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:
Maura Higgins
With the news that Tommy has now pulled out of the show, rumours are rife that his fellow Love Island star Maura Higgins will replace him! Although Maura wasn't included in the cast announcement, reports are suggesting she could be a late arrival.
Reverend Richard Coles
He's no stranger to reality TV having appeared on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2017, but now it sounds like Reverend Richard Coles could be about to swap his dancing shoes for the jungle. According to reports, Richard has signed up for this year's series and will enter as a late arrival.
Ally McCoist
Scottish football legend Ally McCoist was reportedly in 'advanced talks' with bosses to appear on the 2024 series. The pundit has turned down the show twice in the past, and it looks like he's done the same again!
Tom Daley
After winning his fifth Olympic medal during the Paris 2024 Olympics, diver Tom Daley announced his retirement from the sport after the games, and bosses were reportedly keen to sign him up for I'm A Celeb!
Jeremy Clarkson
Following the last ever series of The Grand Tour, rumours were rife that Jeremy Clarkson is in demand with reality TV shows, with I'm A Celeb reportedly top of the list!
Tommy Fury
Following his shock split from Love Island fiancée Molly-Mae Hague in August, bookies were tipping Tommy Fury to sign up for the 2024 series! Ladbrokes said: "Reality TV chiefs will surely be queuing up to snap up Molly-Mae or Tommy following their shock split, and the odds suggest the latter could well be jungle-bound later this year."
However, just weeks before the start date, reports are rife that Tommy has pulled out of the show after getting a better offer for a rematch against KSI.
Mick McCarthy
After departing his managerial position at Blackpool FC last year, Mick McCarthy was being tipped to head into the jungle!
Giovanni Pernice
Following his removal from Strictly Come Dancing, ITV/STV bosses were reportedly keen to sign up Giovanni Pernice for the 2024 series, with Mail Online suggesting they are ready to splash out £100,000 to sign him. However, Giovanni then signed up for the Italian version of Strictly.
Richard Gadd
After shooting to intense fame earlier this year following the release of Netflix's Baby Reindeer, Scottish actor and comedian Richard Gadd was reportedly being lined-up by bosses for the 2024 series of I'm A Celeb.
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.
However, it looks like she won't return this year.
Alex Beresford
Good Morning Britain weather reporter Alex Beresford recently expressed interest in appearing on I'm A Celeb. He told the Mirror: "Out of all the shows I would love to do, I would love to do the jungle."
Alex recently appeared on BBC One's Celebrity Race Across The World.
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, but it looks like 2024 won't be her year either.
The Vivienne
RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne recently admitted she would love to appear on I'm A Celeb during a chat with Lorraine.
She said: "Do you know what, I've never thought about it but what an absolutely amazing opportunity that would be."
Phil Taylor
Ever since he admitted he'd 'love' to appear on the show a number of years ago, darts legend Phil Taylor has been heavily rumoured every year.
Will Mellor
Following his stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, it seems actor Will Mellor has the reality TV bug, as he's admitted to his friend and former co-star Ralf Little he'd fancy appearing on I'm A Celeb. Could 2024 be his year?
Harry Clark
The Traitors series two winner Harry Clark was reportedly being lined-up for the 2024 series. At the beginning of July, Harry appeared on Lorraine where he confessed he'd love to take part! Will we see him in the jungle?
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."