Dean McCullough's mum has come to the defence of the I'm A Celeb star, asserting: "There is nothing false about him". Mum Ann flew into Brisbane today to back her son on the show, who has faced criticism from show hosts Ant and Dec over his trial attempts.
However, she insisted his screams ARE real and he was doing his best. "We are seeing the real Dean, he is just being himself....he just gets on with it," she added.
"And that’s what I said to him: ‘Have fun and be yourself.’" Ant had repeatedly expressed his frustration about Dean during the series. And in an Instagram Live video with fans, Dec even claimed there was a "bit of a debate" backstage as to whether Dean’s terrified response was genuine.
But Ann said: "I think Ant’s been a wee bit hard on him. I’m gonna have to have a wee word with Ant about that, maybe later."
She added: "He has been game for anything. "He’s just been himself, and we’re all so, so proud. " She also opened up about being picked SIX times for trials saying it’s been "awful" but that it meant that viewers loved him.
She said: "It’s been awful. Everytime he has been picked again, it’s been ‘oh my god.’ Do you know what, he’s a team player, he loves it and does his best. "Asked why he was getting picked to do the trials, she said: "I think it’s because everyone wants to see him, he’s good to look at, he is great fun, and he is enjoying every single minute of it."
"People want to see him doing the challenges as he is such a funny bloke. It’s hard to watch but he is getting on with it. I told him that there is nothing in that jungle that is going to kill you."
He has asked to quit the trials twice in the past - which was something also frowned upon by Ant and Dec. And Ann says: "These were the moments that I was hiding behind a cushion, with me and the two dogs. I was like ‘please don’t say the words, please don’t say the words.’ But he gave it a really good go."
She also opened up about Dean’s spat with Alan Halsall, she said: "He didn’t give him much time to wake up did he? Maybe in a couple of seconds, he would have been grand to go and help Jane."
Ann admitted that Dean had been star-struck with Coleen. "He loves everyone, he is such a team player...but he has been very starstruck with Coleen especially...they are all getting on so well," he said.
She said that seeing Dean in the jungle was an experience given he likes nothing more than being pampered. "Dean loves his baths, showers and face creams...and just loves his appearance, and particularly his teeth," he said.
On seeing him when he comes out of the jungle, Ann added: "I can’t wait to check him from head to toe for tics, and for everything, to make sure he is ok, and give him one big hug."
Click this link or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily new
English (United States) ·