There's no arguing that drama and conflict are the bread and butter of reality TV. And this week both were available in spades as X Factor judge Louis Walsh quit the show and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here contestant Elaine Lordan was given the boot by ITV after just two days in the jungle.
Claiming he had had enough of the jibes of fellow judge Simon Cowell and a triple drenching delivered by Sharon Osbourne, Irish music mogul Louis declared he's packing in his role as mentor to contestant Shayne Ward, and is heading back to his native Dublin.
Referring to Simon's comments to the media calling him an idiot and describing him as bland, Louis said: "I've been totally humiliated and undermined by both of them. This has caused me nothing but stress." He added: "I've had enough, I'm going back to Dublin. I'm not putting up with it any more."
Both of his fellow judges are apparently desperate to persuade the Westlife founder to change his mind, however. "If I've offended him I apologise. We want him back," emphasised Simon, while Sharon said: "I'm shocked and saddened. I like and respect Louis and hope he changes his decision."
Meanwhile, Down Under the reality show career of former EastEnder Elaine Lordan has also come to an abrupt end. The actress, who had to be hospitalised after collapsing twice during her first 48 hours in the jungle, has been ditched after being described by TV bosses as "too fragile of mind" to continue. Although she had made it clear that she was still up for the challenge – "I'm dying to get back into the jungle if they let me" – she has now reluctantly agreed to withdraw from the show.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
