A furious feud has broken out in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, just three days after it launched.
Viewers watched on Tuesday night’s show Nella Rose, 26, calling out First Dates star Fred Sirieix, 51, over a comment he made where he said he could ‘be her father’, just hours after revealing she had lost both her parents.
The YouTuber told Fred she felt so ‘hurt’ by the remark she has refused to eat any food prepared by the restaurateur, leaving her going hungry after her gruelling No Time To Cry Bushtucker Trial.
But Fred’s joke acted as a trigger to Nella after her tragic past with the devastating loss of both parents plunging her and her older brother into homelessness while she was at university.
Here we take a look of the 26-year-old’s rags to riches story – from family tragedy to becoming a social media sensation…
Locking horns: A furious feud has broken out in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, just three days after it launched as Nella Rose took offence with Fred Sirieix over a remark
Mother’s death
Devastating: Ornella Rose Hollela’s mother Eseho Omolongo’ tragically died in her arms in 2016. Nella previously said it was the worst thing that has ever happened to her
Nella posted this image as part of a montage of her mother after her tragic death in 2016
Ornella Rose Hollela’s mother Eseho Omolongo tragically died in her arms in 2016.
Nella previously said it was the worst thing that has ever happened to her.
She told fans on YouTube about the devastating loss of her mother, explaining: ‘She died in my arms. It is the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life.
Nella, of Congolese descent, arrived in the UK from Belgium at the age of seven with her mother and older brother Albert.
Set on losing her thick French accent, the I’m A Celebrity contestant would watch videos of Ant and Dec while growing up in north-west London to adopt a British accent.
Nella previously told her TikTok followers: ‘When you’re an immigrant, have been homeless, lost both parents, family have disowned you, constantly body shamed but God continues to bless you.’
Father’s death
Tragic: Nella’s father Kamango Paul Hollela tragically died four years after her mother
Daddy’s girl: Nella’s father died in 2020 – she posted this image of him along with a tribute
Tribute: ‘Rest in Peace Daddy, watching you suffer for the past month has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life but at least you’re not in pain anymore,’ Nella wrote
Nella’s father Kamango Paul Hollela tragically died four years after her mother.
After his death, she penned a poignant Instagram post to him saying: ‘Rest in Peace Daddy.
‘Watching you suffer for the past month has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life but at least you’re not in pain anymore.
‘Gonna make you the proudest dad ever in the years to come because I know you’re still by side every step of the way.’
Nella has not revealed her father’s cause of death.
Homelessness
Homeless: After her mum died unexpectedly in 2016, the council took back the family home from Nella and her brother, leaving Nella to live at her accommodation in Leicester University
After her mother died unexpectedly in 2016, the council took back the family home from the teenager and her brother, leaving Nella to live at her accommodation in Leicester University or with friends.
‘I was planning on using my student loan and my little YouTube money to pay the rent and bills.
‘But then my brother and I get a letter telling us we had 30 days to move out. So I’m in my second year of uni, I’m dealing with my mum’s death and now we’re homeless.
‘My uni room was my house or I was going on brand trips abroad in the holidays because I was running away from the fact I had nothing to call my own, nothing solid, I was escaping my problems.
‘You all thought I was living my best life, but in reality, I was homeless, living out of a suitcase and hopping from bed to bed.’
At 20, she rented her first flat in an affluent area of London and admitted it cost thousands to furnish.
But Nella added: ‘I didn’t want this to be my life. I wanted to come home to my mum and live with my family.
‘Instead, I come home to echoes and will be alone until I marry.’
Rise to fame
Congratulations! Nella has built up a healthy fortune and she bought her first house in the capital last week – a far cry from her poverty-stricken upbringing
Social media star: Nella started her YouTube channel in 2015 with hair tutorials and fashion tips and has grown into a much-loved content creator
Nella started her YouTube channel in 2015 with hair tutorials and fashion tips and has grown into a much-loved content creator, well renowned for her chatty beauty videos and witty sense of humour.
She sky-rocketed to success when she began posting YouTube videos with her friends discussing topics such as, ‘Growing up in African household’ and ‘Things girls do that boys don’t like’.
The influencer, thought to be the youngest celebrity on this series of the popular ITV2 show, has hosted MTV’s show Catfish among other high-profile hosting gigs.
Set to attract a younger audience, she will be a clear favourite as countless fans on TikTok are flooding I’m a Celebrity videos with cries of ‘Nella Rose for the win’.
Nella has amassed a several hundreds of thousands of pounds fortune and bought her first house in the capital last week – a far cry from her poverty-stricken upbringing.
The down-to-earth content creator is now regularly featured on Footasylum’s YouTube channel, often appearing next to famous faces such as Chunkz and Filly.
She also has her very own YouTube series with fast fashion brand PrettyLittleThing dubbed The Pink Courtroom.
