Producers of a major reality television series have been dealt a setback after a high-profile candidate withdrew from consideration.
Denise Welch, a regular name on the programme’s shortlist for several years, has decided not to take part in the upcoming installment.
Insiders indicate she had engaged in discussions with the production team this year, but ultimately determined the appearance was not right for her.
Her acting commitments were cited as one factor, but concerns over prior on-screen conflicts also influenced the decision.
The television personality specifically referenced controversy from the South Africa edition that aired earlier this year.
During that series, allegations emerged that former boxer David Haye bullied soap actor Adam Thomas after calling him "useless" on camera.
Haye has denied bullying, describing his conduct as "banter," and has initiated legal action against the broadcaster over his portrayal in the final edit.
A separate confrontation unfolded when Adam Thomas clashed with co-star Jimmy Bullard during a bushtucker trial.
Bullard was eliminated following the trial while Thomas remained, with Bullard later alleging the dispute was edited to favour Thomas.
Tensions peaked at the live finale as Haye and Bullard confronted Thomas, who was named King of the Jungle.
The disagreement prompted cast members Sinitta and Gemma Collins to leave the stage, while presenters Ant and Dec grew defensive during the broadcast.
After filming, Bullard and Haye stated they were removed from the studio for attempting to "tell the truth" about events.
Thomas later addressed the win and surrounding controversy publicly, emphasising that he remained "kind, grounded, and real" throughout the experience.
