Dean McCullough Shares the Impact of Online Death Threats After I’m A Celebrity
Dean McCullough, a well-known radio presenter, has opened up about the significant emotional toll that online death threats had on him following his participation in the reality TV show I’m A Celebrity. His experience with trolling and harassment left a lasting impact on his mental health and personal safety.
McCullough revealed that after being eliminated from the 2024 season of the show, he received numerous threatening messages from online trolls. These included explicit death threats, which he reported to the police. The situation became so severe that it affected his daily life, making him fear for his safety and even hesitant to leave his home.
Despite the challenges, McCullough mentioned that his fellow castmates from the 2024 season, including Coleen Rooney, GK Barry, and winner Danny Jones, provided him with strong support during this difficult time. He explained that while the public saw a certain version of him on the show, those who were in the jungle with him knew the real person behind the screen.
“Everyone had my back in the jungle because they experienced the real me,” he said. “The people at home saw this two-dimensional person who got picked to do all the trials.”
The Emotional Toll of Trolling
McCullough shared how the experience changed him fundamentally. He described the person who went to Australia for the show as different from the one who returned. “The person I was flying to Australia was not the person I was coming back, because of the trolling. I had death threats and DMs and comments. My team were so worried.”
He also expressed sadness upon seeing the latest 2025 line-up of celebrities heading to Australia for the series. “When I saw all the campmates fly to Australia this year, it made me feel quite sad.”
Reporting the Threats to Authorities
In an interview with Daily Star Sunday, McCullough disclosed the extent of the threats he faced. “When I came out of the jungle, I started getting so many death threats. People tell me they wish I’d got AIDS and died or that if they see me in the street they’re going to batter me.”
He added that there were 35 different accounts classified as having malicious contact, with 12 of them considered aggravated malicious contact—essentially death threats. “They’re being identified,” he said.
Changes in the Show’s Rules
McCullough also commented on the recent changes made by ITV regarding the Bushtucker Trials. This year, celebrities can no longer be forced to complete a string of trials, a rule change he welcomed. “I was picked to do a number in a row on my series, and it was really tough.”
Moving Forward
Although the experience was challenging, McCullough has found some comfort in knowing that the police are investigating the threats. He emphasized the importance of addressing online harassment and the need for better support systems for public figures facing similar issues.
As I’m A Celebrity continues to air weeknights on ITV1 at 9pm, McCullough’s story serves as a reminder of the darker side of fame and the impact of online abuse on individuals’ lives.
