I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! contestant Angry Ginge once spoke frankly about the painful and complicated relationship he has with his estranged father, sharing deeply personal experiences that shaped his early life (Metro UK).

The 23-year-old YouTuber — real name Morgan Burtwistle — has quickly become one of the breakout personalities in this year’s ITV jungle lineup. But long before he was facing Bushtucker Trials, Ginge was navigating a turbulent upbringing marked by racism, instability and emotional turmoil, something he has openly discussed on his podcast Off Stream (Radio Times).

“My dad was a massive racist” — Angry Ginge reflects on his childhood

Speaking alongside podcast co-host Tays, Ginge said that growing up, his father’s views were deeply troubling — but as a child, he struggled to fully understand the gravity of what he was witnessing.

“Growing up, my dad was a massive racist,” he revealed.
“When I was young, I didn’t realise what I was absorbing. But now, looking back, I can see it so clearly.”

He added that although he never mirrored his father’s behaviour, the exposure stuck with him.

“Now that I’m older, I notice it. For example, his Call of Duty name was a certain word… and killer.”

Ginge said these were only the early warning signs — describing them as “just the tip of the iceberg” (The Independent).

Angry Ginge is currently in the jungle (Credit: ITV)

A court battle, a forced name change and unpaid child support

In another episode of the podcast, Angry Ginge discussed a particularly painful chapter: the legal dispute over his surname.

His original name was Morgan Sam Lee Burtwistle, but his father took his mother to court in order to have the name changed to Burtwistle-Smith — a change his mother tried but failed to prevent.

“My mum lost the case. My dad insisted, so my name legally became Burtwistle-Smith, but I’ve got rid of that now.”

He said the name battle was symbolic of a much larger pattern of behaviour.

According to Ginge, his father also avoided paying child maintenance, repeatedly changing jobs to avoid detection.

“This is why I say he’s not a good man. He kept moving jobs so they couldn’t track him, so he never paid my mum anything.”
(Digital Spy)

Destructive behaviour and frightening incidents

Ginge went on to describe the chaos his father created during his childhood, often after drinking. He recalled incidents where the back garden fence would be kicked down, cans left scattered and windows smashed.

“I can’t count on two hands how many times he kicked the back fences in. There were always cans of Stella and smashed glass outside.”

He said one of the most disturbing incidents involved his father coming to their home in the middle of the night:

“He just picked up a brick and threw it through the window. Then the next day had the balls to come and try to see me.”

Courts, disappearances and a return only after Ginge found fame

When Ginge’s mum moved on with a new partner, his father allegedly sought involvement again through the courts — but then disappeared shortly after.

The cycle of brief involvement followed by long absences became a recurring pattern throughout Ginge’s childhood (BBC Entertainment).

He added that after he became successful online, his father attempted to reach out to his mother — a gesture Ginge had no interest in entertaining.

“He tried to get back in touch once I started going viral. I didn’t want anything to do with him.”

A half-sister he barely knows

Ginge also revealed that he has a half-sister, though they have almost no relationship.

“We don’t know each other. The only thing we really have in common is we both have a [bleep] for a dad.”

A difficult past, now in the public eye

As Ginge continues his I’m A Celebrity journey — already marked by emotional phone calls home and displays of vulnerability (Radio Times) — many viewers are seeing a young man shaped by resilience, humour and the determination to break generational cycles.

His story has sparked conversations online, with fans praising his openness and emotional honesty, especially given the scrutiny that comes with reality TV fame.