TV personality Ant McPartlin is reportedly making an extra effort to avoid an awkward confrontation with former footballer Jimmy Bullard after their well-publicized clash during the live final of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!.
Both McPartlin and Bullard reside in the posh Surrey village of Cobham, an area known for being home to celebrities, footballers, and other high-profile figures. However, according to locals, the two men have been keeping their distance since their on-screen tension escalated during the ITV show’s live finale. What appeared to be an offhand remark by Bullard on air was later revealed to be the tip of the iceberg in a growing feud that had been simmering behind the scenes throughout the filming of the show.
The drama began during the live broadcast of the finale, when Bullard seemingly made a pointed comment aimed at Ant McPartlin, referencing a behind-the-scenes disagreement that had taken place earlier in the competition. The remark, though brief, was enough to catch the attention of viewers, sparking speculation online about the nature of the disagreement between the two. While the awkward moment was quickly brushed off on-air with some humor, reports from insiders indicated that the tensions had been mounting for some time. The situation reached a boiling point after the filming wrapped, when the two men reportedly had a heated confrontation in the car park.
Sources claim that this argument was more than just a brief exchange—it was a full-blown row that left their relationship in tatters. Despite the fact that both men are well-known television personalities, the fallout from this altercation has carried over into their personal lives. The tension between them has now reportedly led to McPartlin avoiding Bullard in their shared community, something that has been noticed by several residents of Cobham.
One resident shared their observations, noting that, although both men live in the same village, they have been unusually elusive when it comes to public encounters. “It’s funny—they both live here, but you don’t hear about them crossing paths,” the resident said. “Ant used to pop into Waitrose quite a bit, but people haven’t seen him lately.” Another local added, “Cobham’s not that big—if you want to avoid someone, you really have to try.” These comments suggest that McPartlin has been actively working to steer clear of places where he might run into Bullard, including popular spots such as the local supermarket.
Cobham, a picturesque village known for its luxury homes and quiet streets, has become an unlikely backdrop for this ongoing drama. While the two men’s personal tensions have largely stayed out of the public eye, the village gossip mill is in full swing. Ant’s previously frequent visits to local spots like Waitrose have reportedly dropped off, further fueling speculation that the presenter is deliberately keeping a low profile to avoid any uncomfortable run-ins with his former co-star.
Away from the drama, Ant McPartlin has been making headlines for other reasons. He recently made a significant move, purchasing a new £10 million mansion in Surrey with his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, and their young family. The property, which is situated in an exclusive gated community, offers a high level of privacy and security—something that was reportedly important to Ant after a planning dispute with neighbors in his former Wimbledon property. The move marks a major step for McPartlin, who is one-half of the UK’s most famous presenting duo, alongside Declan Donnelly. The pair have continued to front some of ITV’s biggest shows, including Britain’s Got Talent and Saturday Night Takeaway, remaining in the public spotlight despite McPartlin’s efforts to enjoy a quieter life at home.
Despite the attempt at privacy, however, the tension with Bullard has clearly remained a topic of conversation in Cobham. Locals are paying close attention to the unfolding situation, particularly as McPartlin seems to be making a concerted effort to avoid any potential interactions with Bullard. While neither of the two men has publicly commented on the situation in any detail, it seems clear that the fallout from their confrontation on I’m A Celebrity has had a lasting impact on their relationship, both professionally and personally.
The dispute between the two men, which began on national television, appears to have spilled over into their private lives, as evidenced by McPartlin’s reported avoidance of Bullard in their shared village. Whether this is a conscious decision by McPartlin to avoid unnecessary attention or a sign that the tension remains unresolved is still unclear. However, what is apparent is that the once friendly relations between the two TV personalities have now soured, and their interactions, or lack thereof, are being closely watched by the community.
As for the future, it remains to be seen whether the two men will eventually address their issues publicly or whether the simmering tension will continue to play out behind the scenes. For now, though, the residents of Cobham seem to be watching closely, waiting to see if the two celebrities can eventually find a way to coexist in the close-knit celebrity enclave without further drama.
