Janice Dickinson, 70, has launched a six-figure lawsuit after suffering “permanent facial deformities and nerve damage” when she tripped in the dark on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa
18:00, 15 Jan 2026Updated 06:58, 16 Jan 2026
Janice Dickinson’s legal claim says she has suffered “permanent facial deformities and nerve damage” when she tripped in the dark on the 2023 show(Image: Shared Content Unit)
Veteran supermodel Janice Dickinson was taking sleeping medication given to her by an ITV medic when she suffered a late-night fall on the set of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, her £700,000 legal action claims.
The US icon, 70, has launched a six-figure lawsuit after suffering “permanent facial deformities and nerve damage” when she tripped in the dark on the 2023 show. Janice claims she had been given sleeping medication by a medic employed by ITV at the time of the accident.
Legal documents say the medication can cause drowsiness and impaired balance – making her “particularly vulnerable” when moving around at night. Sources close to Janice say she suffered permanent facial nerve damage and deep scars to her face.
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Janice was forced to quit the show after tripping in the dark in 2023 and now claims she has suffered facial disfigurement as a result(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The trip – which Janice previously described as “the most frightening night of my life” – has impacted her career as a veteran supermodel, it is claimed. A source said: “Janice has been at the forefront of modelling for decades and has been the face of Chanel, Dior and Gianni Versace. The trauma she suffered is a devastating blow.”
Documents have been filed by law firm Taylor Hampton at London’s High Court. Doctors claim Janice sustained permanent facial scarring, deformity and nerve damage. The injuries affect her appearance, facial movement and sensation and are not capable of surgical or non-surgical correction, it is claimed.
She is now arguing that ITV is legally liable to pay compensation and is suing programme makers ITV Studios in London’s High Court. Sources close to Janice believe a combination of the medication and the dark camp led to the devastating fall.
Janice – pictured in 2005 – was previously the face of Chanel, Dior and Gianni Versace during a modelling career stretching back to the 70s(Image: FilmMagic)
Janice brands herself as the world’s first supermodel and counts Rambo actor Sylvester Stallone among her exes. South Africa was her second time on I’m A Celeb, having appeared in the Australian jungle in 2007.
It is believed a nightlight in camp was not switched on, which may have contributed to Janice’s tumble. Janice had reportedly got up in the early hours to go to the toilet when she tripped in the dark camp, suffering serious injuries to her face and wrists.
An ITV Studios spokeswoman said: “Janice Dickinson’s letter of claim has been received and reviewed. I’m A Celebrity operates a high level of safety protocols and the health, safety and welfare of all of our contributors are our number one priority.
Janice’s claim says the fall has left her with injuries which affect her appearance, facial movement and sensation(Image: Getty Images for Charmaine Blake PR)
“We don’t recognise this version of events. However, we looked after Janice at the time, paid her medical expenses, flew her home to LA, and the I’m A Celebrity team were in regular contact with Janice and her representatives on an ongoing basis after she returned home to America until after the programme aired seven months later.”
Producers fear Janice’s claim could trigger further action by other stars who endured traumatic trials and high-risk stunts on the show. They could include former Neighbours actress Kimberley Davies, who cracked a rib jumping into water from a helicopter in the 2005 series.
It could also force bosses to consider making future contestants sign legal waivers to prevent potential lawsuits.
