Viewers of the popular television series I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here are expressing mixed reactions to comedian Ruby Wax‘s debut following her controversial comments aimed at fellow contestant Angry Ginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle. The show, which airs on ITV, features ten celebrities, including TV host Alex Scott, Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, and reality personality Jack Osbourne.
The controversy erupted during the opening episode on March 12, 2024, when Wax addressed Burtwistle in a manner some viewers have deemed disrespectful. While the contestants had only been in the jungle for a few hours, Wax’s remarks sparked outrage on social media, leading to calls for her removal from the show. During a scene that aired, Wax requested Burtwistle to step away from her lighting and made light of his nickname.
When Scott asked Burtwistle how he would like to be addressed, he responded, “Ginge or Morgan.” Wax quickly interjected, “We’ll never call you that.” After Burtwistle revealed his family name, “Burtwistle,” Wax quipped, “Oh, I see why you changed it. It’s so not cool.” She then instructed him to “get out of [her] way,” adding, “Don’t ever in this show get in my way. Do you understand?”
Reactions from viewers have been polarized. Some found Wax’s humor amusing, while others took offense. One viewer stated, “Good god, Ruby might be the rudest celeb I’ve ever seen on this show,” while another tweeted, “Get rid of Ruby right now, don’t you DARE disrespect Ginge like that.”
Social media reactions continued to pour in, with some users even resorting to TikTok to voice their concerns. One user demanded, “Get Ruby Wax off I’m a celebrity NOW!!!” while another remarked, “She was so rude to him for no reason.”
Despite the backlash, Wax also has her defenders. One supporter tweeted, “All these idiot Gen Z’s not getting Ruby Wax’s humour. She’s a comedy legend.” Another fan noted, “Absolutely fascinated at people not realising Ruby is a force of sarcastic 80s/90s female comedy.”
In a related note, Wax’s friend, Kathy Lette, appeared on the show Lorraine, where she expressed confidence in Wax’s ability to win the competition. “Her only competition, I think, will be Jack because he’s so capable and calm, but she’ll take him out,” Lette stated.
As the drama unfolds, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here continues tonight at 21:00 GMT, with viewers eagerly awaiting the next developments in the jungle.
