Collins, 45, who has been struggling with life in the jungle, was confronted by pop star Sinitta.
It came after the campmates merged again after previously being split into two camps.
The singer questioned Gemma’s career and talent, referring to the TV personality as a “comedian”.
Tension rises in camp as Sinitta questions Gemma Collins’ career
In her original series, Collins quit after three days because she struggled with the environment in Australia, but she has called her appearance on the South African version of the TV show a “redemption”.
Sinitta asked the reality TV star about the musical Chicago, which Collins had been due to feature in as Matron “Mama” Morton in 2022, but had to withdraw from the production due to a “terrible injury”.
The singer, who has also featured in Chicago on stage, told Collins she thought the casting was a “joke announcement”.
Collins replied: “It’s not a joke, Sinitta, I auditioned for it fair and square.
“Did all the training and everything, had a voice coach.”
Sinitta explains: “I think you had just presented something, some awards, and fallen off the stage – it was like you were more of a comedian.”
Comparing her to US socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sinitta adds: “Very camp, very glamorous.
Winners of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here
“You don’t really do anything, but you make a great entrance and make everybody laugh.
“I didn’t know you could actually sing, dance and all that jazz.”
Former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt and comedian Seann Walsh look shocked as they listened to the tense discussion.
Gemma defended herself, saying: “I don’t think you’d get cast as Mama Morton in Chicago if you didn’t pass the audition.”
Speaking to the camera in a segment where she’s alone, Gemma said: “I’m not a joke, darling.
“I am not a joke.
“I have done everything in my life on my own.
“So I was just taken aback, but it was just a bit weird.”
Fans seemed to enjoy the drama with one sharing on X: “Sinitta Just digging herself further into this hole with what shes said to Gemma Collins
“#ImACeleb #ImACelebSouthAfrica”, adding a GIF of a man inside a big hole digging to make it bigger.
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Another fan suggested: “I think Sinitta feels a bit threatened by the possibility of loss of screen time since Gemma Collins joined main camp! #ImACeleb”.
Someone else said they thought Sinitta was “harsh”: “Sinitta Malone was a bit Harsh tonight.
“I mean, I Had to Google her Last Name.
“So Gemma Collins is more well-known than her.”
How to watch I’m A Celebrity… South Africa
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is on at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
You can watch new episodes of the ITV show on weeknights.
Are you watching the new series? Let us know your favourite campmate in the comments below.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.heraldseries.co.uk ’
