IT’S back and bigger than ever – the I’m A Celebrity Jungle has expanded to include a private gossip area, the highest trial in Australia and an even bigger selection of cruel animal organs.
This year the likes of controversial Brexit leader Nigel Farage, ruthless restaurant critic Grace Dent and international boxer Tony Bellew will have to face the jungle – but none of these tough madmen know what lies ahead.
The Chron was treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s impressive new and old features before it airs this Sunday.
This year’s series features Australia’s highest-ever trial and the infamous eating attempt, which sees celebrities consuming pig testicles and deer blood, is getting extreme this year as the stars will have to eat more than one disgusting dish on the menu if they want to win awards .
Exciting: Only a few days left until the highly anticipated release of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Final preparations are underway on the Gold Coast
When celebrities travel to trials, they are blindfolded and placed in the back of a stuffy white van with blacked-out windows. They are then driven to unknown locations, but not far from the camp.
This is done to involve the stars in their jungle journey. Any hint of the outside world, perhaps a radio announcement or a conversation with the driver, could shatter the illusion and allow them to return to reality.
The camp is much smaller than it appears on screens at home, and the beds are cramped and basic.
The pool of water where the celebrities swim to cool off is reportedly infested with yabbies – an eight-inch-long Australian crustacean from the crayfish family.
Yabbies have been around for more than 200 years, but there’s a new feature next to the watering hole – a built-in platform overlooking the pool and a bench – perfect for a bit of harmless gossip between disgruntled campmates.
ITV bosses decided to add the deck to literally give the stars a platform to jam with each other – giving audiences a better insight into the relationship dynamic – although they assure there won’t be one this year romantic relationships will exist.
For heavy smokers like Nigel, who smokes at least ten cigarettes a day, solitary cigarette breaks are taken off-screen in a private area and achieved through the request of a crew member.
ITV provides packs of the smoker’s preferred brand, but for vapers it’s a different story as in Australia you must have a nicotine license to vape in the country.
Ahead of the new series, which begins on November 19, the first images from Camp 2023 have been revealed (pictured with presenters Ant and Dec).
Aside from the smoking area, there’s no real place for the celebrities to relax – apart from the Telegraph Room, but even there is a wall full of cameras aimed at the confessional booth.
I’m Celebrity contestants are facing less support when it comes to using social media after their time in the jungle as ITV bosses insist they are seasoned professionals at dealing with public scrutiny.
As well as the famous phone box, Kiosk Kev is back and has been pictured in his new Kev’s Wallaby Whips van.
The celebrities’ every move will be under the watchful eye of 128 cameras carefully camouflaged in the warehouse, while participants will be able to report on their co-stars in the Bush Telegraph.
Celebrities are only allowed one luxury item, which they have to earn, and bosses say the most common request is a pillow – but not all stars have been wise with their choices in the past.
Show hosts Ant and Dec will broadcast live from their treehouse, which has been remodeled and modernized this year, and the famous red bridge where celebrities meet up with friends and family after being eliminated from the show also returns.
Tough as nails: Pictures show celebrities being forced to sleep in hammocks, clean toilets and avoid poisonous snakes and spiders as they face grueling trials
The iconic red phone booth, used in the show to allow campmates to win treats in the Dingo Dollar Challenges by answering a question, will return.
Fun: As well as the famous phone booth, Kiosk Kev is back and has been pictured in his new Kev’s Wallaby Whips van
Camp: Staying clean won’t be easy either as celebrities have to use a water wheel to create running water for washing in a dirty bathtub
The full line-up for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! 2023 has been revealed and features some of the show’s most outspoken characters ever.
This year’s campmates are led by Fred Sirieix, Grace Dent, Danielle Harold, Marvin Humes and Josie Gibson, with the stars appearing in their jungle gear for the first time in new photos.
Jamie Lynn Spears, Sam Thompson, Nella Rose, Nigel Farage and Nick Pickard are also preparing for a stay in the Australian outback.
Retired jockey Frankie Dettori and boxer Tony Bellew are also rumored to be potential campmates, but they are the latecomers to this series.
However, the rain is expected to bring a whole host of creepy crawlies onto the set, and “flesh-eating leeches” could also make an appearance.
The unexpected weather in New South Wales has left workers scrambling to prepare the site.
There is the option of the waterfall, made famous by former contestants such as Myleene Klass and Katie Price stripping down to their bikinis to swim, but it is located on a rocky hill and is subject to rainfall
Show hosts Ant and Dec will broadcast live from their treehouse, which has been remodeled and modernized this year, and the famous red bridge where celebrities meet up with friends and family after being eliminated from the show also returns
Watching: The celebrities’ every move will be under the watchful eye of 128 cameras carefully camouflaged around the camp, while participants can talk about their co-stars on the Bush Telegraph
Weather: However, it will rain on set and a whole bunch of creepy crawlies and “flesh-eating leeches” could show up
Shock: Unexpected weather in New South Wales has left workers scrambling to prepare the site
Last year bosses had no choice but to close the camp for a whole day when they were hit by a storm. Joe Swash said there were “leeches everywhere in the water.”
