I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! is moving to the UK for its upcoming series, ITV has confirmed.
The 20th series of the reality show will relocate from the Australian jungle to a ruined castle in the British countryside, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And while the setting will be markedly different to previous series, ITV has said that celebrities will still be undertaking “gruelling trials and fun-filled challenges to win food and treats”, with one of them crowned King or Queen of the Castle.
The show will be hosted by usual presenters Ant and Dec, who will broadcast live every night from the castle, the exact location of which is yet to be announced.
Richard Cowles, director of entertainment at ITV Studios said that the team had “pulled out all the stops to try and make the series happen in Australia”, but the pandemic meant it “just wasn’t possible for us to travel and make the show there”.
He added: “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”.
ITV’s director of television Kevin Lygo also 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”.
Among those rumoured to be taking part in the new series include TV presenter Vernon Kay, Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne, former Strictly professional AJ Pritchard, ex-EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite and former footballer John Barnes.
ITV has said more information about the new series will be released in due course.