Beverley Callard vs David Haye: Tempers Flare as I'm A Celeb South Africa Launches

The jungle—or in this case, the bush—is already heating up as Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard reportedly threatened to "chin" boxing champion David Haye following a high-stakes first trial. The clash came as a shock to viewers tuning into the premiere of the new all-stars spin-off, proving that even with veteran contestants, the pressure of the camp remains as volatile as ever.

What We Know So Far

The 2026 edition of I’m A Celebrity... South Africa has officially landed on our screens, swapping the familiar Australian rainforest for the rugged landscapes of the Kruger National Park. While the scenery has changed, the human drama certainly hasn't. The primary talking point from the launch involves a furious bust-up between Beverley Callard and David Haye. The friction reportedly ignited after the very first trial, with Callard visibly frustrated by Haye's approach to the challenge.

Unlike the main series, this South African venture is a "Legends" format, bringing back some of the most memorable campmates from the show's 20-plus year history. Joining Bev and David are the likes of Seann Walsh, Mo Farah, and Gemma Collins. However, the atmosphere in camp is markedly different this time around. Because this is an all-stars version, the stakes are perceived as higher, with contestants competing to be the first 'I'm A Celebrity Legend'.

What's interesting is the production behind the scenes. Many fans have been asking "is it live?"—the short answer is no. This series was pre-recorded in South Africa late last year. This change in format allows for a more cinematic feel but has led to some viewers on social media getting their knickers in a twist about the lack of live public voting, which has traditionally been the heartbeat of the show.

What People Are Saying

The fallout from the first trial has left campmates picking sides. Callard, known for her no-nonsense attitude, didn't hold back when expressing her annoyance at the former heavyweight champion's competitive streak.

I will chin David Haye! He thinks he's the only one who knows how to handle a bit of pressure, but he's got another thing coming.

The tension hasn't gone unnoticed by the viewers, though some feel the conflict is exactly what the show needs to keep the momentum going in a pre-recorded format.

How This Affects You

For the millions of fans in Great Britain who make I'm A Celeb a nightly ritual, the shift to a pre-recorded South African series means a change in how we consume the show. You won't be reaching for your phone to vote for who does the next trial; instead, the power lies entirely with the celebrities themselves. This creates a Lord of the Flies dynamic that is often more intense than the standard series.

Coming Up

The series continues nightly on ITV1 and ITVX. We can expect more 'surprise' late entries to the camp, with rumors circulating that additional legends are waiting in the wings to disrupt the current hierarchy. The eliminations will begin later this week, as campmates face off in Survival Trials to keep their place in the competition.

At a Glance

• Beverley Callard and David Haye had a major confrontation following the first challenge.
• The series is an "All-Stars" edition filmed in South Africa's Kruger National Park.
• Unlike the winter series in Australia, this show is pre-recorded.
• The cast includes Mo Farah, Seann Walsh, and Gemma Collins.
• Contestants must compete in trials to avoid elimination, with no public vote.

FAQ

Is I'm A Celebrity South Africa live?
No, the series is pre-recorded. This allowed the producers to film in a different season and try a new format where campmates eliminate each other.

Where was the 2026 series filmed?
It was filmed on location in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, offering a much harsher environment than the Australian jungle.

Can I vote for the winner?
Since the show is pre-recorded, there is no live public vote. The winner is determined by the results of the final trials and camp decisions.

Why did Beverley Callard and David Haye argue?
Tensions boiled over regarding the strategy and performance during the first group trial, with Beverley finding David's instructions patronising.