Ant and Dec risked the wrath of the Mackems once again on I'm A Celebrity by cracking a Sunderland joke minutes in to the latest episode.

The Geordie duo opened Tuesday's episode of the ITV series by revealing that Marvin, Sam and Tony would be the next stars to check in to the Misery Motel - and couldn't resist getting in a dig about their Newcastle United rival. "I actually went on a misery holiday a few years ago," Dec quipped, prompting Ant to ask: "Really? What made it so miserable?"

"It was a week in Sunderland," Dec replied, quickly adding: "It's just a joke! Don't at me, don't at me, it's just a joke."

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It's not the first time that the pair have cracked jokes at Sunderland's expense this series, having previously compared the town to the Australian outback in the opening episode. Ant told viewers: "In case you're not familiar with the Australian outback, it's a barren, deeply hostile environment, that's barely fit for human habitation," prompting Dec to add: "Imagine Sunderland, but hotter."

Some viewers failed to see the funny side of the jibe, however, with regulator Ofcom receiving 24 complaints over the pair's remarks. And Tuesday night's Sunderland gag also seemed to leave I'm A Celeb fans divided, sparking a mixed reaction on social media.

One person wrote on X: "Ant and Dec slagging off Sunderland will forever be funny," while several others responded to the comments with laughing emojis.

But some were clearly less than impressed. "Getting sick of Ant and Dec having digs at Sunderland," one fan said.

Someone else fumed: "Cannot be doing with the Sunderland slander, some of live here please Dec."

And a third viewer remarked: "Sunderland gag is wearing a bit thin now boys, need some new material."

The date for this year's extended I'm A Celeb final has now been confirmed, as both viewers and bookies are divided on who they think will walk away with the jungle crown. And fans can look forward to a bumper last episode, as ITV change up their schedule to make room for it.

The final has been set for Sunday, December 10, when this year's King or Queen of the Jungle will be crowned at the end of an extended 100 minute episode, the longest since the launch on November 19. And it's still all to play for, with This Morning host Josie Gibson recently being overtaken at some bookies by Made In Chelsea's Sam Thompson as the new favourite to win this year's series.