I’m A Celebrity in biggest ever behind-the-scenes row over Nigel Farage’s bare bum
TV luvvies are worried about giving Brexiteer Nigel Farage too much airtime on I’m a Celebrity.
Tensions are rising over concerns the ex-Ukip leader’s naked shower scene allowed him to hog the limelight.
Some of the show’s production staff — opposed to his views on the EU and immigration — are said to be annoyed at having to give him so much publicity.
One source said: “Nigel’s political views are at odds with many working on I’m a Celeb — but he’s the best character in the jungle by far.
“Giving him so much screen time may be the last thing some of the crew want to do but Nigel is too good not to.”
Last night, a show spokesperson said: “It is always our intention to broadcast a show that is a fair and accurate representation of life in camp for all our celebrities.”
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It took Nigel — now a cheerleader for the Reform Party — less than 24 hours to strip naked before he was filmed in the outdoors shower.
His bare bottom caused alarm in camp, with Josie Gibson copping an eyeful and declaring: “I’ve seen worse... No, I haven’t!”
Behind-the-scenes, insiders said it was clear Nigel, 59, knew what he had to do to become the camp’s most interesting character — even if some of the producers were loath to use it.
The source said: “The jungle shower is always a big scene but I don’t think anyone expected Farage to be first out the gate, nor to do so with such aplomb.
“That moment, and the fact he is sparking interesting conversation in camp, has meant all the best content so far has involved Farage.
“The crew are feeling torn. They’re all professionals and everyone can recognise Farage makes great telly but, of course, many harbour their own opinions on Brexit and immigration.
“And on a wider level it’s left bosses with somewhat of a dilemma — embrace Farage as the star of the show or stay conscious of the outcry over his casting and limit his airtime.”
On Tuesday night's show Farage confessed to Grace Dent that he was "gutted" not to do the day's trial as "if you leave camp you get 25 per cent of the airtime".
His inclusion in this year’s show — for a rumoured £1million fee — provoked outrage, with a campaign calling on fans to boycott the series.
And The Sun has learnt some on set felt his naked shower was a “bare-faced cry for attention”.
Stumbling upon the scene, This Morning’s Josie said: “Freaking hell! I wasn’t expecting to see Nigel Farage’s bottom so soon!
“But, I’ve seen worse. No, I haven’t. I haven’t! Fair play to him.
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“He’s not shy. He just gets on in there. At least he’s clean.”
Yesterday, Nigel’s pal Alex Phillips told The Sun he probably had “no idea” his bare bum would be shown.
‘WHY I FANCY FARAGE’
By Mel Fallowfield, Writer and mum of two
I’VE always had a soft spot for First Dates’ Fred Sirieix, so I imagined that’s who I’d be crushing on during the new series of I’m a Celeb.
But step aside Fred because, to my own surprise, it’s all about Nigel.
Fred is too serious, Sam Thompson too puppy-like, Nick Pickard too beige and Marvin Humes — while clearly easy-on-the-eye — sings too much.
Cheeky chap Nigel, on the other hand, remained calm when Fred laid into him over Brexit, gamely braved snakes and happily chowed down on testicles, penises, udders and teats.
I’m not saying I agree with his politics — I definitely don’t — but in a world of wokery where most people are terrified of expressing an opinion, his conviction is refreshing.
Happily for me, he’s now standing tall in the jungle shower, baring all.