Dean McCullough, the 32-year-old Radio 1 DJ, is facing backlash from “I’m A Celeb” viewers who believe he’s faking his fears to grab more screen time.
After an impressive performance in the latest BushTucker Trial, fans were quick to point out what they see as his exaggerated reactions.
Dean collected 10 stars in the trial, “Jack and the Scream Stalk,” but his efforts have left many viewers frustrated, especially after his previous performances.
Quiet Approach, Then a Familiar Scream
In the challenge, Dean had to climb a beanstalk and put his hands into containers filled with creepy crawlies like green ants and cockroaches.
Unlike his usual over-the-top reactions, Dean remained calm and methodical during most of the trial, only to break into his signature scream at the end.
While his success was undeniable, fans took to social media to voice their suspicions.
Some claimed that Dean’s fear seemed “fake,” with accusations that he was merely playing up to the cameras for additional airtime.
Fans Sound Off on Social Media
The reaction on X (formerly Twitter) was swift, with many fans expressing their dissatisfaction.
One user wrote, “I’m actually getting sick of Dean. He seems very fake and acts up to the cameras,” while another commented, “I’m really over Dean’s fake overreactions during trials.”
A few even speculated that he was staging his fears to make himself look better in the eyes of the public.
“Dean forgot to scream for the first 9 stars, beats his personal best, then starts crying he can’t do it,” one fan noted. “The guy’s too obvious.”
Ant McPartlin Weighs in on Dean’s Performance
The frustration surrounding Dean’s performance wasn’t just limited to fans.
Host Ant McPartlin, 49, has been openly critical of the DJ’s efforts.
Last week, Ant admitted he was “unprofessional” on air after viewers noticed his “furious” reaction to Dean quitting a challenge.
On the show’s spin-off, “I’m A Celebrity Unpacked,” Ant addressed his anger, explaining that he was frustrated by what he saw as a lack of effort: “If you can’t do it, you can’t do it, but just try it.
At least try,” he said, noting that Dean had been “screaming at water” during one challenge, which only added to his irritation.
Ant’s Plea for a Fresh Face on Screen
On Sunday’s show, Ant and his co-host Dec made a direct appeal to viewers, asking them to stop voting for Dean to participate in more trials.
“We aren’t getting to know the others!” Dec exclaimed.
Ant agreed, stating, “We just want to see different people down there,” and even mentioned wanting to see other celebrities like Barry McGuigan, Oti Mabuse, and Melvin Odoom take part in the trials instead.
Dean’s Unsuccessful Trials Spark More Criticism
Dean’s past trials have also drawn criticism, particularly after he failed to win stars in the “Down In The Drumps” challenge with fellow contestant GK Barry.
In an emotionally charged moment during the show, Ant slammed Dean for not “trying properly.”
He later expressed his frustration in an interview, saying, “It’s not good, he literally got four out of ten!”
His candid remarks about Dean’s performance have only fueled the tension between the host and the DJ, leaving many to question whether Dean’s actions are motivated by the desire for more screen time.
Looking Ahead: Will Dean Step Up?
Despite the backlash, it’s clear that Dean’s participation in the trials isn’t about to end anytime soon.
However, whether his future trials will be as dramatic and controversial remains to be seen.
Will he tone down the theatrics, or continue to push the envelope for the cameras? Time will tell.
The ongoing saga of Dean McCullough on “I’m A Celeb” has certainly kept viewers talking, but whether his strategy will win over fans or leave them even more frustrated is yet to be determined.
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