I’m a Celebrity to be filmed in Welsh castle due to Australian Covid-19 restrictions

There are plans to shoot the latest series of I’m a Celebrity in a castle in the north of Wales due to Covid-19 restrictions.

In a statement on Friday ITV confirmed that this year’s series would be filmed at “a ruined castle” in the countryside. Sources have told the press that the chosen location is near Ewloe in Wales.

The series has been filmed in a jungle in Murwillumbah, Queensland since 2003.

The change of location comes after Queensland closed its border with the state of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory to halt the spread of coronavirus from south-eastern states.

The winner will be crowned King of Queen of the Castle rather than the jungle and contestants will involve eating sheep rather than kangaroo testicles.

Host Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will remain at the helm, appearing live from the castle every evening for the series, which usually begins in November.

‘Tough decision’

A show source said: “It’s been a dynamic and fast-changing situation. What is OK one day is impossible the next. The team have had many, many different contingency plans in play to deal with all the various possibilities that Covid-19 has presented.

“However as time went on it became increasingly obvious that as one problem is solved, another appeared and there came a point where producers had to make tough decisions.”

Speaking on Friday after the show’s move to the UK was confirmed Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Director of Television said: “We announced last week that we were doing all we could to make the series and I’m thrilled that we can bring the show to viewers albeit not in the jungle.”

“We have a great team both on and off screen and I know they will produce a hugely entertaining series.”

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.”