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I’m A Celebrity slammed for “appalling” and “unforgivable” joke

This time host Ant McPartlin is in hot water

While it’s been – pretty much – peachy inside camp throughout this series of I’m A Celebrity… the controversy surrounding the show just keeps on rolling.

This time it’s Ant McPartlin who’s central to the scandal.

The cheeky presenter has been accused by viewers of going too far after Larry Lamb was voted out of the jungle.

As the former EastEnder was at one point one of the hot contenders for this year’s crown, there was consternation in the studio when his eviction was heralded.

Ant is a particular fan of the Gavin & Stacey legend, so took the news badly, but his tribute was not well received by some fans of the show.

The source of the furore began as Dec told the devastated crew to calm down.

He ordered: “Come on, let’s stop overreacting guys, let’s keep Larry’s departure in perspective.

“You slightly overreacted there.”

Then co-host Ant pulled a bugle from under the desk and pretended to play The Last Post in tribute to Larry.

The Last Post is a bugle call – or cavalry trumpet – used at military funerals and commemoration ceremonies.

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What was clearly intended as a joke went down like a lead balloon. Twitter was awash with enraged viewers.

One summed up the sentiment: “Ffs @itv – the last post is for remembering war vets not Larry Lamb leaving the jungle #notfunny #distasteful #imaceleb.”

“Usually a big fan of Ant and Dec… but playing the last post as part of a joke..don’t see the funny side #imaceleb,” said another.

Another wrote: “Bit disrespectful for imacelebrity to use the last post for a joke. #imaceleb.”

Yet another viewer vented: “Completely inappropriate use of The Last Post for a cheap laugh @imacelebrity.  Is nothing sacred? #ImACeleb.”

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Another said: “Playing the Last Post because Larry Lamb has left #imaceleb really? Disgusting.”

“Very bad taste using the last post #ImACeleb #imacelebritygetmeoutofhere unforgivable,” agreed another.

Larry was the sixth star to be voted out of the hit ITV series after spending 20 days in the Australian camp.

He was followed out last night by Martin Roberts and Wayne Bridge.


Kaggie Hyland
Editor-in-Chief