of the feud between Gemma and David Haye?
A2: The feud began with David making "frosty" and "unwelcoming" comments, including a remark about Gemma's hair. It intensified when David criticized Adam Thomas for missing a trial due to illness, leading Gemma to step in to protect Adam.
Q3: How long did Gemma Collins last in her second I'm A Celeb stint?
A3: While the exact number of days is tied to the episode air date of April 20, she lasted significantly longer than her 2014 appearance, which only lasted three days.
Q4: Did Ant and Dec support David Haye's behavior?
A4: No, Ant and Dec took the rare step of criticizing David Haye, stating that his treatment of Adam Thomas was "not a nice watch" and that his "banter" had crossed the line into uncomfortable territory.
Q5: Who did Gemma Collins want to win the show?
A5: Upon her exit, Gemma expressed her hope that Sir Mo Farah, Beverley Callard, or Harry Redknapp would be crowned the king or legend of the jungle.
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