The highly anticipated I’m A Celebrity… South Africa 2026 kicked off on April 6th, but not everything went according to plan for ITV. While fans tuned in for the All Stars edition, it didn’t take long for frustration to set in — and this time, the blame was squarely on the GC, Gemma Collins.
Ant and Dec returned to host the spin-off, bringing with them an all-star lineup including David Haye, Sinitta, and Adam Thomas. The opening episode had contestants battling it out in a series of grueling challenges to secure their spots in the main camp. Yet, despite all the excitement, many viewers were left wondering, “Where was Gemma?”
Gemma’s Absence Sparks Fury
Gemma Collins — the reality TV star turned fan favorite — was nowhere to be found for most of the 90-minute launch show, leaving her loyal fans fuming. While the episode showcased several celebs taking part in the action, Gemma barely made an appearance.
To make matters worse, Gemma’s name was one of the first to appear on the lineup, with fans eagerly awaiting her return. Unfortunately, she didn’t step into the spotlight until the final moments of the episode — a fleeting glimpse that only teased her presence. As if that wasn’t enough, Gemma’s late arrival is due to her status as one of the late arrivals, alongside Harry Redknapp, Craig Charles, and Jimmy Bullard, meaning viewers had to endure the agony of waiting for her full entrance.
The Big Reveal: Gemma Struggles in Guts Instinct Challenge
As the episode came to a close, Gemma Collins, alongside Craig Charles, was teased for the next episode’s Bushtucker Trial, Guts Instinct. A brief preview showed Gemma looking visibly distressed and struggling through the eating challenge, with her comedic yet desperate pleas adding to the drama.
“I can’t. I can’t. I’m gonna die!” she screamed as she fought through the challenge, adding fuel to the fire for fans who were hoping to see more of her during the launch.
But despite the juicy teaser, fans were not happy about the few seconds of screen time Gemma received. Viewers took to social media to express their frustration, with some even joking that they were prepared to escalate the issue to Ofcom.
Social Media Erupts: ‘Enough is Enough!’
The hashtag #GemmaCollins quickly began trending, as fans took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustrations. One user declared, “I’m complaining to Ofcom due to the lack of Gemma Collins #ImACeleb,” while others expressed similar sentiments, voicing their disappointment that the reality star had been relegated to such a minor role in the episode.
“We’ve sat through 90 minutes with no sign of Gemma,” one fan tweeted. Another added, “I feel like reporting ITV to Ofcom.”
As more and more fans shared their discontent, one irate viewer summed up the general mood: “Enough is enough! Where the [bleep] is Gemma?”
What’s Next?
Despite the outcry, fans can rest assured that Gemma’s much-anticipated return is still on the horizon. In tonight’s episode, Guts Instinct promises to deliver more of the drama fans are craving, with Gemma front and center in the eating challenge.
Will her struggles in the trial be enough to silence the critics? Or will her absence in the launch episode continue to haunt ITV as viewers demand more screen time for their favorite star? One thing’s for sure — Gemma Collins is not going anywhere, and the drama is just getting started.
Stay tuned as the I’m A Celebrity… South Africa All Stars series heats up, with more thrills, spills, and of course, the GC.
