I’m A Celeb 2021: Mel Buttle quits the show due to snake phobia

One of the favourites to win I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here unexpectedly quit the show, leaving her co-stars in tears.

One of the favourites to win I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here unexpectedly quit the show during Wednesday night’s episode.

Comedian Mel Buttle became the first star to withdraw from the competition due to her phobia of snakes.

Buttle was visibly shaken after Real Housewives Of Melbourne star Pettifleur Berenger spotted a snake near the camp site.

“I have a proper phobia of snakes,” Buttle said on camera after the sighting. “It’s very strong. This plays into where I go on holiday. I almost didn’t take a comedy tour to India because of it. It’s everything.

Mel Buttle has a fear of snakes.

“I just don’t know how I could possibly go to sleep or go to the toilet or go and get my washing … here,” the rattled star said.

Eventually the comedian decided to quit the show and her camp mates broke down in tears as she informed them of her decision.

“I have to tell you something,” Buttle said to the group. “I have a huge phobia of snakes. It’s not just a fear, I have a massive phobia and it’s a really bad, bad phobia. I’m not even afraid they’re going to bite me, it’s not that, it’s the image of them, even a photo of them.

“I wanted to try and come here and see how well I would go and then today with Pettifleur, I have been losing my mind all day,” she said. “I feel like sh*t doing this but I have to go unfortunately.”

Stunned.

Mel’s emotional farewell.

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The other celebrities were shocked by Buttle’s decision but did their best to comfort the emotional star.

“I know I’m going to regret it, but I can always go on Bachelor In Paradise,” a tearful Buttle joked.

Buttle’s decision to leave due her fear of snakes came just a day after Toni Pearen was bitten on the face by jungle carpet python’s during one of the show’s challenges.

Pearen was bleeding from the face and had to receive medical attention after being bitten at least three times.

Toni Pearen, fearless in the face of danger! #ImACelebrityAU pic.twitter.com/syZyxSkupO

— #ImACelebrityAU (@ImACelebrityAU) January 5, 2021

The confronting challenge sparked outrage with some viewers who slammed the show for allowing the challenge to continue despite the fact the star was being bitten repeatedly.

In a statement to news.com.au, Pearen said: “I knew I was safe. I was attended to by a medic immediately. I knew the snakes were not venomous. I was definitely in shock but I was not in pain and I was proud of my courage and determination.”

I’m A Celeb continues on Channel 10 at 7.30pm on Thursday night