Whilst a lot of people may be on the countdown to Christmas, one of ITV’s most popular shows has made its long awaited return to our screens, and the controversy has already arrived…
I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here has entered its 19th year, and is always fit to burst with controversial elements, whether that be due to the various challenges they face, the people who enter the jungle, or even the presenters themselves.
Before the show even started this year, British wildlife expect Chris Packham, best known for his role on Autumnwatch and Springwatch, made his feelings about the show clear in a post on social media.
Packham said the purpose of his post was to call upon the “consciences” of presenters Ant and Dec, and to “reconsider the validity of your bush-tucker trials”.
The conservationist claimed that the show was mistreating animals and promoted the idea of “demonising rodents and reptiles by re-enforcing stereotypes”.
However, the animal lover will be pleased to hear that ITV bosses have banned the use of live animals and critters in the eating trials, but celebrities may still have to eat dead ones instead.
This however has not affected the inclusion of animals and bugs in non-eating based trials.
Aside from the alleged misuse of animals and wildlife in the show, celebrity contestant Caitlyn Jenner, 70, has been the main source of controversial opinions over the first few days in the jungle.
After being selected to take part in the first ‘bush-tucker’ trial in order to win food for the camp, she declared that she was only voted for the trial because she was American.
“That’s right, send in the American to feed the Brits”, she stated after being told by Ant and Dec that she had been voted in by the public.
She continued jokingly: “We’ve been bailing you guys out for years”.
Ant and Dec tried to brush the comment off by continuing with their segment, but the comment did not go unnoticed by viewers, who took to social media to express their annoyance.
Regardless of any controversy, it’s bound to be another impactful three weeks in the jungle for all those watching, and for those taking part.
By Faith Pring
Feature image credit: ITV