Brexit leader stokes fresh controversy with reality TV role

LONDON - Anti-EU populist Nigel Farage, who helped polarise Britain during the 2016 Brexit referendum, is dividing opinions again with a controversial appearance on a popular reality television show.

The former member of the European parliament this week became the latest British political figure to appear on "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!" which is known for its gruesome challenges.

The ITV show takes a group of household names -- some better known than others -- to a rainforest in Australia, pitting them against the elements and various slippery creatures.

"I'm a hero to some people and an absolute villain to millions," said Farage, 59, as he debuted Sunday by sticking his head through the window of a campervan full of snakes.

"In the jungle you're going to find the real me. You might like me more, you might dislike me more, but you will at least find out.

"The best way to handle conflict is to tackle it head on. I dealt with snakes in the European Parliament, I can cope with this too."

Farage's appearance -- for which he is reportedly receiving a hefty fee -- has angered fans of the long-running "I'm a Celebrity".

#BoycottImACeleb was trending on X -- formerly known as Twitter -- on Sunday night, British media reported.

The online campaign may have driven down viewing figures, with the first episode of the new series registering more than two million fewer viewers than last year, at around seven million.

Critics of Farage fear that the arch-eurosceptic who previously led the right-wing UK Independence Party (UKIP), will be able to air his political views unchallenged.

They also point out that, unlike previous contestants from the world of politics, Farage's political career may not be over, with some tipping him as a future leader of Britain's ruling Conservative party.