The ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ live show has been cancelled for the first time in its 19-year history.
Ant and Dec at the British Academy Television Awards
ITV bosses have confirmed that Friday’s (26.11.21) episode of the reality show will not include any live segments amid concerns that the developing Storm Arwen could pose a safety risk to those at Gwrych Castle in Abergele, Wales.
Each episode of ‘I’m A Celeb’ usually features pre-recorded segments from the day before alongside live links hosted by Ant and Dec, but the presenting duo will not be hosting live for Friday night’s show.
An ITV spokesperson said in a statement: “Tonight's ‘I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!’ will be broadcast as a pre-recorded show rather than live due to the developing Storm Arwen and precautionary measures we're putting into place on production.
“Ant and Dec will record their links early evening, and these will be played out during tonight's show. Our celebrities will remain inside the castle which is secure, and we have contingencies in place to cover all weather scenarios to ensure the safety of our cast and crew.”
The spokesperson also stated that Storm Arwen is due to hit the local area at around 9pm, which is the same time the episode is due to air, so there are further concerns there could be an impact on the “satellite link”.
The decision to axe the live portion of the episode marks the first time an episode of ‘I’m A Celeb’ has been without live links in the entirety of the show’s 19 years on air.
Meanwhile, the news also comes after contestant Richard Madeley was forced to leave the show after being taken to hospital.
The 65-year-old broadcaster was unable to return to the camp because he had broken the COVID-19 bubble by getting medical attention.
Tagged in Declan Donnelly Richard Madeley Ant McPartlin