I’m A Celebrity could stay in UK for TWO YEARS if coronavirus crisis continues

I’M A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here! could stay in the UK until 2022 if the Covid crisis continues.

Bosses of the ITV show have discussed with the owner of Gwrych Castle, where next month’s programme will be filmed, about extending their deal.

And producers could be looking at using the venue at Abergele in North Wales for two more series.

The fear is that if restrictions on travel and local lockdowns continue that will make it impossible to return to the usual location in Murwillumbah, Australia.

A source admitted: “As with this year, producers are looking at all possible eventualities.

“There is a very real chance that the show will be in the UK again next year, so they are trying to get their ducks in a row and have a plan B like this time around.

“They have informally spoken to the owners of the castle and asked about its availability over the next two years — so into 2022.

“They are hopeful that the change of scenery will be a hit with viewers — and that could make it a shame to go rushing back to Australia unless it is absolutely necessary.”

Crew for the ITV show, hosted by Ant and Dec, have been working around the clock to ensure the 19th century, Grade I-listed building is safe and ready for filming to begin in just over a month.

Builders have been called in to tackle “vertical cracking” in the central keep at the castle — with blueprints having detailed damage in the stone walls and towers.

ITV is understood to have paid £1million to use the castle for the show, which is in its 20th series.

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Crews spent last weekend drying out the building after it flooded in downpours.

Further rain this week has caused more problems.

An ITV spokesman last night declined to comment.

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