Ant and Dec say I'm A Celeb star's exit was 'real shock' as fans spot voting pattern

I'm A Celebrity hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly expressed astonishment alongside ITV viewers at the recent departure from the jungle. Tasked with announcing the public's decision, the presenting duo were taken aback when Tulisa Contostavlos was named the celebrity to leave.

In a discussion on Unpacked, Ant and Dec mulled over the unanticipated outcome. They both asked in disbelief: "Who saw that coming? Not me! " With Dec labelling Tulisa as a "big" and "integral" part of this year's series while Ant admitted: "That was a real shock for me that was."

Dec further elaborated: "It's so hard to call it this year. There's people at home going I like them all, I don't know who to vote for, I'll vote for this person tonight," hinting that perhaps viewers thought certain favourites were in no danger of leaving. However, the audience reaction was one of skepticism and dismay; some insisted they "didn't buy" that Tulisa received the least votes.

Comments from fans expressed doubt, with one declaring: "I'm not buying it! " Another questioned: "I don't believe it," followed by another exclaiming: "No way."

Further remarks showed surprise, including one that read: "Quite surprised to see Tulisa be the third celebrity to leave. I think she left too early but goes to show that's how strong the camp is this year.", reports the Mirror.

Many shared the sentiment that her exit was unforeseen, as one viewer stated: "I'm really shocked to see Tulisa has been evicted tonight," while another added: "This was a shock."

Upon her exit, Tulisa confided in Ant and Dec about the challenges of jungle life, describing it as "hard in there".

She described the experience as a "whirlwind" and expressed disbelief at her achievements. "You're just going to be more grateful for everything. The food you eat, the people that you love... you don't realise how good you've got it," she reflected.

Despite finding it "testing" to stay true to herself in there, she admitted the trials, particularly the eating challenge, were tougher than anticipated. She had hoped to conceal her fears of the critters in camp but couldn't help but scream.

The news follows the announcement by hosts Ant and Dec that Dean McCullough was the second contestant to leave the Australian jungle on Sunday night. Upon his exit, Dean exclaimed: "I'm going home, I'm going home, I need my underwear, I'll see you later! I'm going home! " In a post-eviction chat with Ant and Dec, he remarked: "Boys, it's absolutely nuts. I still can't believe I'm here."

When the hosts noted his lack of disappointment at being voted out, he responded: "Not at all, I have really soaked up this whole experience. All the trials."

This comes after Loose Women's Jane Moore became the first celebrity to depart earlier in the week. Jane faced her own set of challenges, enduring tough trials and surviving on a diet of beans and rice before being chosen to leave the jungle.

Following her departure, Jane shared her thoughts with Ant and Dec, calling her time in the jungle "such a weird and magical experience". When questioned about being the first to leave, she replied: "No more washing up - yes! " Additionally, she expressed her opinion that "Hard work doesn't get rewarded."