​I'm A Celebrity Could Be Filmed In The UK Due To Coronavirus

A new report from Variety claims two popular ITV shows may be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, as there may be difficulties with filming abroad which would force the shows to film in the UK.

Variety said ITV bosses are considering 'a number of contingency plans' for I'm A Celebrity and Love Island - which are usually shot in Australia and Majorca, respectively.

The format for each show involves a batch of several contestants joining and exiting throughout the series, which could prove problematic if travel restrictions remain in place as the year progresses.

ITV

Variety said: "It's believed the 2020 summer edition [of Love Island] could shoot somewhere in the UK rather than go overseas, with a similar scenario being considered for ITV reality hit I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! which shoots in Australia."

The entertainment outlet also claimed ITV bosses are 'eyeing a late summer transmission' for this year's Love Island - which usually begins production in May, ready for the summer season - saying: "Variety can reveal an August to September broadcast is on the cards for the program, as prospects for Love Island's traditional June-July outing seem virtually impossible given the production lockdown driven by the global pandemic."

ITV

Variety added: "ITV brass, however, are keen to ensure the show goes ahead despite the circumstances and it's understood casting is actively underway."

One senior entertainment executive speculated the fate of this year's edition could ultimately lie 'in the hands of insurance companies,' telling the website: "At what point can you ask people who have never met to couple up and get into bed together without having a vaccine or proof you have immunity [from coronavirus]?

"There are going to be myriad, complex conversations going on. It's all down to whether you get insurance. Can you insure the show, and will insurance firms say, 'We need to see that everyone is vaccinated or immunised beforehand'."

However, it's worth remembering that the broadcaster has not confirmed any of these changes, which remain entirely speculative at this stage.

LADbible has contacted ITV for comment and when we do hear of any official developments, we'll keep you posted.

Topics: I'm a celebrity, Entertainment, TV and Film, Coronavirus, Love Island, ITV

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman