In a bombshell confession that’s left fans stunned, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! runner-up Jordan North has revealed how a furious childhood tantrum over putting away his bike left him deaf in one ear – and his own mum dismissed his pleas for THREE agonizing weeks!

The 35-year-old Capital Breakfast radio star, who charmed the nation with his down-to-earth charm and fearless Bushtucker Trials during his 2020 jungle stint (finishing as runner-up to Giovanna Fletcher), spilled the jaw-dropping details on the Sh*ed, Married, Annoyed** podcast hosted by Chris and Rosie Ramsey.

Joined by his pal and etiquette expert William Hanson, Jordan casually dropped the bombshell while explaining why seating arrangements matter so much to him. William had to sit on Jordan’s “good” side so he could actually hear the conversation – prompting the host to finally open up about the hidden health struggle he’s carried since he was just 12 or 13.

“Basically, I’ve been deaf in my right ear since I was about 12 or 13,” Jordan confessed, warning his co-guests not to laugh before diving into the unbelievable tale.

The incident? A classic teenage meltdown over a simple chore.

“I was putting my bike away in the shed. My mum said to me to go and put your bike away… My ear burst and I think I was so angry that basically I’ve burst a blood vessel.”

Jordan described how the rage boiled over so intensely that he literally burst a blood vessel in his ear – leading to immediate and permanent hearing loss in his right ear.

For the next three weeks, the young Jordan kept telling his mum: “Mum, I can’t hear.” Her response? “Don’t be daft.”

It wasn’t until the persistent complaints finally convinced her something was seriously wrong that she took him to the doctor – where the devastating diagnosis was confirmed.

Jordan now requires a hearing aid for his right ear but admits he rarely wears it – a choice that’s sparked concern among fans who worry about the long-term impact on his booming radio career and everyday life.

An ear specialist even slid into his DMs to dispute the “anger burst a blood vessel” explanation, but Jordan stood firm by his version of events.

The podcast hosts were left reeling. Chris Ramsey called it “unbelievable”, admitting he expected a more slapstick story – like a cartoonish accident – rather than this raw, painful childhood mishap.

From Jungle Hero to Radio King – But the Hidden Struggle Continues

Jordan North exploded into the public eye during the 2020 series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, where his genuine fear of heights, bugs, and the unknown endeared him to millions. Viewers watched in awe as he tackled gruesome trials with humor and heart, ultimately pipping big names to finish second.

Post-jungle, he’s built a thriving career as co-host of Capital Breakfast alongside Chris Stark and Sian Welby – a gig that demands sharp listening skills in a noisy studio environment. Yet the deafness has forced practical adjustments: specific seating in interviews, reliance on his “good” ear, and a quiet determination not to let it define him.

In the podcast chat, William Hanson’s need to position himself carefully highlighted how the issue still affects Jordan’s social and professional interactions – even in controlled settings like a recording studio.

The Mum Factor: ‘Don’t Be Daft’ That Echoed for Weeks

Jordan’s anecdote about his mum’s initial disbelief struck a chord with listeners. For three long weeks, the boy battled growing frustration and isolation as sounds faded from one side – only to be brushed off with a classic parental “don’t be daft.”

It’s a relatable tale for many who grew up in households where minor complaints were dismissed – but in this case, it delayed crucial medical intervention for what turned out to be permanent damage.

Jordan bears no grudge, sharing the story with humor and hindsight – but the raw emotion was palpable as he recounted the moment the truth hit home.

Health Experts Weigh In: Burst Blood Vessels, Sudden Deafness, and Why Anger Might Play a Role

While Jordan’s self-diagnosis of “bursting a blood vessel from anger” raised eyebrows (and prompted that specialist DM), sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) can indeed strike abruptly in young people – sometimes linked to stress, vascular issues, or even minor trauma.

Medical sources note that intense emotional outbursts can spike blood pressure dramatically, potentially affecting delicate ear structures like the cochlea or blood vessels supplying the inner ear. Though rare, “rage-induced” hearing issues have been documented in case studies.

Jordan’s refusal to wear his hearing aid regularly is common among those with unilateral (one-sided) deafness – many adapt remarkably well, relying on their stronger ear and visual cues. But experts warn that untreated single-sided hearing loss can lead to difficulties in noisy environments, fatigue from straining to listen, and even balance issues over time.

Fans React: Shock, Support, and Calls for Awareness

Social media lit up after the podcast clip went viral. Fans flooded Jordan’s accounts with messages of support: “Jordan North is such a legend – turning a tough childhood story into something we can all laugh (and learn) from!” one tweeted.

Others shared their own hearing loss journeys: “I went deaf in one ear after a bad cold as a kid – Jordan’s story hits home. Mum didn’t believe me either!”

The revelation has sparked wider conversations about hidden disabilities among celebrities – and how stars like Jordan normalize struggles while thriving in high-profile roles.

Jordan’s Journey: From Bike Shed Rage to Jungle Triumph

Born and raised in Lancashire, Jordan’s path to fame wasn’t straightforward. He studied at the University of Central Lancashire before breaking into radio – first at Rock FM, then Capital.

His I’m a Celebrity appearance catapulted him to national treasure status: the campmates loved his Geordie charm (despite being a Lancastrian!), his willingness to face fears, and his unbreakable spirit.

Post-show, he’s championed mental health, fitness, and everyday relatability – qualities that shine through even in this vulnerable revelation.

The bike incident? A stark reminder that life’s biggest challenges often start small – a teenage temper tantrum, a mum’s dismissal, and a permanent change that shaped who he is today.

Looking Ahead: Radio, Podcasts, and No Regrets

Jordan continues to dominate Capital Breakfast, delivering laughs and tunes to millions each morning. His podcast appearances – including the eye-opening chat with the Ramseys – show a man unafraid to share the unvarnished truth.

As for the hearing aid? He might not wear it daily, but the story serves as a powerful nudge toward greater awareness.

In a world obsessed with perfection, Jordan North’s candid confession reminds us: even the brightest stars carry invisible scars – and sometimes, the loudest lessons come from the quietest losses.

Nobody’s laughing now. They’re listening – on his good side, of course.