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Comedian Seann Walsh has become the inaugural contestant to depart from this year’s I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, expressing a “combination of emotions” following his exit.
The 40-year-old, known for his appearances on comedy programmes such as Live At The Apollo and Mock The Week, was chosen to leave the all-star ITV reality series by former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp.
Redknapp, 79, faced the difficult task of selecting an individual for elimination after losing a gruelling Bushtucker Trial eating challenge.
Reflecting on his departure from the camp, Walsh stated: “It’s a combination of emotions. I was thrilled to be able to see my family because I missed my kids a lot. At the same time, I’m sad they won’t see me in the jungle for longer or doing more trials.” He admitted he was “basically packing my bags” upon learning Redknapp would decide who to remove, adding he “knew it was going to be me”.
Seann Walsh (Getty)
Walsh, who previously secured fifth place in the standard 2022 edition of the show, described his second jungle experience as more intense. “The trials were harder and scarier. It felt like it was turned up to 11, so that just put more anxiety into the camp,” he explained.
Despite the increased pressure, Walsh highlighted the camaraderie. “The pleasure for me doing the jungle was the extraordinary people you get to live with. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that,” he remarked.
He also acknowledged the calibre of his fellow contestants: “It felt strange for me being in their presence, because they are almost historic figures in entertainment and sport. That doesn’t go over the top of my head.”
Comparing his two stints, he noted: “I preferred coming fifth last time. Doing I’m A Celebrity… the first time, my missus said to me, ‘you’ve got to do this, life’s an adventure, you’ll be able to tell the kids’. Most people don’t get to do that with their lives, it’s an extraordinary thing. For it to come around a second time is unbelievable. I’ll cherish both my times in the jungle.”
The London-born comedian, who competed on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 with professional dancer Katya Jones, also shared a personal takeaway from his return: learning to spend “less time on my phone”.
This series of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa features a line-up including former boxer David Haye, Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts, and reality television personality Gemma Collins.
The programme is scheduled to continue on Friday at 9pm on ITV, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.