I'm A Celeb's Ant and Dec slam Dean McCullough as he's accused of having a 'game plan'

I'm A Celebrity's Dean McCullough's efforts in the bushtucker trials have started grating on both the ITV show's hosts and his campmates, as another day passes without a full meal.

Sam Thompson levelled accusations of Dean having a 'game plan', while Ant McPartlin could barely conceal his irritation, admitting on last night's ITV spin-off, Unpacked, that the Radio 1 DJ's continual trial failures were making him act 'unprofessional'.

Earlier in the evening, viewers jokingly claimed Ant seemed quite miffed when Dean botched his third challenge in a succession of days. Challenged with Lethal Lab, Dean ended up crying for the ordeal to end after securing a mere four stars, the Mirror reports.

While navigating the various sections and being drenched in fish guts, he shouted the iconic line "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! " Upon his release, Dean appeared content with his four-star haul and returned to camp.

In light of his improved performance, Alan Halsall and Barry McGuigan drew him a bubble bath as a treat, and Danny Jones provided a head massage as recognition for his efforts.

However, away from the main programme, some discontent brewed amongst I'm A Celebrity's presenters. Ant McPartlin confessed on the ITV2 spin off Unpacked that he was struggling to mask his frustration with the entertainer's performance.

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Tonight’s episode will see Dean teaming up with McFly's Danny Jones for the next challenge. Dec heaped compliments on Danny, remarking: "He's enthusiastic, he's determined. There's no hiding for Dean now he will have to step up."

Ant was in agreement that Danny’s influence meant Dean needed to 'raise his game'. Meanwhile, Sam Thompson couldn’t help but notice Ant's reaction, jesting that he might need to improve his poker face, prompting Ant to admit: "My annoyance came across onscreen. I was unprofessional I'm not happy about it."

Dec mockingly responded, "I think you hid it quite well Ant..." before rolling his eyes. Ant quipped back: "I just won't make small talk anymore" amid laughter over the notion he had distracted Dean by sharing details of the creatures joining him in the trials.

2023 winner Sam voiced suspicions about Dean having a strategy, pointing out the inconsistencies in Dean’s phobias - walking away from a trial over fish guts yet facing snakes without issue. Sam openly questioned Dean's behaviour, growing sceptical of his motives.

Joel Dommett leapt to Dean’s defence, insisting that despite any scheming, Dean was an 'brilliant campmate' who had undeniably made 'great TV', even managing to get pampered like royalty by his fellow contestants after failing the tasks and causing them to go hungry.

Joel commented: "I think he's great. It is calculated what he's doing... but i don't mean that in a negative way. He is making great telly."

Prior to the trial, the Mirror had a chat with Dean's mother who proudly proclaimed her son a champ in her eyes.

Admitting his ongoing battles in the trials of the show have been challenging, Ann, 55, voiced her belief that Dean would be his own harshest critic: "The trials have been tough, and he'll be beating himself up over it."

She added that Dean only needs to do his utmost and enjoy the experience: "He just needs to remember to do his best and have fun. I'm so proud of him. He is so loved and we are all cheering him on."

Despite the rocky start, Ann has faith her son has the potential to triumph on the ITV programme: "Dean definitely has got what it takes to be king – and queen – of the jungle."

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