A Channel Ten executive has described the harsh consequences celebrities face if they quit I’m A Celebrity… Get me out of here!
Stephen Tate, the network’s head of entertainment and factual programming, explained that it’s always a “massive disappointment” when stars fail or leave the show on their own terms — better known as chanting the iconic phrase, “I’m a celebrity… Get me out of here’.
“The public doesn’t like it. The Australian public doesn’t like quitters,” he said news.com.au.
“Obviously, we will never push someone to the point where it’s detrimental to their mental health…but running away can be detrimental too.”
He added that the production should “make sure” the celebrity is “absolutely sure” they want to leave.
It’s because Kerri-Anne Kennerley was the first to leave this season, quitting after refusing to eat animal testicles during Thursday’s episode.
The television royalty, 69, received endless backlash over her decision as viewers and fans accused her of refusing to be a “team player.”
But she’s not the first, and probably won’t be the last, to give up and leave the jungle due to the tough and physically demanding challenges of the show.
Stephen Tate, the network’s head of entertainment and factual programming, explained that it’s always a “massive disappointment” when stars fail or leave the show on their own terms. Kerri-Anne Kennerley retired this season after refusing to eat animal testicles
During the 2018 season, tennis ‘bad boy’ Bernard Tomic and boxer Anthony Mudine both retired dramatically.
They both faced strong backlash from viewers, with the show’s co-host Julia Morris calling them “weak as p**s” in an interview a year later.
Due to Tomic’s challenge that stopped him, he took part in an aerial obstacle course that required him to wear goggles that made everything appear upside down.
During the 2018 season, tennis ‘bad boy’ Bernard Tomic (left) and boxer Anthony Mudine (right) retreated dramatically
‘I’m really sick. I’m about to throw up, I’m out, I’m so sick,” he said, still clinging to the ledge.
Revealing that he’d “never felt so ill before,” he famously shouted, “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here!”
Meanwhile, Mundine was left “quite upset” from the viper chamber trial, in which he went underground in a dark box full of snakes.
Last year, in season eight, Beau Ryan walked into the jungle on the 14th day – costing him $200,000.
Last year, Beau Ryan walked into the jungle on the 14th day – costing him $200,000
His reasoning was sparked by a late night discussion with his campmates, when he admitted that he missed his family and had to leave.
Comedian Mel Buttle also left in the 2021 season after a snake near their campsite triggered her phobia. She didn’t seem to experience as much backlash compared to others who quit.
Kerri-Anne’s time on the series came to an end after just four days in the South African jungle.
Comedian Mel Buttle (pictured) also left in the 2021 season after a snake near their campsite triggered her phobia
Angered at having to do three trials in a row, Kerri-Anne then told her campmates she was leaving, saying: the famous words: ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’
While many fans praised Kerri-Anne for her efforts after competing in three trials in a row, others were not so pleased.
Fans criticized the television personality for “left the show.”
“So Kerri-Anne happily volunteered to go on a show to collect 200,000,” one viewer tweeted.
“Sat there and did nothing. Refused to be a team player. Played the victim when called. Then quickly left the show & her nominated charity after 2 days & quit.”
“She really showed herself well,” they added.
I’m a Celebrity continues on Channel 10 on Sunday at 7.30pm
While many fans praised Kerri-Anne for her efforts after three trials in a row, others were not so pleased