Followers of the ITV show's official Instagram account noticed that it had liked a controversial comment responding to one of its posts.

Early on Saturday morning, I'm A Celebrity producers put a statement out on social media which read: "Yesterday we accidentally liked a comment on Instagram while scrolling down through viewer comments.

"The post in question contained unacceptable language about one of our campmates and we apologise for the mistake made and any offence caused.

"We seek to champion all our campmates and would always urge our audience to be kind when commenting on social media."

According to screenshots, the now deleted comment that the I'm A Celebrity account liked apparently referred to contestant Nella Rose as a "jelly belly".

It read: "Nelly jelly belly is just after publicity whatever."

The 26-year-old YouTube personality has been the subject of much public scrutiny since the latest season of ITV's hit show began last month.

Read more:
Actress apologises after claiming black people have been 'brainwashed to hate Jews'
University Challenge episode pulled after disabled contestants complain

Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom reported that it had received 861 complaints related to an episode that aired on 21 November, in which Rose clashed with fellow contestant Fred Sirieix.

Social media users appeared to be split on I'm A Celebrity's apology following the Instagram blunder, with some arguing that the apology did not go far enough, while others who continued to be critical of the contestant claimed it wasn't necessary.

One user said: "I'm glad you clarified the mistake. The hate towards Nella has been way too much.

"I disagree with some of her actions in the jungle but people are acting like she's the worst human being alive and that's unfair... I've seen a lot worse."

The show has had plenty of obstacles in recent weeks after contestants Grace Dent and Jamie Lynn Spears both left the jungle early on medical grounds within days of each other.