I'm A Celebrity 'in crisis as popular star drops out and others get cold feet'

I’m A Celebrity bosses are reportedly ‘in crisis’ after a ‘popular star’ pulled out of the show’s 2021 lineup after learning it will once again be held in Wales instead of Australia.

Other stars are said to be getting ‘cold feet’ as they fear ‘roughing it in wet Wales won’t be as fun as the jungle’.

It was revealed on Monday that show bosses had been forced to abort plans to film the next series in Australia following the country’s lockdown hell and return to Wales’ Gwrych Castle.

‘Crisis’: I’m A Celebrity bosses are reportedly ‘in crisis’ after a ‘popular star’ pulled out of the show’s 2021 lineup after learning it will once again be held in Wales instead of Australia

Wales: It was revealed on Monday that bosses had been forced to abort plans to film the next series in Australia following the country’s lockdown hell and return to Wales’ Gwrych Castle

A source told The Sun: ‘One popular star dropped out immediately. Bosses are still in talks with loads of top celebs about taking part and feel confident this won’t put people off given last year’s success.’

They added: ‘Luckily for bosses, the ones who have signed contracts are all still on board.’

Producers are hoping they have enough time to book major talent.

MailOnline has reached out to ITV representatives for comment. 

Back then: Last year’s series – won by Giovanna Fletcher (pictured) in the backdrop of the country’s Gwrych Castle – was a roaring success despite its move from the jungle amid restrictions in place from the coronavirus pandemic

Insiders revealed to MailOnline at the start of the week that the show has been thrown into chaos following the last minute change of plans, although there is no fear behind the scenes of the show’s success after the roaring triumph of last year’s Welsh series.

On the show, sources said: ‘It doesn’t mean the series will be below par as the last series was the second most popular in show series and that was in Wales. Bosses are working hard to get things ready for the launch following Australia’s status change.’

Last year’s series – won by Giovanna Fletcher in the backdrop of the country’s Gwrych Castle – was a success despite its move from the jungle amid restrictions in place from the coronavirus pandemic.

The last series was the second most popular series since IAC started. The launch episode got 14.3 million viewers consolidated.

Decision: The ITV series filmed in Gwrych Castle last year after the Covid-19 pandemic made it impossible for the show to travel safely to Australia

Australia has tightened the screw on its strict Covid lockdowns – ordering millions in Queensland to stay at home until at least the end of the week as the country struggles to control outbreaks of the highly-infectious Delta variant.

The change in status has led to the overhaul in bosses’ plans.

Katie Rawcliffe, ITV Head of Entertainment Commissioning, 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!…

‘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.’

Richard Cowles, Director of Unscripted at Lifted Entertainment 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.’

Dr Mark Baker, Chair of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust said ‘I’m absolutely delighted that I’m A Celebrity has chosen Gwrych Castle to be its UK location for the 2021 series.’

Cost: The source added that if the show does remain in Wales for another series, ITV will have to fork out more cash than they would for Australia