Fresh I’m A Celeb row as crew ‘think Nigel Farage is getting too much airtime’

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has reportedly collapsed into chaos behind-the-scenes over fears from crew that Nigel Farage is ‘getting too much airtime’.

The former UKIP leader admitted wanting to be on screen as much as possible, telling Grace Dent he wanted to do more Bushtucker Trials to secure 25 percent of viewership on the ITV show. He also stunned viewers when stripping off for a naked shower in scenes which aired on Monday, much to the surprise of campmate Josie Gibson.

Now insiders claim producers are panicking that Farage is getting ‘too much screen time’ as he opened up about wanting more minutes on camera. A source explained: “The jungle shower is always a big scene but I don’t think anyone expected Farage to be first out the gate, nor to do so with such aplomb.”

“The crew are feeling torn. They’re all professionals and everyone can recognise Farage makes great telly but, of course, many harbour their own opinions on Brexit and immigration,” they told The Sun. “And on a wider level it’s left bosses with somewhat of a dilemma — embrace Farage as the star of the show or stay conscious of the outcry over his casting and limit his airtime.”

It was on Tuesday that Farage admitted he was shocked not to be picked for the second trial. Nella Rose was chosen by the public and Farage was shown in camp saying: “I was ready to do the trial. And so the fact that it didn’t come came as a bit of a shock to me in an odd sort of way. Like this is a bit funny.”

He then told food critic Grace Dent: “Y’see if you do the challenges it is 25 percent of the airtime. I’m looking to reach a new audience, sorry to be cynical.” Grace said: “I am absolutely good just being a little ray of sparkle in the back of this television show.”

Ant and Dec also took the time to mock Farage and his GB News show while hosting the programme. Dec said: “After some of our comments over the last few days GB News have been in touch and they have asked us to make clear that Keith and Linda are not their only viewers. We’re happy to clear that up. And of course they are absolutely right.”

Ant added: “Absolutely right. Sometimes the dog wanders in.” It comes after I’m A Celebrity bosses as said to be facing a crisis as viewers boycott the show over Farage’s participation. The ITV reality series premiered on Sunday evening to an audience of seven million, a fall of two million from its opening show last year.

Reports also suggest a team around Farage hope to spark an upset and crown him King of the Jungle using a secret voting plan. Farage managed to win the News Presenter Of The Year gong at the TRIC awards in June, beating Susanna Reid, Eamonn Holmes and Piers Morgan – but was faced with huge boos and heckles from the crowd. He did so after he posted a large number of social media messages and was allowed to ask for votes on GB News regularly.

It is thought he could be trying similar tactics Down Under as a TV source told The Mirror: “Farage’s team are very clever when it comes to these types of things, they can really galvanize his support. The people that do support Farage and his ideas are very passionate and some are very rich. It would be no surprise to see him do well, especially after what happened at the Tric Awards, even he doesn’t believe he is the best news presenter on TV.”

An ITV show spokesperson said “Voting on I’m A Celebrity is rigorously monitored and the results announced are as voted for by viewers via the app and phone. ITV voting is audited as required by the Phone Services Authority.”

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