'I'm A Celebrity' heading back to Wales for 2021 series
I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! is returning to Wales for a second year running at Gwrych Castle, ITV has confirmed.
The long-running contest had spent every one of its 19 seasons in the Australian jungle until last year, when coronavirus travel restrictions forced camp to relocate to Abergele in North Wales for the 20th series.
Whether the production would be allowed to travel internationally again in 2021 had been hanging in the balance, but now it has been confirmed that this year's celebrity cast will be returning to the Welsh castle again, along with hosts Ant and Dec.
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ITV head of entertainment commissioning Katie Rawcliffe said: “We can confirm today that we’ll be returning to Wales for the 2021 series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!.
Watch: Giovanna Fletcher crowned I'm A Celeb winner
"We’ve always said we have contingencies in place for the series if the COVID situation continued to bring uncertainty, and after a highly successful run at the castle last year we’re pleased that we can return there. I have no doubt the production team will produce another hugely entertaining series.”
With Australia still imposing tough travel restrictions and the UK foreign travel situation changing regularly, the decision was taken that it was safest to stay local this year.
Director of unscripted at production company Lifted Entertainment Richard Cowles said: “With the continued uncertainty around COVID and international travel we have taken the decision not to return to our home in Australia for the 2021 series.
"We’re excited to return to Gwrych Castle. The last series was a huge success and we were made to feel so welcome by everyone locally and can’t wait to see everyone again.”
The 2020 series, the first to take place outside of the Australian jungle, was won by author and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher.
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Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby recently had a wasted journey to Australia when she flew across the world and spent two weeks in hotel quarantine, only to be packed straight back onto a return flight home when travel restrictions changed during her isolation.
The reality star had previously taken part in Australia's version of I'm A Celebrity and had been invited back for work relating to the show.
Watch: Shaun Ryder reveals how he felt about 'living with a load of luvvies' in the jungle
