I’m A Celebrity bosses are forcing stars to wash and use hand gel in a bid to keep the show Covid-19 free

I’M A Celebrity stars will have to shower more often — to help stave off a coronavirus outbreak in camp.

Producers are determined to avoid a crisis like Strictly Come Dancing’s, which has seen Nicola Adams and partner Katya Jones pull out because of the virus.

🏰 Follow our I'm A Celebrity 2020 live blog for all the latest updates

Castle campmates including Shane Richie, Sir Mo Farah and AJ Pritchard have been reminded of the importance of “good hygiene”.

A source said: “Regular washing is the way to keep the bug at bay, as the government has reiterated from the word go.

“ITV have worked so hard to get to this point, so the last thing they want is something to derail that.

“If one of them was to pick up Covid it could easily tear through camp and put the whole show at risk.”

In previous years — when the show was filmed in Murwillumbah, Australia, rather than Gwrych Castle, North Wales — some celebs managed to go days on end without a wash.

But this year’s line-up have been told to lather up more often.

They are also regularly sanitising their hands and, where possible, following government guidelines with the show’s crew.

Hosts Ant and Dec are also making sure they are socially-distanced at all times when in the camp or introducing trials.

Though each of the 12 campmates isolated for two weeks before they entered, there is still a risk that one of the crew could bring them into contact with the virus — perhaps through a prop.

Everyone who works on the show is getting two tests a week, and the entire site in Abergele is being regularly deep-cleaned.

Some viewers have even pointed out that the castle and its inhabitants looked “too clean”.

The source added: “Producers have reminded contestants to maintain a good level of hygiene, which means regular handwashing and showers where possible.

“It’s not something they are taking lightly.”

Instead of the iconic jungle waterfall they have a bathtub and a shower curtain.

Creative director Tom Gould told The Sun: “You have got a bit more privacy — but not a huge amount.”

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk