ITV I'm A Celebrity fans 'done' as they turn on campmate after 'uncomfortable' scenes

Viewers of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here were quick to criticise one campmate while praising Alan Halsall for his handling of the first tense moment in camp. The ITV reality show kicked off its 2024 series last weekend, and so far, it's been a harmonious affair.

The original 10 campmates who ventured into the Australian jungle have now been joined by two late arrivals, Maura Higgins and Reverend Richard Coles. However, during Saturday night's episode (November 23), tensions began to rise between two unlikely campmates - Coronation Street's Alan and BBC Radio 1 presenter Dean McCullough.

After a large serving of junk food following Maura and Richard's secret mission and stomach-churning eating trial, a tired Dean decided to take a nap. But with chores still needing attention, Jane Moore had to go and collect firewood.

She admitted, in line with camp rules: "I can't do it on my own". Observing Jane heading off alone, Alan Halsall chose to step up and wake Dean so he could assist.

But a groggy and disoriented Dean was less than pleased at being disturbed and barely moved as Alan asked him: "You don't fancy it? No? ". When he received little response from BBC Radio 1 presenter Dean, Coronation Street star Alan decided to accompany Jane so she wasn't alone, reports the Manchester Evening News.

As Dean eventually joined Alan and Jane, he told Alan: "You can go back now." Alan shared his side of the story by saying: "I was trying to wake you up as soft as I could."

To this, Dean retorted, insisting on some patience upon waking up: "Listen to me. If you're gonna wake me up, you need to give me a minute, alright? It takes a couple of minutes for my contact lenses to get back working again, alright, so you don't need to turn around to me and say 'do you not fancy it? ' ok? And then turn around and walk away."

Alan explained his actions, responding: "I've listened to you, Jane was halfway down here, that's why I went..." only for Dean to cut in with a request for understanding: "Ok I get that but you need to give me a minute mate."

The exchanges between the two did not go unnoticed, setting I'm A Celebrity viewers up for possibly more tensions between them.

The incident prompted many viewers to take to social media expressing their disappointment in Dean's reaction and commending Alan for maintaining composure. On Twitter, @shaannonhjjbx voiced dissatisfaction: "I'm so done with dean, speaking to Alan like that! And idiots voting him to do trials AGAIN #ImACeleb."

Another viewer, @ClausSlaggy, aired his disapproval: "Dean reacting so badly to Alan when he tried waking him up in the sweetest, softest way possible, I'm mad. #ImACeleb."

Meanwhile, @TwellyWatcher expressed strong sentiments about the interaction: "The way Dean spoke to Alan was uncalled for and rude, absolutely no need for it and he could have put it politely. Nope. Keep doing your trials Dean #imacelebrity #imaceleb."

Twitter user @NaveedShares wrote: "Alan, facing off with Dean, his cool as a cucumber, his legend just grows. The man's a fortress, unphased, unruffled and utterly iconic. Handling it with the finesse of a true champ. #ImACeleb."

Another user, @Cezanne67822943, commented: "Omg dean, Alan was waking you up gently and you talk to him like that.. Alan did not deserve that! ! #imaceleb."

Comedian @stephencomedy chimed in with: "That was uncomfortable to watch! Alan is one of the nicest men in showbiz and i think Dean just showed his true colours. #ImACeleb."