A host of stars have waded in on the I’m A Celebrity Dadgate row.
First Dates restaurateur Fred Sirieix has seen a wave of support after he was accused by campmate Nella Rose of ‘disrespecting’ her.
Nella, 26, took umbrage with Fred, 51, for joking he was old enough to be her father, hours after she confided in him her dad passed away in 2020.
Fred’s First Dates co-stars jumped to his defence after the scenes aired on Tuesday night, while Rylan Clark said the argument had left him ‘raging’.
The hashtag ‘Poor Fred’ began trending on X – formerly known as Twitter.
Clash: A host of stars have waded in on the I’m A Celebrity Dadgate row. First Dates restaurateur Fred Sirieix has seen a wave of support after the clash with Nella Rose
Supportive: Laura Tott, who appeared as a waitress on First Dates, said: ‘Proud of how you’ve handled yourself tonight. Fred for the win’
Laura Tott, who appeared as a waitress on First Dates, said: ‘Proud of how you’ve handled yourself tonight. Fred for the win’.
Cici Coleman, who also appeared on the Channel 4 show alongside the restaurateur, said she was: ‘#teambossman #teamfred’.
Rylan Clark said on X: ‘I’m A Celeb got me ragin’ (sic).
Former I’m A Celebrity contestants even weighed in on the row.
Tony Blackburn, who starred in the first ever series, wrote: ‘What a stupid argument last night between Nella and Fred. He said he was old enough to be her father.
‘I know sadly she has recently lost her father but surely hasn’t she ever heard of the expression “I’m old enough to be your father” He didn’t mean any harm, he seems a very kind man.’
When one follower replied with: ‘She hasn’t lost her father recently, it was four years ago’, Tony said: ‘Thanks, I didn’t know that. That makes it even more stupid.’
Nella’s father Kamango Paul Hollela tragically died four years after her mother.
Nella had told Fred: ‘I don’t want to be around you. I only allow people to disrespect me once. You hurt my feelings.
‘I was very upset… you keep trying to speak to me when I don’t want to speak to you. I would rather stay away from you, I don’t want to eat your food, I don’t want to talk to you. We can just live, you live on that side, I live on this side.’
Team Fred: Cici Coleman, who also appeared on the Channel 4 show alongside the restaurateur, said she was: ‘#teambossman #teamfred’
Reality stars: Both Cici and Laura starred alongside Fred in the programme First Dates
Waded in: Tony Blackburn, Christine Hamilton and Rylan all said they were Team Fred after the explosive row
Opinion: Giving his take on the argument, Dom, who took part in the 10th series, said: ‘Morning everybody. What did we think about the Fred incident last night? I am Team Fred all the way’
Fred replied: ‘I am so sorry. Can I just say? First of all, I am sorry I’ve offended you. I am unaware that you felt offended. I am unaware that what I said would lead to this conversation, I only said that in a way because I am older than you, I am 51 and you’re 26.’
Nella said: ‘I’m not stupid, you’re not going to little girl me, you’re not.’
Giving his take on the argument, Dom, who took part in the 10th series, said: ‘Morning everybody. I have to admit despite the odious Nigel Farage on it, I am watching I’m A Celebrity and what did we think about the Fred incident last night?
‘I am Team Fred all the way. What a t**t that woman is.’
Former I’m A Celeb star Christine Hamilton said; ‘Just catching up with last night on IAC. How to lose the game with one pathetic, unreasonable outburst. Nella is just an immature, self-obsessed child. All credit to a true gent Fred Sirieix’.
In reaction while appearing on Wednesday’s Loose Women former Love Island star Olivia Attwood, 32, said her reaction could be because the YouTuber’s job is to be controversial and impactful so that her videos go viral.
She said: ‘Obviously if I try and put myself in her shoes, when I did Love Island I was a similar age and the phrase that springs to my mind is ‘confidence is quiet, insecurity screams’ and she may be feeling out of her comfort zone.
Support: Fred Sirieix’s fiancée, known affectionately as Fruitcake, has broken her silence after he suffered an awkward clash with Nella Rose in the I’m A Celebrity camp on Tuesday
Support: Fred’s partner, known affectionately as Fruitcake, re-shared a post from his Instagram story as she addressed the outburst
‘She does a lot of YouTube and self-videoed stuff and that is all about going viral and having impact and being controversial.
‘I think maybe that it was a combination of not knowing how to handle the situation and the emotions, she is also a bit younger.
‘I think where it went wrong was that she was starting to call him a weirdo.’
The other panelists on the show offered their opinions too including Jane Moore who said she was ‘baffled’ watching the heated interaction.
She said: ‘The comment was a figure of speech and it blew up. Anyone watching it would say it was an innocent comment. And people watching it are baffled. Nella is obviously hurt though.’
Former Love Island star Indiyah Pollack, who is Nella’s friend, said on Lorraine: ‘I just feel from first impressions, Fred has such a big personality and it could maybe come across as bossy and Nella has a big personality herself so I could see them clashing, I didn’t expect it to be over this.’
Indiyah added she doesn’t think Fred meant anything bad by his comment and maybe the pressures of living in the jungle heightened the tension.
She said: ‘I don’t think Fred had any malicious intent. But none of us are Nella in a sweaty jungle, eating rice and beans. I do hope they can get over it.’
Lorraine suggested Nella would have been better off addressing the comment right after Fred said it, rather than waiting until the following morning to discuss it.
Indiyah said: ‘I think the whole situation can be taken with a pinch of salt. With knowing that Nella’s father passed away, maybe Fred could have thought about that.’
Fred’s partner, known affectionately as Fruitcake, re-shared a post from his Instagram story as she addressed the outburst.
The supportive message read: ‘Tough watch for some of the show tonight but Fred did us so proud – we know his intention would never be to upset anyone. Keep your head up Fred – we love you.’
I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates
NIGEL FARAGE
Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party and leader of the Brexit Party.
Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty.
Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news.
Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore.
Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields
DANIELLE HAROLD
Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.
Phobias: Rats. I hate them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too!
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either.
Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.
FRED SIRIEIX
Claim to fame: First Dates star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp.
Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning.
Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient!
Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.
NELLA ROSE
Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star.
Phobias: I am fearful of everything!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book.
Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it!
Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele.
NICK PICKARD
Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star.
Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.
Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop!
Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock.
JAMIE LYNN SPEARS
Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.
Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone.
Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed.
Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot.
Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.
SAM THOMPSON
Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter.
Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!
Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things.
Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle!
JOSIE GIBSON
Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.
Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information!
Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on!
Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry.
Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her.
MARVIN HUMES
Claim to fame: JLS star.
Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too.
Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food.
Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.
GRACE DENT
Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic.
Phobias: Horrible people.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour.
Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep.
Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour!
