The producers have had to get creative.
Coronavirus has stumped many of our 2020 plans, but one thing we didn’t expect it to mess with was our beloved winter television – especially I’m A Celeb. Confirming changes ahead of this year’s run, the hit show will be filmed in the UK for the first time ever this year, dumping the celebrity contestants in a ruined castle somewhere in the British countryside.
Ant and Dec will return as hosts, with the show continuing to broadcast daily as it usually would when filming in the Australian jungle. But the best part? The gross bushtucker trails will remain part of the show (despite a potential lack of kangaroo genitals), with other gruelling medieval-themed challenges also being adapted to their new surroundings for the upcoming series.
But where will it be filmed?
It’s been widely speculated that the new filming location will be none other than the majestic Gwrych Castle in North Wales, just a 1 hr 30 drive from Manchester. The ancient (and reportedly haunted) site will provide the perfect backdrop for contestants this year, with medieval architecture, spooky nooks and crannies and plenty of rumours over the years of ghostly sightings. By the sounds of it, it’s definitely not one for Gillian McKeith.
Richard Cowles, Director of Entertainment at ITV Studios said: “We pulled out all the stops to try and make the series happen in Australia. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and despite us looking at many different contingencies, it became apparent that it just wasn’t possible for us to travel and make the show there. However, we are all really excited about a UK version of I’m A Celebrity. While it will certainly be different producing the show from the UK, the same tone and feel will remain.
“Our celebrities will probably have to swap shorts for thermals but they can still look forward to a basic diet of rice and beans and plenty of thrills and surprises along the way”.
This year’s line-up is yet to be revealed, however, the likes of Jessie J, Tommy Fury, Maya Jama and Nick Grimshaw are all rumoured to be taking part. Further details of the upcoming series are still to be announced, so stay posted for updates…
[Featured image: ITV]