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CASTLE KEEP

I’m A Celebrity bosses secure Gwrych Castle for 2021 as Covid threatens Oz return

Ellie Henman

Published: 21:00, 10 Jan 2021
Updated: 21:17, 10 Jan 2021

I’M A Celebrity bosses have secured Gwrych Castle again this year amid fears Covid will prevent a return to Australia.

They are keen to move it back to its traditional home Down Under but have the 202-year-old North Wales relic from September as back-up.

I'm A Celeb bosses have secured Gwrych Castle for a second year — I'm A Celeb bosses have secured Gwrych Castle for a second yearCredit: Getty

The previous series, hosted by Ant and Dec in the UK, drew in record numbers of viewers — The previous series, hosted by Ant and Dec in the UK, drew in record numbers of viewersCredit: ITV

An insider said: “Ultimately they are at the mercy of Covid-19 restrictions.

"Formally an agreement is in place for the use of Gwrych Castle this year.

“Should the show need to be held there again it has all got the green light.”

Last year’s contest was held there after filming in Australia was deemed impossible.

A whopping 10.2million tuned in to see Giovanna Fletcher be crowned jungle queen — A whopping 10.2million tuned in to see Giovanna Fletcher be crowned jungle queenCredit: Rex Features

The source went on: “A huge amount of work went into readying the building so the basics are all laid down and ready to go.

“The castle format ended up being a huge success for ITV and having a second series in Wales wouldn’t be a negative for them.

Producers were hoping to return to Australia this year — Producers were hoping to return to Australia this yearCredit: Rex Features

Last month, a Sun poll revealed more than half of viewers want a return to Oz

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“But going back to Australia is what everyone wants and that is what everyone is working towards and hoping for.”

The last series, hosted as usual by Ant McPartlin, and Declan Donnelly, both 45, saw 10.2million tune in to see Giovanna Fletcher, 35, be crowned castle queen.

The Sun revealed bosses were considering alternating between the castle and Australia.

The pandemic could put a stop to their plans - so the Welsh castle has been secured as a back-up — The pandemic could put a stop to their plans - so the Welsh castle has been secured as a back-upCredit: Getty

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