Influencers are reportedly raging after an over-night sensation is given jungle spot
Social media influencers are reportedly fuming after TikTok star Angry Ginge is pipped for this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, as some are said to be feeling overlooked by ITV.
Angry Ginge, who is really 21-year-old Morgan Burtwhistle, has been added to the rumoured line-up for the hit ITV show, alongside Lisa Riley and Shona McGarty. The decision is thought to have sparked outrage amongst other social media stars, many of whom are said to feel “snubbed”.
A source said told the press: “It’s turned into an influencer war every single year now. There are some really big names in that space who have been trying to get into the jungle for ages, and they feel ITV keep ignoring them. First it was GK Barry last year, now it’s Angry Ginge – people are fuming.”
Angry Ginge, whose content focuses on FIFA, has more than 3 million followers across TikTok and Instagram and has already filmed videos with football stars such as Wayne Rooney. He even participated in Soccer Aid this year. It is thought that ITV bosses are eager to get the TikTokker into the jungle as GK Barry was popular on last year’s series.
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The insider said this was souring the mood for influencers off camera, especially those who have been in talks with ITV for years. “The mood behind the scenes is not good. Some of these influencers have been in proper talks with ITV for years.
“They were already furious when GK Barry got the call-up last year, and now they’re watching another online star — who’s barely been around five minutes compared to them — bag the jungle spot. They feel stitched up.”
Despite the backlash, the I’m A Celeb producers are reportedly excited by their line-up. Lisa, who is known for playing Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale for 30 years, is already a fan of the show is rumoured to be heading to the jungle. EastEnders‘ Shona McGarty is also said to be joining the show, as she has now left the soap after 16 years on it.
Angry Ginge is thought to have been signed as part of a plan to draw in the next generation of viewers. ITV have recently struck a deal that has secured I’m A Celeb’s future until 2030, which will mark 30 years of the show. With that in mind, producers are rumoured to be hoping to attract younger viewers.
The Express’ source added that influencers are still pushing for a spot in the jungle, but this push is not a happy one. “It doesn’t matter who else is going in. Right now the influencer community is at war with ITV, and Angry Ginge is right in the middle of it.”
The Mirror contacted ITV for comment.
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