I’m A Celebrity bosses have reportedly promised to make a huge change to the future of the show, after facing intense backlash over the inclusion of some campmates.
The likes of Jamie Lynn Spears, Sam Thompson, Boy George and Lioness Jill Scott have taken part in Ant and Dec’s bushtucker trials in recent seasons.
But so have Matt Hancock and Nigel Farage, who was reportedly the highest-paid campmate ever, which viewers weren’t too happy about.
Politicians causing a stir in the jungle is nothing new, with Edwina Currie and Stanley Johnson also having starred on the reality programme.
But that’s all about to change, as bosses are now reportedly planning a ‘politicians ban’.
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A source said: ‘In the past it’s been really interesting to see which politicians are willing to join the show, with some even serving MPs.
‘But this year, with an election looming, it doesn’t feel like the right moment for that.’
The insider added to The Mirror: ‘Coming on top of Farage not helping to pull in the punters last year, and Ant and Dec making it clear they want a change, this year it’s a case of avoid, avoid, avoid.
‘It’s time for something different so it’s fair to say no one is seeking any controversial figures from the world of politics at this stage.’
While Hancock finished in third and Farage followed in his footsteps in the same position, Ant and Dec were among those calling for ‘a year without any politicians’.
This came after fans threatened to boycott the programme with comedian Katherine Ryan echoing their sentiment.
She previously told Metro.co.uk: ‘I vehemently am against glorifying people like Matt Hancock and Nigel Farage and reducing them to light entertainment fodder when I think that they’re very dangerous people who have directly hurt lots of families.
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‘I don’t think that’s a joke, for me, so I wouldn’t be watching. I didn’t watch last year. I take politics quite seriously.’
Lorraine Kelly and Kathy Burke were other stars who promised to boycott the series over their outrage at politicians taking part in the entertainment programme.
Nonetheless, Metro.co.uk understands that I’m A Celebrity was the most watched Entertainment show on any channel last year with 10.7million average viewers, however, it’s still early days to speculate who may be entering the jungle for the 2024 series.
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I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! returns to ITV later this year.
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