Filming for I’m A Celebrity has begun in the most unlikely of places – 2000 miles away from camp.
In a revamped version of the launch show, ITV bosses picked failed MP Nigel Farage, TV host Josie Gibson and influencer Nella Rose to head into the sizzling Australian outback surrounded by red desert. The three won’t know what hit them as they prepare to take on the very first challenge.
Nigel, and the other two stars, quickly discover they’re needed by the other contestants who are thousands of miles away back on the Gold Coast. Their very first mission needs them to win time for their campmates who are taking part in different challenges on the Gold Coast.
An ITV spokesman said: “The trio will face various challenges in the outback to help their campmates in their bid to win stars and ultimately food.” Other groups of people are expected to take part in other challenges today, including a revamped version of Walk The Plank, 100 metres up on top of the Focus Building in Surfers Paradise.
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ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
In the snaps, Nigel – who was reportedly offered £1.5m to take part in the show – looked like he had no idea what was about to hit him as he raised his arms in the air and smiled at the camera despite the unbearable heat of the desert. He wore his everyday clothes, which included a pink button-up shirt and beige trousers. Another photo had him posing with This Morning’s Josie and YouTube sensation Nella.
Josie and Nella had calmer exteriors as they posed with the former MP. Nella had her hand clasped on the other as she gave a smaller smile to the camera. Josie melted away in the heat as she wore a form-fitting denim jumpsuit. The three won’t be as optimistic once the challenges go underway.
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ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Although I’m A Celebrity is returning to our screens on Sunday, many fans are furious that ITV allowed former UKIP and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage to take part in the reality series. Campaign group Best for Britain has even urged the public to boycott the show, in a bid to remove the GB News presenter from the line-up.
Former I’m A Celeb contestant Danny Baker said: “Nigel Farage being put into the jungle by ITV shows how insensitive, crass, tone deaf, idiot provocative, morally bankrupt a network they are. No wonder their ads are in the toilet. Ant & Dec are going to have to play Nigel Farage’s toxicity as a feature in I’m A Celebrity – for laughs. Like it doesn’t exist outside their TV show or his menace is just pantomime. But it’s not. He’s a poisonous dangerous cunning individual.”
ITV have also received large numbers of replies on social media criticising the decision but said in a statement: “I’m A Celebrity has always featured a diverse cast from all areas of public life and has a history of featuring political figures throughout its 20 years on screen. As with any campmate, viewers are invited to form their own opinions when the show begins on Sunday.”
Once he landed at Brisbane Airport, Nigel told The Mirror and other members of the media he was in Australia for a “surfing” holiday. Speaking at the airport, he added: “I can’t confirm I am doing it but I might be. I just think there is a big young audience out there that watches the programme which is worth talking to. I have been messing about on TikTok for the last few months and you would be surprised, a lot of young people out there are interested in what I have got to say.”
Elsewhere around camp, snakes were spotted slithering around camp ready to give everyone a warm welcome. The I’m A Celebrity site in Murwillumbah in New South Wales has seen more snakes found in the lead-up to the start of the series than ever before, with 15 discovered in and around the camp since ITV arrived a few weeks ago
- I’m A Celebrity launches this Sunday at 9pm on ITV1 & ITVX
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