"I Walked Away from a Scary 'I'm a Celeb' Challenge Before Camp – Here's Why ITV's New Rule Makes Perfect Sense"

A former I’m a Celebrity star has supported ITV’s decision to limit the number of Bushtucker Trials that campmates must complete.

The show's executives intervened to prevent stars from being “bullied” by viewers into continuously taking on stomach-churning eating challenges.

Babatúndé Aléshé abandoned his first challenge just 36 minutes into the premiere episodeCredit: Brian Roberts – Commissioned by The Sun Today's front page of The Sun discussing the ITV show's new rule

Babatúndé Aléshé – who famously shouted “I’m a Celebrity.. GET ME OUT OF HERE!” 36 minutes into the first episode in 2022 – believes this change will prevent villain-like characters from overshadowing lesser-known participants.

In 2012, one contestant was voted for SEVEN consecutive trials – the same number as a contestant from You Are What You Eat who fainted live on air.

The new rule, “two in a row and you miss a go,” will prevent fans from voting for a celebrity who has already completed two consecutive trials.

While launching BeStreamWise’s initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal streaming, Babatúndé spoke to The Sun: “In my series, it was Matt Hancock who kept getting voted for trials, but that was understandable – it was bound to happen.

“When he joined, I thought ‘oh my god, this guy’s my saving grace’ because everyone despised him – even his campmates.

“I don’t think there’s a villain this year, but I believe the rule will still encourage everyone to participate more.

“I regret not having the chance to take on as many trials as I could have.

“When you’re in there, the thought of doing it is incredibly frightening.

“As soon as you wake up, it gets announced who will go on trial, which makes you anxious right away.

“It’s dreadful.”

The comedian withdrew from the show's launch from a 32-storey building.

This led viewers to vote for him to participate in the Horrifying Heights challenge, as fans were eager to see him struggle.

At that moment, the host joked: “It might be very, very short for us..

“He can’t say it twice, can he?”

Babatúndé Aleshe participated in the 22nd series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!Credit: Rex

After overcoming his fears the second time, Babatúndé succeeded in nine out of ten stars.

“I was terrified, but once I faced it the second time, I felt immensely proud of myself.

“It was one of my proudest moments ever because I would never have done that in my right mind, but when you’re in there, something takes over and you just think I’m going to do it.

“I don’t know what that part of the brain is, but I need to tap into it more because it really pushes you.”

Babatúndé hopes that his best friend – who co-hosts their Man Like You podcast with him – will also be able to confront his fears when he enters the jungle this Sunday.

“Knowing Eddie, he never likes to appear vulnerable, ever.

“He prefers to be seen as this brave, strong guy. However, I know from my experience on the show that once you’re in there, you lose all control.

“They strip away all that control, making you feel extremely vulnerable.

“I’ve never seen him in this situation, so if it’s anything like my first height challenge when I backed out, I’ll be able to judge how he’s going to handle it.

“I’ll be watching with bated breath just like everyone else.

“I’m really excited to see him. I can’t wait.”