Ian Wright’s wife has defended the I’m A Celebrity star from bullying accusations, claiming people are just “tetchy” in the jungle. 

The footballing legend and sports pundit rubbed some viewers up the wrong way earlier this week, over his treatment of fellow campmate Andrew Maxwell.

Ian was unimpressed when the comedian went for an afternoon nap after winning 10 stars in the Ark Of Agony Bushtucker Trial, laying into him for not doing the dishes. 

However, Ian’s wife Nancy Hallam insisted Ian is not a bully, telling The Sun: “I think everyone gets a bit tetchy after a while.

“I don’t think it’s anything particular between them. They’re both quite strong characters. He has his moments but he’s doing well.”

She added: “I can’t wait to see him. It’s been a long time not seeing him.

“I think he’s doing brilliantly. Lots of challenges but he’s doing really well.”

Ian and Andrew’s row had seen the former Arsenal player blast him for sleeping, telling him: “It’s amazing some people are just not cut out for success. Don’t go and rest just kick on and do your job.”

Later in the Bush Telegraph Ian explained: “OK so you’ve got the 10 stars what are you coming back and going to sleep for, you’ve got a 70-year-old woman who is ready to work and you are meant to be working with her, do it with her and then rest.”

Ian told his fellow celebrities that he was “having to hold myself in now”, adding: “I don’t know how I’m going to let this lie”, before confronting Andrew.

“James went to help with the dishes and what I’m saying is that because you got the stars, Caitlyn wanted to do [the washing up] and you went to sleep and you didn’t do your job,” Ian told Andrew. “We have so much time to sleep. Do you understand what I’m saying?” 

I’m A Celebrity airs nightly at 9pm on ITV.