A stunned silence fell over the South African camp as former boxing champion David Haye unveiled a controversial theory. He posited that conventionally attractive women often lacked depth of character, while those considered “ugly” – his own word – were compelled to cultivate strong personalities. The air crackled with disbelief.
Beverley Callard, known for her no-nonsense portrayal of Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, didn’t hesitate. “I’ve never heard anything so sexist in my life,” she declared to the producers, her voice ringing with indignation. The comment ignited a firestorm of reaction amongst the celebrities.
Haye attempted to explain his perspective, referencing observations made at club entrances. He claimed to have witnessed how a woman’s appearance dictated her treatment, adding a jarring comment about attractive women often being the designated drivers. The camp erupted in a mixture of shock and laughter, a nervous response to the uncomfortable truth of his words.
Recognizing the depth of the hole he was digging, Haye wryly admitted he was “digging himself a bit of a hole,” clutching a small shovel as if to emphasize the point. Scarlett Moffat, observing the unfolding drama, noted that while she understood his intent, his delivery was disastrous, “going down like a lead balloon.”
The conversation eventually shifted to praise for Haye’s partner, Sian Osborne. But Beverley Callard wasn’t finished. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she quipped that Haye had “hit the jackpot,” but his partner had undoubtedly “got the booby prize.”
Viewers watching at home swiftly rallied behind Callard, flooding social media with messages of support. Her directness and refusal to let the comment slide resonated with many, who applauded her for challenging Haye’s outdated and offensive viewpoint.
The incident sparked a wider debate about the show’s format, with some arguing that the pre-recorded nature of this spin-off prevented viewers from directly holding Haye accountable through voting. The lack of immediate consequence left a sour taste for some, who felt a more forceful response was warranted.
Ultimately, the exchange served as a stark reminder of the power of unchecked assumptions and the importance of challenging harmful stereotypes, even – and perhaps especially – in the unlikely setting of a reality television jungle.
