Scarlett Moffatt Exits I’m A Celebrity… South Africa Just Before the Final Showdown

Ben Thompson, Culture Editor
4 Min Read
⏱️ 3 min read

In a dramatic turn of events, Scarlett Moffatt has been eliminated from the ITV reality series I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, merely a day before the highly anticipated finale. The Gogglebox star expressed her heartfelt disappointment after finishing last in a challenging trial, leaving her feeling “gutted” as she had hoped to secure a place in the final.

The Final Countdown: All-Male Showdown Ahead

With Moffatt’s exit, the stage is set for an all-male finale featuring Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, football manager Harry Redknapp, actor and DJ Craig Charles, and actor Adam Thomas. These four contestants will vie for the coveted title of “ultimate legend 2026” in what promises to be a gripping conclusion to the season.

Moffatt, who previously captured hearts as the Queen of the Jungle in 2016, noted that her experience this time around was far more demanding than her initial stint. “Just the trials. Who comes up with these? They’re sickos,” she remarked, reflecting on the rigorous challenges faced in the South African edition.

A Fond Farewell and Great Memories

During her exit interview with hosts Ant and Dec, Moffatt shared her deep connection to the show. “This show honestly means everything to us,” she stated, reminiscing about how watching Ant and Dec on SMTV Live inspired her growing up. “It means a lot,” she added, highlighting the personal significance of the experience.

When asked about her fellow contestants, she described them as “eccentrically wonderful,” demonstrating the camaraderie that has developed in the camp. Moffatt expressed her support for Mo Farah as the likely winner, saying, “Please Mo. He is just the most wonderful human being. There’s not a bad bone in his body.”

Trials and Tribulations: The Challenges of Camp Life

In the trial that led to her elimination, contestants were tasked with counting coloured balls rolling down a tube while enduring a deluge of critters, including maggots, cockroaches, crickets, and mealworms. The stakes were high, with the contestant whose estimate was the furthest from the correct number facing eviction.

Thursday night’s episode also featured the Cyclone challenge, where contestants had to navigate a slippery water slide while being bombarded with oversized balls and high-pressure hoses. Remarkably, the group succeeded in this task, earning heartfelt messages from their loved ones back home and a celebratory breakfast of ten eggs, which they caught from a makeshift roost in a tree above their camp.

The grand finale of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is set to air at 7.30pm on Friday across ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player, promising an exciting conclusion to this thrilling season.

Why it Matters

Scarlett Moffatt’s departure not only marks a significant moment in the series but also highlights the ever-evolving dynamics of reality television and viewer engagement. Her emotional connection to the show resonates deeply with fans, reminding us of the personal stories and relationships that underpin these competitive formats. As the series heads into its final showdown, the anticipation for who will emerge victorious underscores the show’s enduring appeal and its ability to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.

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Ben Thompson is a cultural commentator and arts journalist who has written extensively on film, television, music, and the creative industries. With a background in film studies from Bristol University, he spent five years as a culture writer at The Guardian before joining The Update Desk. He hosts a popular podcast exploring the intersection of art and society.
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