Nella Rose has finally broken her silence on her controversial I’m A Celebrity stint.
The social media influencer had pushed back her post-show interviews on Tuesday, pulling out of a scheduled remote appearance on Lorraine because she needed time to ‘process’ her experiences in the Jungle.
Yet by Wednesday, she had a change of heart and appeared via remote link on This Morning moments before the latest evictee Fred Sirieix was due to be interviewed.
The YouTuber, 26, had several ups and downs in the Jungle, among them clashes with First Dates star Fred and former UKIP leader Nigel Farage.
With Fred just meters away from her, Nella was asked about Dadgate, the infamous row in which she lashed out at the maître d’ for saying he ‘could be her dad’ due to his age.
Nella Rose has finally broken her silence on her controversial I’m A Celebrity stint as she appeared on Wednesday’s This Morning after pulling out of interviews the day before
Nella became the second celebrity voted out of the Jungle on Monday’s show and after a day of ‘processing’ her Jungle stint she revealed what really happened during the Dadgate row
Nella revealed her side of the story, explaining that while she had been unable to watch the footage back, she was ‘aware’ of what had been put across.
She told hosts Emma Willis and Rylan: ‘It was a big fat misunderstanding.
‘We’ve gone over it, everything is cool, everything is blessed. I don’t know why everyone’s still crying about it.’
‘In the Jungle, everything is intensified. That subject [parents] is very triggering for me because its a fresh wound but everything in the Jungle is intense.’
During her time in the Jungle, Nella was voted to be camp leader and threw a spanner in the works when she declared that trained chef Fred could no longer be camp cook.
She instead put him on pot washing duties, declaring it ‘karma’ for ‘making her life hell.’
Asked why she made the decision, Nella quipped: ‘In the Jungle the little bit of drama that happens is your EastEnders. I stirred the pot to make things fun, it’s just who I am.’
Yet Fred had nothing but kind words to say about his campmate, echoing her sentiments when he was asked about Dadgate during his interview, which came moments after Nella’s.
He explained: ‘It was a misunderstanding, the jungle is a pressure cooker.’
The YouTuber’s relationship with Fred Siriex became strained after he remarked ‘I could be your dad’ which promoted a negative reaction from Nella, who lost her father in 2020
During her time in the Jungle, Nella also butted heads with Nigel Farage as they clashed over their views on immigration and politics
Fred went on to hit out at the amount of backlash Nella has received, saying: ‘I was very surprised of the hate for Nella.
‘It’s totally wrong and unfair and it’s not in my name. Nella is a lovely girl. Things happen, you move on and I don’t know what all the fuss is about.’
Fred and Nella’s relationship became strained after he remarked ‘I could be your dad’ during a conversation about their age difference, which promoted a negative reaction from Nella, who lost her father in 2020.
READ MORE: The story behind Dadgate: I’m A Celeb star Nella Rose’s rise from homeless to YouTube sensation
While discussing Fred’s comment, Nella explained to the food connoisseur: ‘To me, I don’t care how you said it, to me, that’s disrespectful, and I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t want to talk to you, I don’t want to be around you.
‘I only allow people to disrespect me once. Don’t bring up my dead parent, are you stupid? “You know I could be your dad right?” You’re a weirdo.’
Following their disagreement, Nella and Fred made amends while competing in one of the show’s challenges.
But their fallout sparked a debate among viewers, with some believing that Nella overreacted and others sympathetic for the terrible loss she has suffered.
Nella has lost both her parents, her father Paul Hollela passed away in 2020 after contracting coronavirus and her mother Eseho Omolongo died of a stroke in 2016.
During her time in the Jungle, Nella also butted heads with Nigel as they clashed over their views on immigration and politics.
Yet she explained that there was no hard feelings, sayings: ‘I love everybody in there, I’ve made friends for life and I will never forget this experience.
‘I won’t forget Nigel. We had really interesting conversations in there that needed to be had and it is what it is.
‘I feel in life it’s good to hear different opinions, me and Nigel come from two different classes and walks of life, we can agree to disagree, no one gets hurt it’s fine.’
Speaking about her time in the Jungle as a whole, Nella insisted she has no regrets, musing: ‘I don’t think there’s anything I would change.
‘What you see is what you get and I’ll always stay true to myself. I’m like marmite, you love me or hate me!’
