I'm A Celeb 'blew £500,000 on axed plans for ex-winners to return for 2020 series'
A string of high profile former I'm A Celeb stars and winners were reportedly lined up - and already social isolating - to feature in the current series before ITV abruptly changed plans
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ITV is said to have squandered half a million pounds on celebrities to make guest appearances on I’m A Celeb – only for plans to be shelved at the last minute.
Ten former I’m A Celeb contestants including Carol Vorderman, Vicky Pattison, Joey Essex and Joe Swash were reportedly paid £50,000 each to isolate in accommodation near Gwrych Castle, North Wales, where the current season is filming.
The celebs – who also included Phil Tufnell and Charlie Brooks – were placed in accommodation for two weeks in order to take part in tasks, trials, and potential overnight stays in the Covid-secure I’m A Celeb Welsh camp according to The Sun.
The stars were reportedly allowed to shack up with partners, and had all their meals paid for as they prepared to return to the show – having previously starred in seasons that filmed in Australia in the past.
However, at the last minute, ITV is said to have pulled the plug on plans – meaning the celebrities may have isolated for nothing but would have pocketed £50,000 each for their efforts.
The Sun on Sunday made the claims and also says the stars would have earned even more money after snagging “a separately negotiated appearance fee on top”.
A source told the publication: “The celebs weren’t given much information, but the £50,000 price tag was obviously very attractive at a time when there isn’t much TV work due to Covid.
“They were treated like kings and queens in luxury accommodation, with their every need looked after.”
I’m A Celeb normally films in Australia – but relocated to Wales for the 2020 season after the ongoing coronavirus pandemic made filming Down Under an impossibility.
Back in September, speculation was rife that former contestants would return to the show as guests, as filming in the UK would make such involvement more easy to coordinate.
A source said at the time: "The trials team are getting creative.
"They’re using the fact they’re in the UK to their advantage and plan to draft in familiar faces to pop up in trials. There’s set to be a few video link surprises as well."
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