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Adam Thomas 'didn't want to win' says 'angry and disappointed' Ashley Roberts

Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts has spoken out on the I'm A Celebrity...South Africa final and weighed in on all the drama that unfolded between Adam Thomas, Jimmy Bullard and David Haye

Ashley Roberts says she's been left "angry and disappointed" following the I'm A Celebrity...South Africa final. The Pussycat Dolls star, 44, initially competed on Ant and Dec's reality show in 2012 and made a comeback for the much-talked about all-stars edition that aired over the last few weeks, joining fellow former contestants like Harry Redknapp, Beverley Callard and Scarlett Moffatt amongst a host of others.

Things took a dramatic turn when David Haye was accused of bulling Adam Thomas and claimed that the Waterloo Road star was using his arthritis condition to get out of doing Bushtucker Trials and challenges.

Since the series was pre-recorded, the celebrities all gathered back together for a live final in which the British public chose Adam to be there winner, but the announcement came amid much furore, where arguments unfolded live on air and led to stars like Gemma Collins and Sinitta storming off the stage.

[Ashley Roberts ]

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Ashley just wanted the group to talk about things in a mature way(Image: heart)

[Ashley Roberts]

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The star said the whole moment on air was 'unhinged'(Image: heart)

Fresh from all the drama, Ashley was back alongside Amanda Holden on Monday morning's Heart FM, where she explained: "It was unhinged. I felt like I was on The Jerry Springer Show.

"It was just unbelievable, people were walking off, hands were flying everywhere, there was yelling and emotions and crying...it was wild! It's a shame because Adam did become the Legend, and I don't think he was even able to enjoy it because of all the drama that went on."

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant sympathised with Adam, noting that the actor, 37, who is also known for his role on Emmerdale, had a "tough time" on the programme to begin with and she had hoped that the cast could have discussed things properly rather than letting it all descend into chaos.

She said: "He had a really tough time in there and it was unfortunate that they had a chance to discuss things as adults and maybe clear the air a little bit. Instead, it was yelling and just unfortunate behaviour.

"I was disappointed, my heart hurt a bit inside. There is so much going on the world and for us to then treat each other like that. We all went through this really tough experience and we all could have sat and discussed things like adult. It was live telly, it's TV show and it's supposed to be entertaining. I was a little bit disappointed by their behaviour.

[Adam Thomas ]

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Ashley was 'angry' and felt that Emmerdale star Adam Thomas couldn't enjoy his winning moment (Image: Jonathan Hordle/ITV/Shutterstock)

"I was angry. I was seeing the way these men were speaking to each other and it made me really sad. It happened back in September and instead of having a reflective moment, it was more like we were still in September and the tensions were through the roof. I get that you wanna go there and say your piece. You should be able to say it from your point of view but it all just seemed really immature, and unfortunate and aggressive."

During Adam's turbulent time in camp, he also came to blows with Jimmy Bullard when he and the former footballer were paired up for a trial which, they were told, would place both of them at risk of elimination should they come in last place. Jimmy decided to leave on the spot and claimed that Adam, who was allowed to stay in the competition despite the threat of being cut, was "abusive, aggressive and intimidating" and that footage never made it to air.

Weighing in on Adam's multiple rows, Ashley added: "I think David and Adam had some lads' banter that went a little bit too far, and I think it was uncomfortable for Adam.

"He did stick up for himself at one point. The part where him and Jimmy had that moment...at the end of the day, we are human. Is it out of character for Adam to act that way when he exploded? Yes. So he had remorse and he apologised."

Ashley said that Adam was so upset on the night that he didn't even want to win. Amanda Holden asked her: "Somebody that was in the audience of the live show on Friday said that David [Haye] did try to make amends with Adam and that wasnt shown. Is that true?"

Ashley replied: "I dont remember that part. David was trying to be like oh buddy, youre going to win this, youre going to win this! Because of maybe the way he was going at him but Adam didnt like that. Adam didnt want to win because people were..."

"Feeling sorry for him?" interrupted Amanda. "Yeah!" replied Ashley. "And he also did not enjoy the, in quotations, lads banter that was going on. Everybody is different and some people arent built to go back and forth like that the way David does. I think it is water of a ducks back with him."

Amanda agreed: "Well, theres only so much you can take isnt there."

During live scenes that shocked the nation as Jimmy raged, Ant said: I was there and I didnt think it was intimidating, When he questioned him again Ants voice went higher pitched and he said, No, I was there, Jim.

Dec supported Ant and said to Jimmy: Hang on, lets come back to you. Emotions were obviously running high. He then diffused things by inviting Adam to speak. "

Listen to Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden weekdays from 06:30 10:00 across the UK and on Global Player

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