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I’m A Celebrity receives Ofcom complaints after Anne Hegerty’s trial

Viewers were divided over the treatment of the star

Everyone has to face a Bushtucker trial at some point on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, and last night was Anne Hergerty’s turn.

But not everyone agreed it was fair to subject The Chase star – who has Asperger’s Syndrome – to the intense Monstrous Monoliths Trial.

In fact, some even complained to media watchdog, Ofcom.

Anne seemed nervous ahead of the challenge (credit: ITV)

Ofcom told ED! that it has so far received two complaints.

According to The Sun, Ofcom will assess the complaints and if they decide ITV has broken any broadcasting rules, they will investigate.

ED! has contacted I’m A Celebrity for comment.

Anne won only two stars after the trial, where she had bugs, slime and fish guts poured over her.

Presenters Holly Willoughby and Declan Donnelly repeatedly asked if she was OK, as Anne said: “I’m fine, I’m fine… Oh God you disgusting thing, you. Get out of my ear you thing! That’s revolting.”

anne hegerty i'm a celeb
She survived the slime and fish guts (credit: ITV)

Shortly after, it seemed to all become too much as she uttered the infamous words: “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.”

Anne added: “I can’t do it. I’m so sorry.”

Many viewers aired their concerns on social media, with one writing: “If people keep voting for Anne to do trials on I’m a Celeb because they think it’ll be funny to exploit her autism, they can fight me.”

Read more: The Chase’s Mark Labbett couldn’t do I’m A Celebrity because he is too heavy

Another added: “Quite reassuring to see autism is trending on Twitter, due to Anne Hegerty on I’m A Celeb. So long as the producers don’t exploit her autism for entertainment.”

It follows a new interview with Anne’s uncle, who admitted to the Daily Mail: “I know she will find it difficult, but we are all rooting for her. It is very much out of her comfort zone and to be honest I am surprised that she agreed to go on the show.

anne hegerty i'm a celeb
Anne only got two stars (credit: ITV)

“We do wish her well, but given what I have heard it could all be a bit too much for her. It will be very hard and I think we have seen that already. I really do hope she will be okay.”

Earlier this week, it was reported that she was being monitored closely by show bosses after breaking down on the first day in camp.

The TV star was allowed to skip the first trial but was still emotional as she struggled with the difficult conditions of the Australian jungle.

A source has told The Sun: “She was distressed after the first day and found it a bit much. Producers wanted to ensure she was fine, so have been checking in with her.

anne hegerty i'm a celeb
Anne seems to have settled in with her camp mates well (credit: ITV)

“They didn’t want to push her too soon and were pleased teammates rallied round her. She’s explained her autism means she struggles in some social situations and can need a timeout.

“Producers want to ensure she has space. Her wellbeing is of the utmost importance.”

The publication also spoke to Anne’s manager David Hahn, who confirmed: “She’s in very good hands there. When she said she was doing the show, I asked, ‘Are you sure?’. But she wanted to inspire others with autism.”

Read more: Surprising reason Emily Atack might already be set to win I’m A Celeb

We love Anne and think she’s doing brilliantly. And she’s got some very supportive campmates around her…

What did you think of Anne’s trial? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor