I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! bosses have decided to change the no friends and family rule.
The reality show is usually filmed in the Australian jungle but this year has been forced to relocate to Gwrych castle in Wales due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ahead of the new location reveal it was reported that the show was set to stop the celeb line-up’s nearest and dearest from joining them down under – in a bid to cut costs following ITV taking a huge hit in advertising revenue amid the global crisis.
In the past, I’m A Celeb has splashed roughly £100,000 on business class seats for contestants to have friendly faces to meet them at the end of the show.
The trip would also include a seven-night stays at Palazzo Versace hotel on Australia’s Golden Coast.
But now, a source has revealed that as the upcoming 2020 series is going to be filmed in the UK – at a fraction of the price – that series bosses have lifted the companion ban.
The insider told The Sun : “With the show moving to Wales, the ban no longer made sense. Not only is it cheaper to get friends and family there, but they won’t have to quarantine or comply with Australia’s strict coronavirus restrictions.”
It is no surprise that the bosses have made the U-turn decision as a standard return train ticket from London to the new location Llandudno off peak costs just £90.
A budget flight to Australia previously set back the production company £1,500 per person.
The 20th season of IAC – fronted by TV favourites Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly – will see the campmates heading to the usual jungle location of Murwillumbah, New South Wales, reports claim.
It is believed that this year’s camp will be set in the grounds of 200-year-old Gwrych Castle.
The castle is rumoured to be haunted, which could put the frighteners up those in camp, as the ITV show is filmed in the UK for the first time.