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I'm A Celebrity Investigated By Police Over Fears 'Non-Native' Species May Be Escaping

I'm A Celebrity Investigated By Police Over Fears 'Non-Native' Species May Be Escaping

Iolo Williams has spoken out about the issue

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

I'm a Celebrity is being investigated by the police over claims 'non-native' species may be being released into the Welsh countryside.

The ITV show, which is usually filmed in the jungle in Australia, is being looked into by authorities after TV presenter Iolo Williams described cockroaches being poured onto contestants for entertainment as 'madness'.

Williams said: "I'm not sure which species they're releasing, but I can tell you they're not native.

"We don't have those cockroaches here in the UK, and we certainly don't have them in north Wales."

ITV

As reported by The Guardian, Springwatch presenter Williams said: "Cockroaches are the ultimate survivors, and if they survive in north Wales and escape into the wild there, what effect are they going to have?

"I don't know, nobody knows... I just find it incredible that they're allowed to do this, and I'm not being a killjoy here.

"Why not use fish guts, or offal?"

He expressed concern that although the challenge takes place in a container, it's probable that the insects would make their way into the ecosystem.

ITV

He added: "There are going to be cockroaches in every nook and cranny along their bodies, you're going to tell me that every single one of those is found immediately? Of course it's not."

An ITV spokesperson told LADbible: "All of the insects used on I'm a Celebrity are non-invasive species.

"They are only ever released in a contained area and collected immediately after filming.

"The bugs are UK bred and are commercially purchased in the UK for birds and exotic animal feed for pets and zoo keepers in normal circumstances.

"Our insects have been donated to local wildlife sanctuaries, trusts and zoos for their exotic animal and bird feed after filming."

A North Wales Police spokesman said: "The matter is being investigated by officers from our rural crime team."

It's also been confirmed that Natural Resources Wales - the organisation that gives out licences for the release of animals - didn't get an application from ITV to release the species.

If they were released without a license, it would be a breach of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

A Natural Resources Wales spokesperson told LADbible: "The matter is now being investigated by North Wales Police. We are in regular contact with North Wales Police's Rural Crime Team and will provide advice and assistance to the team as the investigation progresses."

ITV

Bushtucker Trials on the show have caused more controversy lately, with some viewers suspecting that contestants had a practice run before doing the real thing.

An ITV spokesperson told The Sun: "Contestants are told the instructions of a Trial and ­producers ensure that they understand what is required of them in line with our health and safety procedures.

"Any suggestion of run-throughs or practising is incorrect."

Featured Image Credit: ITV