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I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Bosses Secure Gwrych Castle For 2021

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Bosses Secure Gwrych Castle For 2021

The reality show will likely be returning to our screens for another series in the UK

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! bosses have secured Gwrych Castle for 2021.

With the global pandemic still dominating our lives, it's looking unlikely that the series will be able to return down under this year.

So according to reports, producers have managed to secure the historic site for filming in September.

Speaking to The Sun, a series 'insider' said an agreement has been met with the custodians of the castle.

They told the publication: "Ultimately they are at the mercy of Covid-19 restrictions.

"Formally an agreement is in place for the use of Gwrych Castle this year.

"Should the show need to be held there again it has all got the green light."

Last year's series was ahuge success.
ITV

They added: "A huge amount of work went into readying the building so the basics are all laid down and ready to go.

"The castle format ended up being a huge success for ITV and having a second series in Wales wouldn't be a negative for them.

"But going back to Australia is what everyone wants and that is what everyone is working towards and hoping for."

But while the pandemic and travel restrictions that have been put in place by Australia may be the main factor in the decision, producers had previously hinted at the prospect of staying in the UK.

Recently Executive Producer Richard Cowles said said it was a great year for the series despite the difficulties.

Discussing its future, he said: "Australia has been I'm A Celebrity's natural home and the Welsh version was born out of necessity rather than choice, but we've learned a lot and so maybe there is a UK incarnation of the show.

"We will look at what being in Wales means for the format going forward. Is it something we would want to do again, or do we want to return to Australia?"

This year's series could return to Wales.
ITV

In another interview with the TV industry magazine Broadcast Now, he added: "It has been a different [type of show] because the environment is different, but it is absolutely as good as ever in terms of what audiences see on screen."

In a poll, the Radio Times asked 2,000 viewers which they liked more, with 64 percent saying they thought I'm A Celeb was better in the castle, compared to 36 percent who opted for the jungle.

Cowles also said it had been such a hit, adding that low costs had helped the format to interest other TV companies.

He explained: "Making the show in Australia is beyond the finances of some broadcasters so the idea of being able to make it in a castle in Europe has proved to be quite an interesting prospect for some."

Last year's series saw the likes of Olympic legend Mo Farah, Coronation Street actress Beverley Callard, and dancer AJ Pritchard vying to become the king or queen of the castle.

Presenter Vernon Kay, Shane Richie, ex-EastEnders actor Jessica Plummer, and Paralympic gold medalist Hollie Arnold were also in the running.

However, Giovanna Fletcher beat them all to be crowned the winner.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, UK News, Entertainment, I'm A Celebrity... , Pandemic, Coronavirus, UK Entertainment, Australia, Covid-19