‘Every Time I Think of Her, I Break Down’: AngryGinge’s Emotional Story Behind His I’m A Celeb Win

AngryGinge left the I’m A Celebrity jungle in a Hummer limo, wearing a floral crown and heading home with a life-changing cheque — yet he insists none of it has convinced him he’s actually famous.

Only five years ago, at 19, Morgan Burtwistle was earning £450 a month working as a school “dinner lady”. He shared a council-estate home with his nan Julie, paid £200 rent, and spent every spare minute gaming in his bedroom. After eight months serving meals at Clarendon Road Primary School, he finally took the plunge into full-time streaming — a decision that eventually earned him millions and a place on ITV’s biggest entertainment show.

On Sunday night, the 24-year-old claimed a storming victory with 65% of the public vote, becoming the first social media star to win the series. “The one phrase I’ll always live my life by is, ‘Never forget where you came from’,” he said. “No matter what I achieve, I’ll still always be the kid from the council estate.”

In an exclusive interview, he recalled: “It was an hour-and-a-half every day, five days a week, on minimum wage. I’d give my nan £200 and try to live off the remaining £250. I did that from April to December 2020, then went full-time in streaming in January 2021.”

Raised by single mum Michelle, who juggled three jobs to provide for him and his sister Tasha, Ginge says he’s grateful for a childhood that wasn’t easy but taught him everything. “It was tough at times, but I look back on it very happy. Mum would say, ‘Morgan, nip to the shop and put £10 on the electric so it doesn’t go off.’ We couldn’t even afford pick ’n’ mix at the cinema. We’d get the ‘three for £1’ sweets from Asda to sneak in.”

During the show, he was repeatedly moved to tears whenever he mentioned his mum. “She’ll never understand how much I appreciate and love her,” he said after breaking down when they reunited on the jungle bridge.

Despite millions of followers across YouTube and Twitch, Ginge says the word “celebrity” still doesn’t sit right with him. “I don’t like the word ‘celebrity’ or ‘famous’. I prefer ‘in the public eye’,” he explained. “When I walked in and saw Shona, Martin Kemp, Lisa, Ruby, Aitch — these are people I grew up thinking were celebs. I didn’t belong there. But then I just fitted right in.”

Even after triumphing in the highest-rating live show for 16–34 year olds this year, he still can’t quite comprehend the scale of his win. “People ask if it’s sunk in. I don’t know what that would feel like. But it’s amazing to think ten-year-old me watched this show and now I’ve won it.”

His contact list now includes Wayne Rooney, James Maddison and darts sensation Luke Littler — though he joked Rooney “will be having words” after backing Aitch in the public vote.

Ginge reportedly gave up “hundreds of thousands of pounds” in streaming revenue and Christmas brand deals to appear on the show, all to make his mum proud. Bigger things are already coming: ITV gigs, new partnerships, and what insiders say could be a £5 million year after extending his ambassador deal with Red Bull.

But he swears none of it will change him. “Honestly, I just want to go see my nan, the rest of the family and friends,” he said. “Stream, watch Manchester United, coach Winton Yanited. Back to reality, back to normal.”

For millions who watched him eat vile bugs, push through brutal trials and bond with campmates like Ruby Wax and Lisa Riley, AngryGinge may not think he’s famous — but the public won’t be forgetting him anytime soon.