I’m A Celebrity has been hit with Ofcom complaints as some viewers were left unimpressed by Ant and Dec’s jokes about Richard Coles and the Christian faith

I’m A Celebrity has already stirred up controversy with viewers lodging Ofcom complaints over Ant and Dec’s humour. The popular ITV programme made its comeback just over a week ago and since then has attracted 70 complaints from the audience.

Some fans were not amused by a string of jokes made by presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, which touched on the Bible and Christian beliefs. This followed the arrival of Reverend Richard Coles into the Australian jungle, joining Love Island star Maura Higgins. During the live broadcasts, Ant and Dec have been seen gesturing with prayer hands accompanied by orchestral music when mentioning Richard.

In one instance, during an eating trial featuring Maura and Richard, Dec quipped, “More tea vicar? ” Post-trial, back in the studio, Dec labelled the ordeal ‘unholy’, with Ant chiming in with ‘Bum-holey’.

In Tuesday night’s show, Ant delivered a faux sermon in the live broadcast. Dec initiated the jest: “It’s the start of a new day now and the first to wake up was Reverend Richard.” As music played, Ant interjected in a mock-serious tone: “And though the night before there had been darkness and a plague of insects had been visited upon him. But he had receiveth a small bounty that did taste of cheese. And now, praise be, he did rise again,” reports the Mirror. Dec stated, “So basically you are saying Richard had a fright, got some crisps, then had a sleep and got out of bed? ” To which Ant, mimicking an accent, retorted: “Yes my child.”

Richard was ordained in 2005. His journey took him from converting to Roman Catholicism in 1991 to rejoining the Church of England a decade later. As the anticipation for his entrance into the jungle grew, Ant didn’t hold back on spin-off show ‘I’m A Celebrity…Unpacked’, delivering a sharp five-word verdict on Richard. The co-host described Maura as someone who’d inject fun and vitality into the camp, whereas he envisaged Richard as a serene and grounded presence.

Ant also mentioned: “More people might know her,” referencing the differing levels of public recognition that may accompany Maura’s arrival. Richard himself has been causing a stir in the camp, notably after making a risque comment about intimacy with royalty. It came during a conversation with GK Barry – whose real name is Grace Keeling – when she quizzed: “Who’s the most interesting person you’ve ever met?”

(Image: James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Despite Richard’s diplomatic reply that he finds all individuals intriguing, Grace pushed further, inquiring if he had encountered any royals. He confirmed he had, and when she inquired about their nature, he cheekily retorted: “Great in bed…” which was followed by his own laughter. The audience was left speechless and quickly took to the comments section to express their bewilderment. One user exclaimed on X: “Who has Richard bedded from the Royal family? Have I missed something?!” Another commented: “Reverend Richard said a Royal was good in bed. ” A different fan expressed their affection for Richard, posting: “I love Richard so much and I need to know which Royal he was talking about.”

GK also broached the subject of Richard’s sexuality in relation to his faith. She questioned him: “Did you find it quite difficult being gay and doing that job?” The Reverend openly replied: “No, not at all. I’ve never given it a moment’s twinge of anxiety over whether God thought it was alright or not. Whether other people thought it was alright or not, well I’m happy to have that argument.” Further discussing his sexual orientation, he added: “Also, I was not the first. Sometimes I look at documents from the early church, or the church of the middle ages and I just think – so gay.”