Last night on I’m A Celebrity, campmates were given the power to select participants for the upcoming Tanks of Torture bushtucker trial. Ant and Dec informed them at the end of the programme, leading to some campmates bowing out due to concerns about potential water challenges.
Barry McGuigan and Oti Mabuse stepped forward to volunteer. But confusion arose just minutes later when, on spin-off show I’m A Celeb Unpacked, host Joel Dommett stated that Oti would be joined by Melvin Odoom in the trial instead. No reason was provided for Barry’s replacement.
The official ‘I’m A Celeb’ Instagram account also confirmed Oti and Melvin as the duo for the daunting task.
Fans immediately expressed their puzzlement over the last-minute switch-up. Social media saw comments such as “I thought it was Barry and Oti? Was Barry taken out cos he can’t see?” referencing Barry’s previous struggles with his initial trial upon entering the camp, where he had difficulty reading padlock numbers, reports OK!.
Another viewer questioned, “Wait, wasn’t it meant to be Barry? ” while someone else anticipated seeing Barry in action, posting: “What’s happened to Barry? Was looking forward to seeing him do a trial.”
Speculation is rife about why Barry was replaced by Melvin on the popular reality show. A viewer shared their theory: “I’m pretty sure Barry most likely got ruled out due to medical grounds, so they replaced him with Melvin,” while another commented with acceptance: “I thought it was Barry, but I’ll take Melvin happily.”
The I’m A Celebrity team has teased that everything will be explained in the episode airing on Friday, November 29.
Enthusiasm for Barry’s participation in a trial has been brewing among viewers, considering he’s had limited limelight since his arrival at camp. The bulk of attention has centered on Dean McCullough, starting from his string of trials and comical disdain for fish guts to recent observations by campmates of his apparent lack of enthusiasm for camp chores.
In the episode broadcast on Thursday, 28 November, Dean and Melvin were assigned a water-collection task. Instead of assisting, Dean opted for a shower, leaving the work to Melvin. “I’m going to have a scrub, and then I’ll do a couple, mate,” he told Melvin.
But as Melvin transported his fourth bucket of water, Danny Jones quipped, “Is Houdini with him?” referring to Dean’s knack for vanishing when there is work to be done.
After Jane disclosed that Dean was showering, Melvin humorously remarked, “Houdini does another trick again!” prompting Jane to encourage, “Come on Melvin, you’ve got to leave some for Dean to do!”
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! airs daily at 9pm on ITV.