In a surprising turn of events on the Prime Video series ‘Last One Laughing: UK’, comedian Gbemisola Ikumelo was the first contestant to be eliminated after experiencing a distressing incident on set. The 40-year-old performer revealed that she had to leave the competition early due to an unexpected bout of nausea that led to her being physically ill while filming alongside hosts Jimmy Carr and Roisin Conaty.
A Tumultuous Departure
Ikumelo’s journey on the show, which challenges ten comedians to endure six hours without smiling or laughing, came to an abrupt end after she managed to last through four episodes. While eliminated contestants typically join the control room with the hosts, Ikumelo’s situation took a comical yet concerning turn. Jimmy Carr announced to viewers that she was “not feeling well” and had to exit the room, leaving fans puzzled about her sudden departure.
In a candid conversation with Mel Giedroyc on the podcast ‘Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake’, Ikumelo explained the ordeal. “I threw up. This show has physically damaged both of us,” she confessed, recounting how the control room began to spin, leading to her dramatic moment. “A little bit of bile started to come up and I just threw up and then I ran. They all thought it was hilarious because they thought it was a spit take,” she added, reflecting on the confusion that ensued. It was only when the crew began to clean up that the gravity of the situation was understood.
What Went Wrong?
When probed about the cause of her sudden illness, Ikumelo pointed to the show’s catering choices. “There were sweets and I don’t really do sweets. I do hot food; I’m not a cold food person, and it was all cold food so I didn’t really eat,” she explained. Her peculiar hydration method—a sip of water from fellow contestant Sam Campbell’s A4 wallet—added to the absurdity of her experience. Giedroyc quipped, “That’s why you puked!”
Ikumelo’s exit from the competition wasn’t without its humorous undertones. In a prior segment on ‘Last One Laughing: UK’, she acknowledged the physical toll of suppressing laughter, admitting, “I think suppressing laughter is probably quite hazardous to one’s health.” Following her exit, she expressed her disappointment in missing the remainder of the game but reassured fans that she was feeling better.
A Shared Experience
Ikumelo’s experience was not entirely unique. Giedroyc revealed that she too faced challenges while filming, suffering from an “inflamed right jaw” after trying to stifle her laughter. “I went to the dentist and she asked, ‘What’s been going on? Are you grinding your teeth at night?’” Giedroyc recounted, only to recall the mischief of filming that had led to her discomfort.
The second season of ‘Last One Laughing’ featured a star-studded lineup, including Maisie Adam, Bob Mortimer, Romesh Ranganathan, and Diane Morgan, culminating in a victory for Peep Show’s David Mitchell. However, it was Ikumelo’s unexpected exit that garnered significant attention, highlighting the unpredictable nature of reality television.
Behind the Laughter
As the show continues to push the boundaries of comedic endurance, Ikumelo’s incident serves as a reminder of the physical and mental challenges faced by contestants. The blend of comedy and competition can lead to unexpected moments, both hilarious and harrowing, as seen in Ikumelo’s case.
Why it Matters
Ikumelo’s experience sheds light on the sometimes-overlooked realities of reality television, where the pressures of entertainment can lead to unforeseen consequences. As viewers, we are often drawn to the laughter, but behind the scenes, the toll on participants can be significant. This incident not only highlights the dedication of comedians to their craft but also serves as a reminder to prioritise well-being in the pursuit of humour.
