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I’m a Celebrity swaps Aussie jungle for British castle, as Covid-19 proves too hard to overcome

I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here 2020 UK new series - ITV
I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here 2020 UK new series - ITV

We’ve thrilled at the sight of celebrities battling with creepy crawlies, unmentionable animal parts, and the worst that an Australian jungle can throw at them.

But now they – and the viewers – need to brace themselves for a challenge of a rather different kind.

The forthcoming series of I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! is to be filmed in Britain rather than Australia, and will be broadcast live every night from a ruined castle in the midst of the countryside, it was revealed today.

The switch from Down Under is due to the difficulty of filming the series amid the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, ITV broadcaster said.

As a result, the celebrities will undertake “gruelling trials and challenges” to win food and treats in the lead-up to one of them being crowned king or queen of the castle, rather than the jungle.

Thistle soup anyone? Or fricassee of rabbit’s ears? Pigeon pie is always a possibility.

ITV recently confirmed that the 2020 series would go ahead despite the coronavirus crisis, but had not, until now, revealed any details on where filming would take place.

Kevin Lygo, ITV's director of television, said: "We announced last week that we were doing all we could to make the series and I'm thrilled that we can bring the show to viewers, albeit not in the jungle.

"We've a great team both on and off screen and I know they will produce a hugely entertaining series."

On Friday night, it was reported contestants would be swapping the Australian ­rainforest for the wilds of Wales, an environment with its own set of natural challenges. The 20th series of the show will be filmed at a ruined castle, according to The Sun, meaning the celebrities will have to contend with November temperatures of around 8C.

Ant and Dec will host the proceedings as usual, confirmed ITV, and are no doubt preparing themselves for weeks of filming in one of the wilder corners of Britain.

Speculation is now rife as to which British castle will play host to the celebrities’ efforts.

Incidentally, they will will no longer be called ‘Bushtucker Challenges’ but given a more fitting name to reflect the show’s new surroundings.

Richard Cowles, director of entertainment at ITV Studios, said: "We pulled out all the stops to try and make the series happen in Australia.

"Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and despite us looking at many different contingencies, it became apparent that it just wasn't possible for us to travel and make the show there.

"However, we are all really excited about a UK version of I'm A Celebrity. While it will certainly be different producing the show from the UK, the tone and feel will remain.

"Our celebrities will probably have to swap shorts for thermals but they can still look forward to a basic diet of rice and beans and plenty of thrills and surprises along the way."

Will you still watch I’m a Celebrity if it's filmed in Britain? Let us know in the comments section below.