I'm A Celeb's Ant McPartlin addresses 'quite unprofessional' behaviour with Dean McCullough

I'm A Celeb host Ant McPartlin opened up after being hit with rumours of a behind-the-scenes rift with Dean McCullough. During their arrival on the ITV2 spin-off Unpacked last Thursday, Ant, alongside his co-host Dec, reflected on the most recent Bushtucker Trial.

Ant acknowledged his frustration with Dean, noting he was "annoyed" that Dean bellowed out 'I'm A Celeb' and bailed on the challenge too soon. He admitted he was "quite unprofessional" in managing the situation.

Speaking about Danny Jones joining Dean for tonight's challenge, Dec said: "Danny is determined, he's enthusiastic, so there's no hiding for Dean - he's going to have to step up." Ant then said: "We kind of hope that he's going to raise his game a little bit, I thought he was going to do that today."

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Sam Thompson, last year's jungle series winner, also expressed his let-down over Dean's attempt, adding: "Fish guts mates, he had a spider on his head." An exasperated Ant retorted: "I told you not to talk to me about it Sam. My annoyance came across on screen and it was quite unprofessional and I'm not happy about it."

With a touch of irony, Dec responded: "I think you hid it quite well, Ant...I think you hid it quite well." Continuing, Ant added: "You get to the point when you think 'what are you doing? ".

He further conceded that today, he would treat Dean more kindly, stating: "I'm going to be kind to him [Dean] today...I'll be good cop today."

After a challenging trial, Dean, the 32 year old Radio 1 DJ, returned to the camp last night bearing only four stars. Earlier in the week, ITV audiences were persuaded that Ant was less than impressed with Dean after Wednesday's challenge wrapped up without a star win.

Ant, typically known for his cheeky exchanges with co-host Dec, presented a more serious demeanor during the encounter, raising suspicions about his irritation when he met Dean for the next trial called Lethal Lab.

Ant later questioned him about his string of unsuccessful attempts: "Now, Dean, I want to have a word with you. What happened yesterday? No stars. What happened the day before? You said, 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.'".

Admitting to his recent downfalls, Dean said: "Oh, it's not good, but that's why I'm ready for it today, because we're going to change the narrative." Ant held firm with his admonishment, telling him: "You can only change the narrative by sticking with it and getting on with it."

"I feel like I'm being told off by Ant and Dec," Dean quipped. Ant swiftly specified, stating: "Well, by me," while Dec offered comfort, saying, "I'm good cop."