I'm A Celebrity viewers puzzled over contraband confession

Dean McCullough has sneaked tea bags into the jungle

Julia Hunt
·Contributor
Updated ·3-min read
This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 19:00 Monday 11th November 2024 From ITV I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here SR24: on ITV1 & ITVX Pictured: Dean McCullough This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: michael.taiwo1@itv.com
Dean McCullough took tea bags into the jungle. (ITV)

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! fans have been left baffled by the way Dean McCullough is publicising his contraband.

The radio presenter sneaked tea bags into the ITV show's jungle camp, breaking the rules. But instead of keeping it top secret he has discussed it openly in front of the cameras, leaving viewers wondering why.

Others are also questioning why the tea bags haven't been confiscated or why McCullough had not been punished for smuggling them in.

McCullough had previously mentioned his tea bags in camp then in the show on Wednesday, 20 November he was seen offering one to Loose Women's Jane Moore. Standing in full view of the cameras and not appearing to make any effort to whisper, he talked about making her a cuppa.

"By the way, I have tea bags," he said. "So if I pour you a cup of tea just... would you prefer it tonight or tomorrow?"

The star offered Jane Moore a cuppa. (ITV screengrab)
The star offered Jane Moore a cuppa. (ITV screengrab)

Moore said how much she would love a cup in the morning and agreed to keep it on the down low.

Presenters Ant and Dec clocked it, mentioning how there was contraband in camp after the show cut back to them in their jungle 'studio'. And viewers were confused about why McCullough wasn't being more sneaky.

"'I have tea bags' IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA," one person remarked on X as somebody else teased: "Do you want to say that you have tea bags a bit louder Dean??"

Dean McCollough - I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here 2024. (ITV)
Dean McCollough is starring on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here 2024. (ITV)

Read more: I'm A Celebrity

Another asked: "Does he not realise how the show works? You bringing in tea bags is far from a secret." "Talking about tea bags and how they won’t say anything whilst wearing microphones," noted another viewer.

Others suggested that the star could have an ulterior motive. "I like Dean… but he’s not been subtle about these tea bags at all which makes it look like he’s saying it on purpose to get a bit of airtime for breaking the rules," said one.

Some viewers also pointed to the fact that in previous series of the reality show, contraband has been confiscated and there have sometimes been repercussions for the campers.

Ant & Dec watch on as the campmates face Drown in the Dumps. (ITV screenshot)
Ant and Dec host the ITV show. (ITV screenshot)

One said on X: "Dean mentioned the tea bags a couple of days ago as well. Why haven't they been taken away from him yet? It used to be an immediate thing."

"How’s he still got the tea bags???" asked another, as someone else said "normally they’d be taken off them". "Ant & Dec should confiscate the tea bags LIVE," one fan suggested.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! airs every night at 9pm on ITV1, STV and ITVX.

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