Former I’m A Celebrity contestant Nicola McLean has suggested that radio DJ Dean McCullough is following a strategic “game plan” in the jungle, despite appearing to struggle with trials.
Speaking to GB News, McLean said: “I like him, I really do like him, but I do think he’s got a game plan – because he isn’t actually bad at the trial.”
The reality TV star explained that performing in trials is crucial for securing television airtime during the show.
She believes other campmates are growing suspicious of McCullough’s behaviour.
“I think that Barry [McGuigan] sort of clocks on that it might be a bit of a game, but he’s not said it outright,” McLean revealed.
She added: “People in camp are starting to go, ‘are you really scared or are you doing this for the airtime?'”
McCullough’s latest trial, “Jack and the Scream Stalk”, saw him tackle a challenging beanstalk climb in search of 12 stars.
Despite his apparent struggles, McCullough managed to secure 10 stars for camp, marking his personal best performance.
McLean emphasised that participating in trials is essential for the full jungle experience.
“Other people really want to try the trials too, it wouldn’t be a jungle experience without having a go,” she told GB News.
The former contestant explained that early elimination without trial participation would leave celebrities feeling shortchanged.
“If you got voted out first and you had never done a trial, you can’t really say that you’ve had the full experience,” she noted.
McLean expressed concern about McCullough’s dominance in the trials.
“He is definitely dominating a bit,” she said, suggesting this was causing frustration among other campmates.
She pointed out that unless contestants find alternative ways to gain attention, trial participation remains crucial for screen time.
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Looking ahead to potential winners, McLean identified Coleen Rooney as a strong contender for the crown.
“I see Coleen as a winner, if she can get a bit more airtime,” she told GB News. However, McLean expressed concern about Coleen’s current visibility on the show.
“She isn’t really getting it at the moment – she did the trial but she didn’t dominate that trial, did she?” McLean observed.
“I hope she gets more airtime, because I personally see her as a winner, and I think the public really want her to do well.”