I’m A Celebrity… South Africa star Ashley Roberts said she does not recall her co-star behaving the same way when they first appeared on the show together in 2012
15:05, 17 Apr 2026Updated 15:05, 17 Apr 2026
Ashley Roberts said David ‘isn’t coming across well’ (Image: ITV)
Ashley Roberts has claimed David Haye is acting differently on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa compared to when they appeared together on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2012. Both stars are currently competing to be crowned Legend of the Jungle in the pre-recorded all-stars series, which was filmed last year.
Since the show began, former boxer David has come under fire from viewers over a series of controversial remarks. Earlier this week, he raised eyebrows after claiming his girlfriend Sian had the personality of “an ugly bird”.
He elaborated: “Most ugly girls realise they’re not pretty enough, so they’ve got to have a personality – to banter and tell jokes – so people overlook the fact they’re not aesthetically amazing.
“That’s what’s called Ugly Duckling syndrome, where girls start off ugly and then become more attractive as they get older, but still have the personality from when they weren’t.”
He continued: “Most super pretty girls don’t have to have a personality, because they’re attractive. But their less attractive friends have to work harder, be more personable and nicer to everyone.”
David Haye was branded ‘sexist’ by some viewers (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
More recently, David was criticised by viewers for appearing ungrateful after dismissing chocolates secretly brought into camp by Adam Thomas as “horrible”.
Discussing his behaviour on Heart Radio Breakfast, Ashley shared her surprise at his attitude, telling hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston: “He’s not coming across well, is he? His language is outrageous, I’ll tell you that much.
“I don’t remember that side of him when we were together 14 years ago. I don’t remember thinking, ‘What just came out of your mouth?'”
Reflecting on their previous friendship, she added: “We were in the final three, he came third, I came second and we spent time together after the show. I don’t remember being taken aback [by his words back then].”
Ashley and David are a part of the I’m A Celebrity South Africa 2026 cast (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Elsewhere in camp this week, Seann Walsh became the first celebrity to leave in a surprise twist.
Harry Redknapp was tasked with delivering the shock eviction to his team after returning from a challenge, but made a humorous blunder when he accidentally called the comedian “Stuart”.
Explaining the moment, Ashley said: “Poor Harry! This wasn’t aired, he came in trying to explain what was going on and looked over to the right, where we had all our names on a chalkboard with our chores, which me and Scarlett [Moffatt] had just erased.
“So, it looked like he was searching for help to remember Seann’s name, and then he said ‘Stuart’. He looked at Seann and Seann was like, ‘Okay, I guess that’s me’.”
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa airs weekdays at 9pm on ITV and ITVX. The live final airs on April 24.