'He's not derogatory to women. He supports me and all females in his life': Merv Hughes' wife Sue defends cricketer's 'chauvinistic' comments on I'm A Celebrity

By Danielle Gusmaroli for Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

He's been accused of being chauvinist and arrogant due to his uncensored comments on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Here.

But 53-year-old cricketer Merv Hughes' wife insists at home the retired Australian is a gentleman who is bowled over with love for his wife and three children and 'all the women in his life.'

Speaking from the family home, Sue Hughes told New Idea on Monday: 'He's definitely not derogatory to women. He supports me and his daughter and all the females in his life 100 per cent.'

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Supportive: Merv's wife Sue also defended the reality star saying the father of three supports her and all the women in his life

Supportive: Merv 'Fruit Fly' Hughes' wife Sue says the cricketer's not chauvinistic, insisting he supports her and all the women in his life

The 51-year-old, who has been married to the former fast bowler for 22 years, defended the mustachioed star after he threatened fellow contestant Anna Heinrich barking, 'Shut up or I'll chop your head off with this machete!'

The outburst came when she offered to cook supper after Chrissie Swan, 41, suggested it was time for the men to rustle up a meal.

The robust cricketer snarled: 'Some idiot put their hands up and said the boys will do dinner'.

I'm NOT sexist: Merv Hughes hits back after being slammed for making sexist remarks on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here 

Outspoken: The former fast bowler has been accused of being chauvinist and arrogant due to his uncensored comments on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Here

Sensing the unease, the former Bachelor Australia winner Anna protested: 'I can do it, I can do it.'

'Sit down and relax woman.. You go and get,' Merv spat in a rage.

'Apparently one of you guys said it [that they'd cook dinner],' she told him. 

Old fashioned: The 53-year-old didn't win any fans by constantly referring to his female campers as 'woman' 

'Shut up or I'll chop your head off with this machete': Merv threatened former The Bachelor star Anna Heinrich when she said the men had offered to cook supper

'What's gotten into you?' Anna responded, clearly upset.

Anna later told the diary room she was upset, saying: 'There were a few comments around this evening that I am actually quite disgusted with.'

And funnyman Joel Creasey, 24, later described him as 'disgusting' and 'disrespectful' for the language he fire at Anna.

Overstepping the line: The cricketer, who has a reputation for stirring things up, offended fellow camper Anna Heinrich when he said: 'Shut up or I'll chop your head off with this machete', while Lauren Brant labelled his humour sexist

Upset: The cricketer, who has a reputation as someone who likes to stir things up, became irritated when he overheard Chrissie Swan  and Anna Heinrich (pictured) suggest it was time for the men to cook

However, the spat is not typical of Merv's behavior, his wife insists, telling the magazine that even she was taken aback when she watched the episode.

She maintained he often says things to raise a laugh but that he is 'caring' and 'supportive' and a hands-on father.

Sue revealed Merv has devised a secret sign he sends to his family from within the jungle that signals he loves them whenever he touches his heart.

'He lives for his children and I love him to bits,' she cooed. 

Awkward: The rest of the camp seemed to sit in silence as the confrontation ensued

Awkward: The rest of the camp seemed to sit in silence as the confrontation ensued

Outrage: Barry Hall helped Merv cook dinner after the incident with Anna

Outrage: Barry Hall helped Merv cook dinner after the incident with Anna

Indeed, a repentant Merv was later heard doing a U-turn after the Anna debacle when he muttered: 'I've been an annoying prick'.

'I've driven people a bit hard at times and I've learned to take a step back,' he added as he revealed his nickname is 'fruit fly'.

'I was driving Lauren (Brant) the other day about lunch... I do take things a bit far.'

Following his admission fellow cricketer Freddie called him a 'big softie', while Joel pondered: 'I thought fruit flies were gay guys who hung out with a group of girls?'  

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

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