‘I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!’ contestants and crew members have been warned not to harm the bats flying around at the castle in Wales.
I'm A Celebrity hosts Ant and Dec
The ITV series - which is hosted by Ant and Dec - will be filmed at Gwrych Castle, located in Abergele, Wales, for the second year running rather than Down Under in Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the building is home to three species of protected bats which fly around the ruins and woodlands that surround the castle.
The bats are a protected species.
Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper's Hot TV column, Sian Williams - Natural Resources Wales head of operations - said: "In the months ahead of filming 'I'm A Celebrity...' we have been advising ITV in relation to protecting bats as both the notified feature of the adjacent Llanddulas Limestone and Gwrych Castle Wood Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a European protected species.”
Species of protected bats that roam around the castle include the lesser horseshoe bat, the brown long-eared bat and the soprano pipistrelle.
A spokesman for the show added: "As a production we work with all the relevant authorities to ensure we adhere to all necessary regulations.”
Rumoured contestants for 2021 include 'EastEnders' actor Adam Woodyatt, former 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Arlene Phillips, The Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge and former ‘Love Island’ contestant Maura Higgins.
Tagged in Adam Woodyatt Ant And Dec Arlene Phillips