I'm A Celeb South Africa Sees Awkward Clash Over Chicago Role
Tensions erupted in the camp during the latest episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa, as Gemma Collins and Sinitta became embroiled in a heated disagreement. The clash aired on Thursday night, April 9, 2026, adding to a series of on-screen disputes in the all-stars edition, which has already seen fallout involving boxer David Haye and Beverley Callard.
Musical Chicago at the Heart of the Dispute
The disagreement between Gemma and Sinitta centred on the musical Chicago, in which both women have been linked to the role of Matron 'Mama' Morton. Sinitta previously performed the part, while Gemma had been announced for the same role in 2022 before later withdrawing due to an injury.
After the two camps merged, Sinitta brought up the topic, asking: "What happened with Chicago? Because you were supposed to follow me as Mama Morton in Chicago, it was like announced and everything." Gemma responded by explaining she had been forced to step back due to a knee injury, citing insurance issues.
Sinitta's Controversial Admission
The conversation quickly turned uncomfortable when Sinitta admitted she had initially doubted the casting announcement. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to admit it, when I heard you were going to do it, I thought it was a joke announcement," Sinitta said. "I think you'd just presented something at an awards show and fell off the stage. It was like you were more of a comedian."
Gemma appeared hurt by the remark and pushed back firmly, replying: "Not a joke, Sinitta. I auditioned for it and got it fair and square. Did all the training, everything. Had the voice coach." Fellow campmates seemed taken aback by the exchange, with Scarlett Moffatt mouthing "What is happening?" to Seann Walsh as the tension escalated.
Background on the Chicago Casting
Sinitta originally took on the role of Mama Morton for a three-month run in 2021 and has since returned to the production multiple times during its tour. Gemma, meanwhile, had been confirmed for the same role in March 2022 following online speculation, scheduled to begin performances in Sunderland that summer. However, by the end of May, it was announced she would no longer be taking part due to her knee injury.
A statement at the time read: "Gemma Collins' management have informed the producers of Chicago she will no longer be appearing in the UK tour of the show due to a knee injury. The producers of Chicago wish Gemma all the best for the future." Her casting had raised some eyebrows within theatre circles, though producer David Ian defended the decision, stating they "were completely stunned by Gemma's audition." Ultimately, audiences never got to see her take on the iconic role.
Show Format and Future Episodes
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa is a special all-stars version of the long-running ITV series, bringing back familiar faces from previous years for another shot at jungle glory. Unlike the traditional format, there is no public vote, with eliminations and outcomes decided within camp. This year's line-up features a mix of former winners and standout campmates, including:
- Heart Breakfast's Ashley Roberts
- Gemma Collins
- Sinitta
- Scarlett Moffatt
- Boxer David Haye
- Coronation Street actress Beverley Callard
The disagreement is expected to continue in further scenes set to air on ITV. Despite the emotional moment, Gemma has remained in the competition so far, unlike her previous appearance in 2014, when she exited the show after just three days in the Australian jungle. The show airs on ITV1 and ITVX, keeping viewers on edge as camp dynamics unfold.
