Viewers of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa were left stunned as the show’s latest series kicked off with brutal conditions, after a violent storm tore through camp on the very first night — leaving exhausted celebrities battling wind, rain and fear in the dark.
The stars, split between the main camp and the harsh Savannah Scrub, had barely settled in when the weather turned savage. Torrential rain and powerful gusts battered their shelters, making sleep almost impossible and turning what should have been a first night adventure into a relentless endurance test.
By morning, Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard looked completely drained, having struggled through the chaos overnight — a moment that quickly sparked sympathy among fans watching at home.
Social media lit up as viewers reacted in disbelief at what the campmates were forced to endure. Many insisted the conditions were far more extreme than the show’s traditional Australian setting, with one writing that it was “definitely worse than Australia,” while another warned the storm “ain’t safe for the celebs.” Others admitted the scenes had completely put them off ever camping again.
Scarlett Moffatt also opened up about the unsettling atmosphere, admitting the South African jungle felt far less calming than Australia. She explained that the constant noise from animals and unseen creatures throughout the night made it even harder to rest, adding to the already intense conditions.
But while the weather dominated headlines, tensions inside camp were already beginning to boil. Just two episodes in, viewers have seemingly crowned the series’ first “villain” — with boxer David Haye coming under fire for his behaviour.
Fans didn’t hold back, branding him “very unlikeable” and suggesting he was already causing friction among the group. Some even speculated he was trying to assert dominance, pointing to awkward interactions with fellow campmates, including Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah.
The tension escalated when Beverley clashed with David after he sent her to the dreaded Savannah Scrub camp, snapping “up yours” in a fiery moment that hinted at deeper divisions to come.
Meanwhile, the launch episode saw Emmerdale star Adam Thomas stumble early in the competition. Despite a strong physical performance in the first challenge — collecting puzzle pieces while strapped to Beverley on a tilting platform — it was the mental element that cost him, taking ten minutes to complete the puzzle and ultimately handing victory to Ashley Roberts and Mo Farah.
Away from the drama, concern also poured in for Beverley Callard, who is currently battling breast cancer. Some viewers were confused by her appearance on the show, unaware it had been filmed months earlier, while others flooded social media with messages of support, saying it was “lovely to see her” and wishing her strength and a full recovery.
With brutal weather, rising tensions and emotional storylines already unfolding, it’s clear this year’s I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is shaping up to be one of the toughest — and most explosive — series yet.
