I’m A Celebrity’s Ade Adepitan defended after ableist backlash: ‘If it bothers you, don’t watch’

I’m A Celebrity’s Ade Adepitan defended after ableist backlash: ‘If it bothers you, don’t watch’ Published November 14, 2026 4:59pm Updated November 14, 2026 4:59pm Ade Adepitan is one of the famous faces joining this year’s I’m A Celebrity line-up (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! star Ade Adepitan has been defended by fans against an outcry of ableist outrage. The 53-year-old Paralympian is set to make television history as the ITV show’s first wheelchair user. As such, the camp has been specially adapted for the wheelchair basketball gold medallist – with rest areas, wheelchair bays and holders for Ade’s crutches. New areas have been installed for resting along the path from the camp to the creek, while a new swing area has been introduced in place of the usual treehouse. Ade will utilise three wheelchairs and three sets of crutches to help him navigate the terrain, with two more chairs – one at the trial area, and an electric one – on standby outside the camp. Get personalised updates on I'm A Celeb Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. It’s an exciting new time for the show, although many have grown concerned at the level of ableist backlash ITV have received. Ade joins Claire Sweeney, Sharky, Joanna Page, Chloe Burrows, AJ Odudu, Mariella Frostrup, Wayne Rooney, Jack Skipper, Ricky Wilson and Leomie Anderson in the jungle (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) The camp has been specifically adapted to allow Ade to take part (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) As ITV shared its first look at the newly accessible camp, the broadcaster was met with criticism from trolls and social media users claiming it would change the integrity of the trials – particularly the infamous Cyclone. In response to the backlash, X user SianThymes wrote: ‘If it bothers them some of the trials’ll change to be inclusive, dont watch,’ adding: ‘Why do disabled people being visible and existing get so under their skin?’ Of some of its past older contestants, SilverBlade1991 commented: ‘They’ve had people 3 weeks from the grave before that couldn’t participate in any trials and nobody complained.’ ‘It’s great they’ve been inclusive. It’s a tv show at the end of day but it’s good representation,’ agreed _Cammerz_. Said VanyRichardson: ‘Let’s not forget he’s an athlete and a very active person. He even climbs mountains. A very determined person and that’s why I like him.’ Of the debate which had ensued, kendallrowanx remarked that people seemed ‘more bothered about how he’s going to do stuff than celebrating inclusivity & visibility on national tv,’ describing his addition to the show as ‘absolutely amazing.’ Strictly star Tasha Ghouri defended Ade against the backlash (Picture: Tasha Ghouri/Instagram) Tasha described the comments she’d witnessed as ‘heartbreaking’ (Picture: Tasha Ghouri/Instagram) Those coming to Ade’s defence include Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri,who has grown concerned at the ableist backlash she’s witnessed online. ‘The fact that we’re in 2026 and still having conversations about what disabled people can and can’t do is honestly heartbreaking,’ she wrote in an Instagram post this weekend. ‘Seeing some of the comments & videos towards Ade has been so disappointing. Being a wheelchair user doesn’t make someone any less capable, deserving or worthy of an opportunity. ‘Representation matters so much. People with disabilities deserve to be seen, celebrated and given the same opportunities as everyone else without constantly having to prove themselves. ‘As someone who has experienced ableism firsthand, I know how damaging these attitudes can be. Let’s stop focusing on what people can’t do and start celebrating what they CAN. ❤️ ‘So much love and support for Ade & It’s also been amazing to see videos highlighting the adaptations @itv have put in place to make the experience accessible and inclusive for him. This is what representation and inclusion should look like!’ Ade will become the show’s first wheelchair user in its 24-year-long history (Picture: Getty Images) Of the changes to the camp, an executive producer told Daily Mail: ‘We have put rest areas in, wheelchair bays, and holders for Ade’s crutches. ‘Everything has been adapted, almost bespoke to his needs. It has been an education for us because his needs are bespoke to him; they are not the same needs as everyone with disabilities. ‘Everyone is different, and that has been a real eye-opener. ‘It has been very collaborative.’ Ade will enter the camp along with former England footballer Wayne Rooney, Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, comedian Leigh Francis, and Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page. Metro has contacted ITV for comment on this story. Deals of the Day The best Black Friday beauty deals on the Dr Barbara Sturm face cream and hyaluronic serum The best Black Friday sleep deals to upgrade your bedroom with Simba’s 33% off sale Why shoppers are rushing to snap up this 99p Audible deal before Christmas 14,500 five-star reviews later, this cult sleep spray is discounted for Black Friday Shoppers ditch expensive dental work for these £19.99 MySweetSmile whitening strips Arrow MORE: Maya Jama ‘quits second ITV show’ after stepping down as Love Island host Arrow MORE: Loose Women cast share emotional live TV message to Lisa Maxwell after daughter, 27, dies Arrow MORE: Emmerdale breaks silence amid fears village set will be demolished TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.