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CASTLE IS FOR KEEPS
I’m A Celebrity returning to Wales for 2021 series after Australian travel crisis forces U-turn
I’M A Celebrity bosses have been forced to cancel plans for the show to return to Australia and this year’s stars will now go to Gwrych castle.
The U-turn decision was made this morning following crunch talks after fears Australia could shut its borders because of the ongoing pandemic.
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Celebrities booked for this year’s series had previously been told that they should pack their bags for Australia, including hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, both 45.
An insider said: “It is with a heavy heart that I’m A Celebrity won’t be going back to Australia as hoped.
“Everyone working on the show was confident it would pan out but as time has gone on they have been forced to make some tough decisions.
“All the stars had been briefed about going to Australia and work had already started on getting the camp into shape.
“The government gave ITV the green light in March and it was full steam ahead.
“However the cons started to outweigh the pros and after a crisis meeting this morning they decided they had to revert back.
“The plan is now for all the stars to go to Gwrych castle in Wales.”
In January The Sun revealed how ITV bosses had secured the castle for this year just in case this happened.
The first show of the last series, won by Giovanna Fletcher, 35, was a ratings hit – getting 14.3million viewers tuning in.
It ended up being the second most watched series of the long-running show which started in 2002.
ITV held a crisis meeting this morning and made the decision to hold the show in Wales
And insiders said I’m A Celeb bosses were going all out to ensure this second stint in North Wales would be just as successful.
A source added: “The brains behind I’m A Celebrity know what worked in the Castle and what was popular with viewers – and what wasn’t.
“The whole team pulled a blinder last year getting everything ready and looking so fantastic in less than ten weeks.
“This time round they want to make it even bigger and better!”
Preparations will now begin at the haunted ruins in Abergele.
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV Head of Entertainment Commissioning, said: “We can confirm today that we’ll be returning to Wales for the 2021 series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!
“We’ve always said we have contingencies in place for the series if the Covid situation continued to bring uncertainty, and after a highly successful run at the castle last year we’re pleased that we can return there.
“I have no doubt the production team will produce another hugely entertaining series.”
Dr Mark Baker, Chair of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust added: “I’m absolutely delighted that I’m A Celebrity has chosen Gwrych Castle to be its UK location for the 2021 series.
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“Gwrych Castle is a beautiful grade I listed historic house and a must-see destination for tourists visiting Wales.
“I’m A Celebrity being here will really help support its ongoing restoration as well as giving the region a much-needed economic boost. We are all very excited to be working with the team again.”
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