I’m A Celeb’s Bushtucker trials ‘could be AXED’ due to new location
The show could be set for even more major changes
Last updated 2nd Sep 2020
This year’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! is going to be VERY different from past series as bosses announced last week that the 2020 show would be filmed in the UK due to the current Coronavirus pandemic.
Instead of flying out to the Australian Outback and setting up camp in the jungle, the celebrities taking part this year will stay much closer to home in a 'remote, rural castle' in the UK.
But that’s not the only major change to this year’s show as it’s been reported that Bushtucker trials could face the axe due to strict animal welfare laws in this country.
The show’s Bushtucker trials, in which celebrities take part in challenges to win food for the camp, regularly include the use of creatures and creepy-crawlies but British law discourages the use of live animals in TV productions.
I’m A Celeb will also need to follow both the Animal Welfare Act and the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which specifically bans animals going through “undue suffering”.
A spokesperson for RSPCA, the largest animal welfare charity in the UK told Metro, “The RSPCA does not endorse the use of animals in any form of entertainment and in particular where this is likely to cause distress or suffering.
“However, we do feel it’s important to offer advice to those who decide to use animals in entertainment and will always offer further guidance including ways to seek alternatives to animal use.
“More generally, we don’t endorse the use of animals in any form of entertainment, but if approached we will offer advice that promotes good welfare practice and can help avoid unnecessary distress and suffering. Our advice will always include seeking alternative methods to animal use.”
Check out all of the rumoured celebs for this year's I'm A Celeb:
Su-Elise Nash
Mis-Teeq singer Su-Elise Nash is reportedly set to follow in the footsteps of her band mate Sabrina Washington, who appeared in 2009. A source said: "Su was incredibly supportive of Sabrina's jungle experience and now she could get her own shot. There have been early talks for her to be considered. The reunion has reminded everyone just how much love there still is for Mis-Teeq."
Jeremy Clarkson
Thanks to the success of Clarkson's Farm, rumours were rife that Jeremy Clarkson is in demand with reality TV shows, with I'm A Celeb reportedly top of the list!
Jools Oliver
When hosts Ant and Dec invited TV chef Jamie Oliver to appear on the show, he quickly declined, saying: "Thanks for the offer boys, I would love to come on I'm A Celeb. "I think it's an amazing show, but honestly, you couldn't give me enough olive oil in the world to make me eat a witchetty grub or a kangaroo's a--e, no way."
However, he did nominate his wife Jools, adding: "But what I can give you is my wife Jools, she would love to be on the show. Go on Jools."
Nick Ferrari
Reports suggested bosses were determined to get TV and Radio host Nick Ferrari on the line-up in 2025, but he didn't appear. Maybe they'll go back with a new offer in 2026.
Olivia Attwood
As fans will know, reality star Olivia Attwood was forced to quit the 2022 series due to medical reasons, leaving her gutted. Olivia later hinted she could return for the 2023 series, admitting she'd had chats with bosses during an appearance on Loose Women.
Although she's in demand right now and very busy with radio and TV jobs, we have to admit we'd love to see Liv back in the jungle at some point!
Danny Dyer
Since Danny Dyer left his iconic role as Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter on EastEnders last year, he's been heavily rumoured for I'm A Celeb.
Of course, his family are no strangers to reality TV, with Danny's daughter Dani winning Love Island back in 2018.
Denise van Outen
The lovely Denise van Outen is no stranger to reality shows, having appeared on the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Gogglebox in recent years. Denise has previously admitted she turned down the offer in 2021, so could she appear in 2026?
Speaking about the new series of I’m A Celeb, which Ant and Dec will return to host later this year, 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."