Fred feud
Raging: A feud already appears to be brewing in the I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! jungle, as Nella was left visibly upset by Fred during Tuesday’s episode
Angry: The social media star admitted she felt ‘disrespected’ by the First Dates star after he joked that he could be ‘like her dad,’ hours after she shared that her father had passed away
On Tuesday’s show, Nella said she felt ‘disrespected’ by the First Dates star after he joked he could be ‘like her dad,’ hours after she candidly shared that her father had passed away.
While Nella attempted to avoid Fred following the exchange, she later explained that was irked by his comment, and suggested that they keep their distance in the camp moving forward.
In the Bush Telegraph Nella explained: ‘Last night after dinner Fred made a comment about him basically how he could be my dad.
‘I took offence to that because one of the first conversations we had together was me opening up about the fact that my dad’s passed away.’
She later confronted Fred: ‘You know that my mum’s dead, and you know that my dad’s dead. You know that, right?
‘I’ve come to find out that every time I wanna get creative around the fire, or I want to have something my way, my own food that I am entitled to, my way, you tend to get an attitude, right?
‘So yesterday, when I wanted to burn fat that you were going to throw away anyways, it’s not even something that we needed to survive in camp, you turned around to me, with an attitude and said, ”You know I could be your dad, right?” To me, I don’t care how you said it to me, it’s disrespectful and I don’t want to talk to you.
Irate: While Nella attempted to avoid Fred following the exchange, she later explained that was irked by his comment, and suggested that they keep their distance in the camp
‘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.’
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.’
Fred said: ‘Nella, it wasn’t like that at all.’
Fred added: ‘Either I made a mistake and I said something and I offended you, I’m really sorry. I’m really sorry you feel like this.’
Nella said: ‘I accept your apology, but in order for us to live in this camp together, I don’t want to eat no food that you’re cooking, don’t talk to me, you stay over there, I stay over here and we can live. I’m good. Yeah. You stay over there. Look at your face, you’re smiling.’
Fred went on to ask: ‘You could have said straight away, “Excuse me Fred this is upsetting me.”‘
Nella said: ‘Can you not clock on the vibe?’
Fred replied: ‘No, because you’ve been sleeping quite a lot so I thought you were tired. If I made a faux pas, unwillingly, unconsciously, I am very sorry.
‘But this was all it was. That’s all it was. If you want to take it to the nth degree and not speak to me anymore, it’s your choice.’
Nella told Fred: ‘You only get one chance to disrespect me. I accept your apology but let’s not be friends. How about that?’
It remains to be seen whether Nella and Fred are able to patch things up in the coming days, or if this row could spill into the wider camp.
Viewer reaction
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! viewers have called on show bosses to intervene after Nella Rose’s ‘unacceptable’ behaviour in the jungle.
Several fans compared the row to the infamous Celebrity Big Brother ‘punchgate’ when Roxanne Pallett accused fellow housemate Ryan Thomas of ‘repeatedly and deliberately punching’ her when he had in fact lightly tapped her arm while playfighting.
Weighing in on Dadgate, shocked viewers shared: ‘Nella is so rude! Her behaviour towards Fred is unacceptable. The show’s producers need to speak to her.’; ‘The producers of “I’m a celebrity” should have summoned Nella to immediately explain her toxic and narcisstic behaviour, in the same way that Big Brother dealt with Roxanne Pallett. It was a golden opportunity to expose gaslighting. ITV has some explaining to do.’;
‘This is like Roxanne in big brother all over again!!!! Total bully! Producers need to make entitled nella to apologise’; ‘I feel so bad for Nella, but this is not it. I almost wish they didn’t air it and that the producers helped them fix it in private, because he really didn’t mean it like that. #ImACeleb’.
Outrage: Weighing in on Dadgate, shocked viewers hit out at the scenes and urged producers to pull up Nella on her behaviour
‘Nella is the Roxanne Pallett of the jungle’; ‘Sorry but Nella is giving Roxanne Pallett vibes. There, I said it. Is she quite alright?? #ImACele’; ‘Nella doing a full on Roxanne Pallet. She should be removed immediately, dangerous dangerous character. Poor Fred #ImACelebrity’; ‘Nella giving Roxanne Pallet on Big Bro #ImACeleb’
‘Fred is a very bless guy I dunno why Nella didn’t give him the benefit of the doubt especially after the sincere apology. Hopefully the producers get involved & squash it.’; ‘I haven’t a clue who Nella is but her behaviour is abhorrent. Producers need to tell her that was straight out bullying. Apologise ASAP. Fred didn’t do anything wrong yet he still apologise. Bless him.’;
‘No one deserves abuse but I do think the producers need to re-play the clip to Nella and explain Fred’s intentions, also allow Fred to, and to see why Nella reacted the way she did. Do feel sorry for Fred though’; ‘I’m kind of anxious about the treatment Nella will receive and she’s oblivious, this is one of those moments where I would like the producers to speak to her about the public’s opinions so she can mend fences or just be civil or apologize to Fred #ImACeleb’.
An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline that producers have not spoken to Nella or Fred about the argument.
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!
Homeless
