I'm A Celebrity fans are up in arms over a new twist introduced just before the final, claiming it's thrown the series off kilter. The ITV show's loyal audience had been lapping up this season until Thursday's episode left them with a bitter taste.
Danny Jones, Maura Higgins, Coleen Rooney and Oti Mabuse were put through their paces in another trial, all vying for a coveted ticket to the Celebrity Cyclone. Oti wowed hosts Ant and Dec with her stellar performance, bagging the ticket and scoring immunity from the next two eliminations. It came as two stars were sent packing in a shock double elimination.
But the crowd at home wasn't having any of it, slamming the fresh format for stripping away their power. Usually, it's the viewers who pick who faces the Celebrity Cyclone by voting to save their faves.
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Disgruntled fans took to social media to vent their spleen. One viewer ranted: "So they can win cyclone and there's no vote for which two go? It's feeling rigged."
Another chimed in: "I think we're all confused," reports the Mirror.
A third fan griped: "I also don't like how we don't get to chose who's in the cyclone? Like it's normally who we all voted for and wanted there. And I know it's a good camp, just seems a bit weird."
Someone else pleaded: "Can they please go back to the original format of public vote it's so much better."
Another shared their disappointment: "Trying to keep the series fresh by introducing the golden ticket for the cyclone and immunity has actually spoilt the series for me this year... and it was so good before this!"
One viewer passionately suggested: "Cyclone should be down to public vote."
Thanks to a fresh twist, Oti has been granted immunity from the next two public votes. The 34-year-old former strictly-come-dancing>Strictly Come Dancing star and Dancing on Ice judge was given this privilege after being doused in jungle slime and fish guts in the latest jungle challenge.
This saw her compete against fellow campmates Danny, Coleen and Maura. Ant and Dec initiated the Battle Blocks where the celebrities were informed that whoever triumphed in the trial and hit the golden buzzer would win the Ticket to Cyclone.
Ant humorously clarified: "Even though you press the golden buzzer that doesn't mean you're through to the live shows of Britain's Got Talent, that's a different show, don't get confused."
Oti ended up sprinting out of her game play area to hit the golden buzzer, with golden confetti exploding into the air as she celebrated. A stunned Dec exclaimed: "Oti! That was incredible," while Ant added: "Absolutely brilliant."
Then came the moment for Dec to present Oti with the sought-after golden ticket.
This not only secures her a spot in the Celebrity Cyclone, but also makes her immune from the next two public vote offs. An ecstatic Oti quipped: "It feels amazing, I've got to wash my underwear more now!"
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