I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! bosses have told that they are keen for the series to return to Australia this year.
But that has not stopped the channel from preparing for a ‘plan b’ – in case there are any issues with travel as the globe continues to battle Covid-19.
Last year, the reality show – that was famed for taking place in the jungle Down Under – was forced to relocate to Wales amid the pandemic.
The show, hosted by Ant and Dec, moved to Gwrych Castle due to travel restrictions and continued to pull in huge ratings with up to 12 million people regularly tuning in to watch.
ITV’s chief executive Carolyn McCall shared the plans for the series to return to Oz but also told how a “good plan” has been put in place in case things fall through.
(Image: ITV)
She told as ITV published its group annual results: “If we can go back to Australia – and this show is meant to be in Australia – then that’s what we’ll do.”
Hinting that they cannot 100 per cent confirm that the much-loved series will take place on the other side of the world, the exec added: “We have a very good plan if not, as we have already done it once (in the castle).”
(Image: Getty Images)
He said: “If during coronavirus we have to stay put and do it in Wales again, I’d be very happy.”
Ant added that he and co-host Declan Donnelly were “welcomed” in Wales, adding: “There were cardboard cutouts of me and Dec in the butcher’s, and the local school did a tribute.
“We’d happily go back there. We’d miss the sunshine, mind.”
Dec added: “The people in Wales were lovely. They made us feel very welcome.
“I had a lovely time. I will miss the sunshine, but I will not miss the jetlag of coming back from Australia.
“I’d love to go back to Oz. But if we had to go back to Wales, I wouldn’t be disappointed.”
(Image: ITV)
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It comes after I’m A Celebs Executive Producer Richard Cowles told in December: “Australia has been I’m A Celebrity’s natural home and the Welsh version was born out of necessity rather than choice, but we’ve learned a lot and so maybe there is a UK incarnation of the show.
“We will look at what being in Wales means for the format going forward. Is it something we would want to do again, or do we want to return to Australia?”
Speaking to TV industry magazine Broadcast, he added: “It has been a different [type of show] because the environment is different, but it is absolutely as good as ever in terms of what audiences see on screen.”
(Image: Kieron McCarron/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
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Cowles also revealed that the new version had interested other TV channels around the world as it was cheaper to make. It means there may be new versions of the show filmed in the coming year.
He said: “Making the show in Australia is beyond the finances of some broadcasters so the idea of being able to make it in a castle in Europe has proved to be quite an interesting prospect for some.”
The show celebrated its 20th series this year – which saw Giovanna Fletcher win.
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Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/im-celeb-bosses-back-up-23647745