I’M a Celebrity fans are convinced Shaun Ryder “fixed” the show’s first eviction.
The Happy Mondays singer, 60, was booted out alongside his former nemesis Gillian McKeith, 63.
The pair locked horns back in 2010 when they were in the Australian jungle before being reunited 13 years later in South Africa for an all-stars version.
I’m a Celeb stars were told to couple up for a challenge and the losing pair would be axed.
In a surprise twist, Shaun picked Gillian – and fans think they’ve worked out why.
They’re convinced he wanted to go home, so chose Gillian as the weakest teammate.
It meant his other celeb pals would be saved from the axing.
One fans said: “Shaun definitely took one for the team picking Gillian. He’s a legend.”
“Love Shaun even more now!! Totally selfless,” said another.
Someone else added: “So sad to see him go, but he knew what he was doing, bless him.”
A fan said: “It’s a shame there isn’t a public vote, Shaun would still be in there! My favourite contestant gone but he knew what he was doing, legend.”
Someone added: “Shaun is a smart man. In choosing Gillian he knew he’d go out. I think he’s older now and couldn’t be a***d.”
Another said: “Shaun played a classic hand. He goes home with full pay and takes out his nemesis and saves his mates. Legend.”
Speaking about being picked by Shaun for the challenge after leaving the jungle, Gillian said: “He said he had to pick someone to do the Trial.
“I thought there’s no way Shaun is going to pick me. I’m the last person you’d pick, right?
“He comes back and I’m lying there, enjoying my bed, chatting to Janice and he then says he had to pick someone.
“I hear my name and I said ‘what, is this pay back for 2010’? Honestly, why did he pick me?
“I tried to convince him to pick Fatima as he might have won [the trial]!
“I wanted to win, I’m not a defeatist at all. And I really want to take my best shot but because it was a race, just as I got started, we lost.
“I’m disappointed by the way that I had to go out. I didn’t want to leave. I think if it was voted for by the public I would have had more trials.”
Describing Gillian, Shaun said: “You know, Gillian’s Gillian. I mean, last time, I didn’t not like Gillian. I kept telling her that.”
