Confusion reigned among I'm A Celebrity viewers following Thursday night's episode, where campmates were tasked with selecting participants for the upcoming Tanks of Torture bushtucker trial.
Ant and Dec informed them at the show's conclusion to pick two campmates, which led to Barry McGuigan and Oti Mabuse stepping up.
Yet, in a sudden twist on the companion programme 'I'm A Celeb Unpacked', Joel Dommett revealed that Oti would be joined by Melvin Odoom for the trial, leaving fans without a clue as to why Barry was no longer involved.
The official I'm A Celeb Instagram account also confirmed the new pairing.
Puzzled fans took to social media for answers, with one querying: "I thought it was Barry and Oti? Was Barry taken out because he can't see?"
This was in reference to Barry's earlier difficulty with padlocks during his initial trial.
Other viewers expressed their disappointment and curiosity, with comments like: "Wait, wasn't it meant to be Barry?" and "What's happened to Barry? Was looking forward to seeing him do a trial."
Other viewers speculated about the sudden replacement of Barry with Melvin, with one fan theorising: "I'm pretty sure Barry most likely got ruled out due to medical grounds so they replaced him with Melvin," while another remarked: "I thought it was Barry but I'll take Melvin happily."
The producers of I'm A Celebrity have said the mystery will be unravelled in the episode airing on Friday, 29 November, reports OK!.
Barry's lack of airtime has not gone unnoticed by the audience, who were keen to see him complete a trial.
Instead, much of the airtime has been taken up by Dean McCullough, initially due to his string of trials and comical distaste for fish guts, and lately owing to campmates picking up on his apparent avoidance of chores.
In the episode broadcast on Thursday, 28 November, it was Dean and Melvin's turn to fetch water. However, Dean chose that moment for a shower, telling Melvin: "I'm going to have a scrub and then I'll do a couple, mate."
The camp soon observed Melvin lugging his fourth bucket solo, prompting Danny Jones to quip: "Is Houdini with him?" in reference to Dean's knack for vanishing.
Jane confirmed Dean was showering, leading Melvin to jest: "Houdini does another trick again!" Jane playfully urged: "Come on Melvin, you've got to leave some for Dean to do!"
It appears the camp is all too aware of Dean's hesitance to contribute, as Barry chimed in with a sceptical: "Don't hold your breath!"
I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! continues 9pm on ITV.
