Fred Sirieix came out of the jungle to some heartbreaking news (Picture: (ITV/Shutterstock)
While Fred Sirieix was overjoyed to reunite with his loved ones after his jungle stint, he also left camp to some sad news.
The First Dates star has now paid tribute to a friend, who died while he was cut off from his phone and contact with family during I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2023.
Fred – who was the third campmate eliminated after Frankie Dettori and then Nella Rose – has said he feels ‘so sad’ to learn of Russell Norman’s death.
Norman – a BBC star and award-winning restaurateur – died on November 23 in hospital, with his wife and three children by his side.
The 57-year-old cook was best known for starting the Polpl chain of restaurants, as well as spin-offs Spuntino and Polpetto.
In his sweet tribute, Fred, 51, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: ‘I have just found out about the sudden passing of Russell Norman. This is so sad.
The TV star was the third campmate eliminated from I’m A Celeb 2023 (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
‘Such a lovely man and a restaurant genius like no other.
‘He made it look easy and so cool to open and run a restaurant.’
Fred signed off: ‘My thoughts go to his family. RIP Russell x’
When Norman’s death was announced, a statement was issued by Richard Beatty.
It read: ‘It is with the greatest sadness I announce the loss of my best friend Russell Norman.
‘After a short battle in hospital, he died surrounded by family and friends.
‘Russell is survived by his wife and three children, and I ask that you respect the privacy of his family, friends, and colleagues at this time.’
Russell Norman died on November 23 at age 57 (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
He died in hospital, with his wife and three children by his side (Picture: Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock)
Norman died just shortly after releasing his fourth cookbook.
He rose to prominence in 2012 when he won an award for his first book and went on to become influential in the London restaurant scene, having invented the concept of small plates and re-popularising Negroni.
The likes of restaurant critic Jay Rayner also paid tribute when he died, describing him as ‘one of the most gifted of restaurateurs’.
This year’s I’m A Celeb cast have all now returned to their lives of luxury following three weeks Down Under with only each other and a load of insects for company.
During his time in camp, Fred made quite the impression, and not always for the right reasons.
Fred’s partner and wife-to-be Fruitcake was waiting for him on the bridge (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)
It started when he clashed with Nigel Farage over his political views, specifically Brexit, which had viewers championing him for the win.
However, Fred later butted heads with YouTuber Nella over a misunderstanding about a joke he made about being ‘old enough to be her dad’, due to Nella’s parents both being dead.
Their row exploded, with Nella even warning Fred to maintain distance and refusing to eat his food.
Thankfully, the two made up and the atmosphere in camp became light again, but that didn’t stop Fred from clashing with someone else.
This Morning’s Josie Gibson appeared to be next on his hit list, as he frequently offered her advice when she took over as camp chef – which she didn’t want.
Fred had his fair share of controversial moments in camp (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)
The First Dates star received viewer complaints after clashing with eventual winner Sam Thompson (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
His turbulent relationship with Nella Rose was well documented (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
Following his exit from the jungle, Fred has even found himself embroiled in an Ofcom row.
Fred previously made it very clear that he wanted to take on a Bushtucker Trial – which he did successfully alongside JLS star Marvin Humes.
Reaching the decision of who would partake was anything but democratic, though, as the TV foodie had some strong words for eventual King of the Jungle, Sam Thompson, which didn’t sit right with viewers.
Making his opinion very clear and insisting he should go, Fred told Sam: ‘Don’t worry I’m going. You go play with your toys and we will go and do the men stuff.’
Some of the other celebrities disagreed with how the decision was made, with the likes of EastEnders actress Danielle Harold calling it ‘unfair’ and eventual runner-up Tony Bellow urging people to ‘chill out’.
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom confirmed to Metro.co.uk that they received 60 complaints about the December 5 episode.
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Fred came out of the jungle to some sad news.
