I’m A Celebrity thrown into chaos as camp is flooded just days before show launch
PANICKED ITV bosses were forced to close the I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! Camp after torrential rain and floods hit the area.
Work on the set was cancelled, with all crew forced off site by the extreme conditions, just days before the celebrities are due to check in to the I'm A Celebrity camp.
A local source said: “The camp was closed yesterday due to the extreme rain. No staff were allowed on site because it was too dangerous.
“They were told to get out of the area and totally downed tools.
“It meant a precious day of preparation was lost as crew faced a race against time to get the site ready.
“But they were all back on site today, so fingers crossed they can make up the lost time.”
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An ITV spokesman said: "We closed site for 24 hours as a precautionary measure due to the inclement weather."
The reality show is due to start next month in Australia for the first time since 2019 after a two year hiatus during the pandemic.
Ant and Dec will be expected to fly to Australia ahead of the launch on Sunday, November 6.
It comes as The Sun last month revealed alerts had been issued across south-east Queensland as a highly infectious disease called Q Fever rages through the country.
Q Fever is so deadly, it can be spread by inhaling contaminated dust and can have serious consequences for those infected, including organ damage.
A source said: “I’m A Celebrity’s return to Oz was so important to ITV and was something fans of the show were hugely excited for. Another infectious disease is really the last thing ITV needs.”
ITV said they would ensure production met all UK and Australian guidelines ready for Ant and Dec's flagship show.
Caused by a dangerous bacteria called Coxiella burnetii, Q Fever or Query Fever is said to be most commonly transmitted to humans who work with animals.
While ITV is yet to confirm who is heading into the jungle, The Sun has revealed the famous faces include Mike Tindall - the show's first ever Royal signing - and Boy George.
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Comedian Seann Walsh could also be swapping the stage for the jungle, while TV beauty Olivia Attwood could be the first ever Love Island star to enter the jungle.
Other names in the mix include Coronation Street's Sue Cleaver plus Loose Women star Charlene White.