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:
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 has since hinted she could return for the 2023 series, admitting she's had chats with bosses during an appearance on Loose Women.
Nick Pickard
Rumours are rife that Hollyoaks legend Nick Pickard is in talks for the 2023 series. Nick, who plays the role of Tony Hutchinson, would be a huge signing for bosses.
Josie Gibson
Former Big Brother winner Josie Gibson has been on our TV screens a lot over the last six months, landing a more permanent role on ITV Daytime Show This Morning. Due to her increased popularity, I'm A Celeb bosses are reportedly super keen to get her in the jungle.
Liz Truss
After just 44 days in office in 2022, Liz Truss resigned as Prime Minister following a chaotic reign in Downing Street, but now it sounds like she could be heading over to Australia.
According to OLBG, Liz is currently sitting at 25/1 to appear on the show, with a source saying: "Liz Truss is a new entrant in the betting market to appear on this year's I'm A Celebrity with Matt Hancock's appearance on the show possibly giving inspiration to other Politicians!"
Alex Beresford
Good Morning Britain weather reporter Alex Beresford has 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.
Phillip Schofield
After leaving his presenting role on This Morning earlier this year, rumours are rife Phillip Schofield could take part in this year's series.
Nigel Farage
Former politician Nigel Farage has admitted he's been asked to appear on the show a number of time over the years, but at the beginning of November, he did admit he's not yet signed the contract! There's still time though!
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.
Richard Madeley
Although Richard Madeley took part in the 2021 series of I'm A Celeb, after the broadcaster was forced to quit following a sudden illness, many thought he would be back for the 2022 series.
However, after he failed to appear, many are wondering if he will feature in 2023.
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 will 2023 be her year?
Sam Aston
Coronation Street legend Sam Aston hinted he'd love to take part in the show in 2021.
Speaking to OK! Magazine at the time, he said: "I've always said no to all of those shows, but then recently for some reason I've been more open to the idea. Jennie McAlpine and Andy Whyment did the jungle and both of them said it's the experience of a lifetime.
"If I was offered it I would be open to the idea and open to the extra pennies!"
Danny Cipriani
According to reports, bosses are keen to sign former Rugby player Danny Cipriani for the 2023 series. A source told the publication: "Danny is one of the most exciting signings for this series... There is also huge anticipation that he will reveal secrets from his showbiz lifestyle... but he has a sense of humour too which will ensure he is both popular amongst his camp mates but also with those watching at home."
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. As he's not yet entered the jungle, could 2023 be his year?
Alan Halsall
Coronation Street star Alan Halsall has been in the rumour mill for a number of years now, but so far, he's not appeared on the show! However, it sounds like 2023 could be his year, with reports suggesting he's 'in talks' to join.
Will Mellor
Following his stint on Strictly Come Dancing last year, 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 2023 be his year?
Boris Johnson
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had reportedly 'held talks' with bosses to appear on the show after Matt Hancock's appearance, but it looks like he's turned them down!
Marvin Humes
JLS star Marvin Humes is rumoured to be heading to the jungle and joining the I'm A Celeb line-up. Marvin has not taken part in the show before, so could 2023 be his year?
Jamie Lynn Spears
According to The Mirror, American actress Jamie Lynn Spears is rumoured for the show, with bosses hoping Britney Spears' younger sister will spill the beans on their damaged relationship.
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."