I’m A Celebrity is set to return this year despite coronavirus as top celebrities meet bosses over Zoom

I’M A Celebrity is set to return this year, despite the coronavirus.

ITV bosses are determined to press on as usual with the crew being told they’ll be filming in Australia as scheduled.

Celebrities are also being lined up with former Manchester United footballer Eric Cantona, 53, top of bookers’ list.

A TV source said: “ITV are certain lockdown will be well over by the time I’m A Celeb normally starts which is in November.

“Every year it’s a ratings smash and this year will more than likely be even bigger as the public will be desperate for some fresh and uplifting TV.

“ITV have started hiring crew as well as advertising for them Down Under.

“And bookers are still on the case with celebrities, holding meetings on the likes of Zoom.”

It comes despite a number of shows cancelled due to Covid-19 including soaps EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Lord Alan Sugar announced there could be two series of The Apprentice next year after it was announced there would be no new episodes in 2020.

And the summer series of Love Island is in doubt.

The BBC are discussing ways to make sure Strictly Come Dancing goes ahead with two eliminations a week a possibility.

Earlier this year I’m A Celeb producer said he wanted Eric Cantona to feature on the series.

He said: “I just like the idea of Eric Cantona talking in French and coming up with really profound things. That would be good.”

Bookmaker Ladbrokes has the former French striker as favourite to enter the Jungle.

Charles Ingram, Matt Baker and AJ Pritchard are all likely to be in the line-up, according to the bookies.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "We're strapping ourselves in for what could be the best series of I'm A Celeb yet, with a stellar list of names currently heading the betting to make an appearance."

Last year Jacqueline Jossa was crowned Queen of the Jungle.

The Sun revealed in January spin-off show Extra Camp was axed after nearly two decades.

An ITV spokesman declined to comment.