I’m a Celebrity returning to Gwrych Castle

I’m a Celebrity will be return to Gwrych Castle, Wales for a second year in a row, it has been been reported.

ITV bosses have taken the decision following concerns that an Australian show would prove “too tricky” as a result Australian coronavirus travel restrictions.

Mark Baker, chairman of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, confirmed the news on Facebook, saying: “Returning to a castle near you”.

The message was above the a picture of the programme’s distinctive graphics and an image of the castle.

Last year’s series – won by Giovanna Fletcher – was a roaring success despite its move from the jungle amid restrictions in place from the coronavirus pandemic.

It was the second most popular series since I’m a Celebrity started, with the launch episode attracting 14.3 million viewers.

‘Too difficult’ 

One source told the Mirror: “The logistics involved in trying to get the entire production team plus celebrities and presenters and all the families to the other side of the world amid the ongoing Covid travel restrictions has just proved too difficult this year.

“The show will be in Wales again and it will be brilliant, just like last year. There is a lot of humour involved in making I’m a Celebrity from a spooky castle at a dark, damp time of year on the Welsh coast. It will be a hoot.”

It’s being reported the five-star Golden Sands Holiday Park in Rhyl has been reserved for the iconic programme to use again if needed.

It comes after reports the show’s location remained up in the air after Australia warned international borders will remain closed indefinitely.

Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has said reopening the borders too soon would expose the country to another and more ruthless outbreak of Covid – with Finance Minister Simon Birmingham pushing the date to 2022.

Due to current regulations, travel to Australia is only permitted if travellers are ‘exempt’ or have been ‘granted an individual exemption’.

According to The Mirror, ‘talks are thought to be ongoing at ITV’ while Gwrych Castle is said to ‘have an agreement’ to host I’m A Celebrity again this year.
Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly recently said that plans to return to Australia for I’m A Celebrity this year are ‘still up in the air’.