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Janice Dickinson has launched a legal battle against ITV after suffering serious injuries during her stint on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa.
The 69-year-old supermodel and TV personality was forced to quit the 2023 series after an accident at the camp left her with head and facial wounds. Now, more than a year later, Dickinson has officially filed a personal injury claim at the High Court, seeking damages from the broadcaster.
The Fall That Ended Her Jungle Journey
The incident occurred when Dickinson attempted to make her way to the camp toilet in the middle of the night. With the campfire extinguished, the area was in complete darkness, and the former model lost her footing.
Speaking to The Sun at the time, Dickinson described the terrifying moment:
“I was feeling very insecure because the campfire had gone out and it was as dark as it could be. So I thought: Right, I’ll make it to the dunny from memory. I walked a couple of steps and tripped, flying flat on my face, hair all over my forehead, my nose was bloody and my whole chin was gashed open.”
She recalled how blood was “gushing” from her face and how dirt and stones became embedded in her wounds after the fall.
Rescued by Fellow Celebrities
Thankfully, Dickinson wasn’t left alone. Former Olympian Fatima Whitbread and ex-cricketer Phil Tufnell found her and quickly rushed to her aid, helping her back to the camp. Despite their efforts, Dickinson’s injuries were too severe for her to continue, and she was forced to withdraw from the competition.
Taking ITV to Court
Court documents filed on September 19 confirm that Dickinson is pursuing a personal injury claim against ITV, holding them responsible for the unsafe conditions that led to her fall.
Neither Dickinson’s representatives nor ITV have commented publicly on the lawsuit, but legal experts suggest the case could draw attention to the duty of care owed to reality TV contestants.
Janice Dickinson was forced to withdraw after a bloody injury - credit: ITV/Shutterstock
Reality television has often been scrutinised for the risks contestants take, from gruelling physical tasks to the psychological pressures of isolation. Dickinson’s case may now reignite the debate over whether broadcasters are doing enough to protect the people who sign up for their shows.
A Legacy of Breaking Boundaries
Once dubbed the “world’s first supermodel,” Dickinson has never been far from the spotlight. Known for her candid personality and high-profile appearances on reality shows such as America’s Next Top Model and Celebrity Big Brother, she has remained a headline-grabbing figure throughout her career.
Her time on I’m A Celebrity may have been cut short, but Dickinson’s decision to take ITV to court suggests she is determined to hold the broadcaster accountable for her ordeal.
As the case develops, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see whether this sets a precedent for future contestants who may face injury or hardship while filming.