Eamonn Holmes makes I’m a Celeb admission as he takes swipe at ITV: ‘They don’t care!’
Eamonn Holmes has launched a scathing attack on ITV’s approach to reality television, dismissing the broadcaster’s claims about contestant welfare.
The GB News host criticised ITV’s public stance on caring for reality show participants.
His comments come as ITV launches the second season of Love Island All Stars, which premiered last night on ITV2.
Speaking on GB News Eamonn said: “Of course reality TV is toxic, all this nonsense of channels like ITV or we care about you look after one another. No they don’t. They just want ratings at the end of the day.
“Certain things become quite boring. I used to think that I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here was quite good because there was friction within the camp, not anymore. Everybody just loves each other.”
Eamonn then admitted his approach to life in the jungle would be geared towards winning.
“I would be the Roy Keane of the camp”, he told Ellie Costello.
“I wouldn’t be hugging people and wishing them all the best. I would want to win and beat them.”
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The presenter suggested that television networks’ claims about prioritising contestant wellbeing are a mask to pursue viewing figures.
Eamonn’s criticism coincides with the launch of Love Island All Stars, which began airing last night with 12 former contestants returning to find love.
The show has already sparked controversy, with contestant Marcel Somerville facing immediate criticism over his past infidelity.
Fellow contestant Elma Pazar branded Marcel a “red flag” during one of the first villa games, referencing his 2018 cheating scandal with ex-girlfriend Gabby Allen.
Marcel acknowledged his past behaviour, responding: “I put my hands up, I made a mistake but I’m now a very different person.
Marcel’s participation in Love Island All Stars has drawn additional scrutiny as he remains technically married to Rebecca Vieira.
Love Island executive producer Mike Spencer defended the casting decision, telling The Sun: “He had a wife! Marcel is single. He’s ready to mingle. Give the guy a break. He’s had a tough time.”
The couple split in March 2023 after Rebecca admitted to cheating on Marcel with American rapper Slim Jxmmi.
Fellow contestant Kaz Crossley is also a controversial choice after she was detained at Abu Dhabi airport while in transit to Thailand and spent several nights in a jail cell, due to a leaked video from 2020 which showed her snorting a white substance in Dubai.
While ITV has implemented new welfare measures for Love Island All Stars, including strict rules on alcohol consumption and daily activities, questions remain about contestant selection.
The show’s producers maintain they are focused on creating “proper relationships” despite the contentious casting choices.
Contestants must now follow mandatory morning debriefs and are only permitted to prepare one meal per day for themselves.