Speaking about taking Fred of cooking duties, she said ‘In the Jungle the little bit of drama that happens is your EastEnders, I stirred the pot to make things fun, it’s just who I am’
Nella (in glasses) pictured with her father Paul Hollela (top left) her brother Albert (in white T-shirt) her sister Omoyi (in red) her sister Charonne (in pink) and her sister Caroline (at the back)
Nella endured a whopping eight Bushtucker Trials on the show and said of her experience: ‘The trials were so scary, seeing it on TV you’re thinking “I can do it, it’s light work”but it’s actually crazy stuff.
‘Some were really hard but I faced my fears and I’m happy I did them… I enjoyed my experience 1000 percent and I really pushed myself to the limits.
‘I’m going to tell my kids this! It’s an experience I do not regret whatsoever.’
Nella has been joined by her brother in who flew to Brisbane to be by her side after she became the second celebrity to leave the show on Monday.
Her sibling Albert, 27, landed hours after the YouTuber got the boot, with sources close to the star saying she is in need of ‘rest’ and ‘recovery’ before partaking in a live television interview.
She was scheduled to speak to Lorraine on Tuesday morning’s show but was advised to ‘relax’ by those closest to her, including her management team.
A source close to Nella told : ‘All Nella needs right now is a day to relax and process all the happenings from her time on I’m A Celeb.
‘While she absolutely loved her experience, there has also been a lot to digest and discuss with ITV plus her team, she didn’t feel ready to be interviewed on live television by Lorraine just yet.
‘Her brother Albert arrived in shortly after she was evicted from the show, and it means the world to her having him by her side.
‘It may have looked like she wasn’t met by anyone close to her as she crossed the I’m A Celeb bridge, but her brother wasn’t far away.’
Clearly miffed by the last-minute snub, Lorraine said on air: ‘It’s a shame she’s not talking to anybody this morning…
But anyway we’re going to be joined from by Nick Pickard’s girlfriend Sarah with reaction from the friends and family.’
Show hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly revealed that Nella had received the fewest number of votes from the public on Monday.
She became the second celebrity to leave camp following jockey Frankie Dettori, 52, who blamed his elimination on his lack of airtime.
The MTV presenter became the second campmate to leave the competition on Monday evening, with JSL singer Marvin Humes also in the bottom two
Nella made a lonely departure from the I’m A Celeb jungle after no friends or family members met her as she crossed the show’s bridge.
However, those closest to the star supported her from afar, with plenty of proud messages being shared on Instagram.
One family member said: ‘Proud of you family, you took every trial head on, faced your fears and pushed yourself outside of your comfort zone like the true Queen of the Jungle that you are. Now hurry back we’ve all missed you.’
Several other Instagram users called Nella their ‘Queen of the Jungle’ and said that the PrettyLittleThing ambassador was a ‘winner’ in their eyes.
I’m A Celebrity airs nightly at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX
I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates
NIGEL FARAGE
Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party and leader of the Brexit Party.
Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty.
Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news.
Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore.
Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields
DANIELLE HAROLD
Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.
Phobias: Rats. I hate them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too!
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either.
Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.
FRED SIRIEIX – LEFT!
Claim to fame: First Dates star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp.
Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning.
Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient!
Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.
NELLA ROSE – LEFT!
Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star.
Phobias: I am fearful of everything!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book.
Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it!
Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele.
NICK PICKARD
Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star.
Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.
Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop!
Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock.
FRANKIE DETTORI – LEFT!
Claim to fame: Champion Jockey
Phobias: I am not sure as I don’t walk across rooftop planks in the middle of the day nor do I have any snakes or rats in the house!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: None. I’ve lived in the public domain for as long as I can remember so I’d hope everyone knows me well.
Role in camp: To have fun with everyone, I am a happy-go- lucky person.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? Travelling. I have spent my whole life at airports and I’ve got to like it!
Best & worst attributes: I am outgoing and I am a fighter. Worst? I can’t sit still and I am impatient.
Dream camper: Robbie Williams would be fun.
JAMIE LYNN SPEARS – LEFT!
Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.
Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone.
Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed.
Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot.
Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.
SAM THOMPSON
Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter.
Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!
Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things.
Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle!
JOSIE GIBSON
Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.
Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information!
Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on!
Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry.
Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her.
MARVIN HUMES
Claim to fame: JLS star.
Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too.
Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food.
Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.
GRACE DENT – LEFT!
Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic.
Phobias: Horrible people.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour.
Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep.
Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour!
TONY BELLEW
Claim to fame: Former champion boxer
Phobias: Like most normal people, I am scared of almost everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People will portray me as something I am not because of the profession I have had. I am just a normal person.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I am domesticated so hopefully I can help out.
Best & worst attributes: I do get hangry…who doesn’t! But I am easy going and I get on with everyone.