All the things you didn't know about I’m A Celeb

I’m A Celeb has been a staple in our year for such a long time now, we almost can’t imagine life without it! The hugely popular show, that is focused on a group of celebrities trying to fight it out in horrid conditions to be crowned King or Queen of the jungle, has been keeping us all entertained at the end of 2023.

Hosted by duo Ant and Dec, I’m A Celeb comes at the perfect time of year, just as the cold dark nights draw in and we countdown to Christmas. But all good things must come to an end, with the 2023 final taking place on Sunday 10th December, with Sam Thompson being crowned the winner.

Here are some secrets about the show that you never knew as we await the 2024 series. From dangerous animal encounters to the reason why campmates have to wear red socks…

1) The show has been on screens for 21 years

The programme's first series debuted on 25th August 2002, with Ant & Dec at the helm. It was only in 2018, when Ant McPartlin suspended his TV appearances for a year that Dec was joined by someone else, fellow TV presenter Holly Willoughby.

2) All celebrities have to undergo tests before the show

According to former campmate Katie Price, celebs have to face a psychological test that includes questions about "your past, your anxieties, and your likes and dislikes”.

Celebrities are also told to be completely honest about their medical history, in order to complete the trials safely.

They also get sent an introduction pack that tells them all about what they’re getting themselves into.

3) The highest paid celebrity campmate of all time was Noel Edmonds in 2018

The former Deal or No Deal host pocketed a whopping £600,000 for signing up but bosses didn’t get their money’s worth as he was the first to be voted out!

However, if reports are true, Noel has been topped this year, as rumours are rife that Nigel Farage is being paid a huge £1.5 million to appear.

4) Apparently, contestants have to stay in the jungle 72 hours to pocket their money

In 2014, TOWIE’s Gemma Collins famously quit the show after just three days and still bagged her pay check.

Luckily, both Grace Dent and Jamie Lynn Spears both last more than 72 hours before quitting the 2023 series.

5) Campmates can smoke in camp

However, unlike earlier seasons where we often saw celebs puffing away around a campfire, it’s not aired on screen anymore. In the current show, celebrities are allowed to smoke “some cigarettes and vapes” and have a specific area off-camera to go to.

6) Celebs aren’t allowed to pack hardly ANYTHING

The packing rules are strict, with campmates only allowed to bring three sets of underwear and three sets of swimwear for their entire stay. This is why we often see them all doing their laundry – because they simply they have no choice!

7) Even luxury items have strict rules

Nowadays, celebs normally have to WIN their luxury item from home and not walk straight in with it like older series. There’s also rules about what they can have; including no food, no phones and no books.

8) Deodorant was banned in series one

However, the rule soon got scrapped after crew complained about how bad the campmates smelt.

9) Animals are very much a threat

When the show is based in Australia, dangerous animals are very much an issue. Despite TV staff scouting the area of the main camp to remove animals and insects before campmates settle down in their new home - they definitely don't stay away.

In 2019, eight deadly funnel web spiders were found just metres from where the celebrities sleep.

10) There's a reason why campmates wear red socks

Medic Bob revealed that it is so blood from insect bites doesn't show up on camera.

11) The hunger is very much real

Despite many rumours that the celeb campmates get food 'behind the scenes', food is very much controlled by how many stars the celebs win in the trials. There are electrolyte drinks and glucose on hand to give contestants an energy-boost if levels are low.

12) The celebs are completely 'detached from reality'

They have no clocks and have no idea of the time. Ant and Dec even cover up their watches every single time they enter camp and on trials to keep the campmates guessing. Speaking to OK! Magazine, former campmate Jake Quickenden said: "You have no idea what the time is, but you get a call through the speakers when Ant and Dec are on their way."

13) The show owns a bug-breeding factory

Yep, surely you don't believe they find all the bugs in the wild? Thousands of creepy crawlies are needed for the three weeks that the show is on the air. In 2013, a bug breeder managed to produce 400 spiders, 2.5 million mealworms, 153,000 crickets, and 250,000 cockroaches.

14) 23 celebs have won I'm A Celeb in the past

23 celebs have won the main show, with Myleene Klass winning the first ever 'All-Stars' series in 2023, dubbed I'm A Celeb: South Africa.

15) Toiletries are limited

2014 runner-up Jake explained that he didn't have many toiletries when he was in the jungle. He said: "You get one soap, one shampoo sachet and one deodorant that don't smell of anything, plus a toothbrush and toothpaste that doesn't taste of anything. I never ran out because I never washed!"

16) The celebrities go into lockdown before the show

According to Jake, the celebrities enter a two-week lockdown before entering the jungle. He said: "I was in a hotel room for two weeks and had a chaperone next door. I wasn't allowed to speak to anyone. It was very regimented, a bit like the SAS. I watched films, called room service and chilled out."

Now read:

I'm A Celeb 2023: Everything you need to know

I'm A Celeb 2023: Full line-up confirmed

Every winner of I'm A Celeb through the years

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