Back then, downpours also washed parasitic worms that normally live in streams and bushland into suburban streets, so this year’s wild weather could spell trouble.
According to The Sun, construction work had no choice but to stop at the site earlier this week when heavy rain and strong winds made this impossible.
The storm couldn’t have come at a worse time as there is still so much to do before I’m A Celeb… returns to our screens on Sunday October 19th.
Workers still need to build the new test areas, which include an Aztec temple and an outdoor pool with six sunken cages.
The Bureau of Meteorology was forced to issue a warning for Murwillumbah, the New South Wales town where the ITV camp is located.
Possible Clashes: Nigel will be joined by a number of pop stars, actors and social media influencers when he ends up in the jungle
A source said: “At this stage of production, every minute counts, so even an hour stolen from the schedule is frustrating.”
“The rain and wind were strong – definitely not what people imagine from the Gold Coast.”
As for the weather, a show source said: “The production team are the best in the business and are used to working in all weather conditions.”
“There are contingencies for all weather scenarios. “Fortunately, the weather forecast for the celebrities’ arrival looks dry and hot.”
I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! airs on ITV1 from November 19th at 9pm.
I’m a Celebrity 2023: Meet the Housemates
NIGEL FARAGE
Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party and leader of the Brexit Party.
Phobias: Nobody likes rats and snakes and I’m afraid of anything that has to do with heights.
Biggest misconception you’d like to clear up?: I’ve been demonized over the years and so it would be nice to show people that I’m not evil.
Role in Camp: Lead the initiation of numerous campfire conversations.
Apart from your family, what will you miss most about camp?: A pint in the pub and the news.
Best and Worst Traits: I hope to cheer people up when they are depressed. Worst? I’m impatient and snore.
Dream Camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I look forward to meeting interesting people from all areas
DANIELLE HAROLD
Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.
Phobias: rats. I hate them!
Biggest misconception you’d like to clear up in the jungle?: I can be a little light-headed at times, but I’m definitely not a “dumb blonde.” I want to show that I can overcome the trials and challenges and persevere.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, helping others when they are having a hard time at camp.
Besides family, what will you miss most at camp?: Snacking. I’m a bit of a glutton and will miss my morning cup of tea too!
Best and Worst Traits: I’d like to think that I’ll be good when people really struggle. However, I don’t get very bored and I’m not a morning person either.
Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar to camp, he can sing for us.
FRED SIRIEIX
Claim to fame: First Dates star.
Phobias: I’m afraid of everything. I can’t wait to find out how disgusting the food will be!
Biggest misconception you’d like to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything, but I’m looking forward to learning more about myself during my time at camp.
Role in the camp: I will definitely take part in all jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets.
Other than your family, what will you miss most at camp? My bed. It’s super comfortable. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning.
Best and Worst Traits: I like to have fun, but I snore and am impatient!
Dream Camper: It will be nice to meet everyone, but I would love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog there.
NELLA ROSE
Claim to fame: YouTuber and star of Catfish UK.
Phobias: I’m afraid of everything!
Biggest misconception you want to clear up in the jungle? I’m a pretty open book.
Role in the camp: Keeping morale and humor high.
Other than your family, what will you miss most at camp? My phone… I’m always with you!
Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele.
NICK PICKARD
Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star.
Phobias: I’m a bit afraid of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors on Halloween and things start coming at you, I’m not very good if I can’t see!
Biggest misconception you’ll want to clear up in the jungle: It’ll be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.
Role in Camp: Grafter or Cook, I can cook pretty well. But I’ve never cooked on a fire. Besides the family, what will you miss most at camp: football and my amenities.
Best and Worst Traits: I would like to think that I am a nice person and a good team player. I’m not lazy, but I have a few bad habits, like picking my nose. My girlfriend tried to teach me to stop!
Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock.
JAMIE LYNN SPEARS
Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.
Phobias: I’m afraid of everything.
Biggest misconception you want to clear up in the jungle?: I think this is a nice opportunity to show who I really am.
Role in the camp: Hopefully I’m the one who can support everyone.
Aside from family, what will you miss most at camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed.
Best and Worst Traits: I think my best trait is that it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; But I’m impatient and my family would say I’m often in a bad mood.
Dream Camper: Nicole Kidman, she’s my favorite actress in the whole world, or Reece Witherspoon.
SAM THOMPSON
Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter.
Phobias: I’m not the creepy crawly type and I hate it when anyone or anything touches my neck.
Biggest misconception you’d like to clear up in the jungle?: I’ve spent my whole life on TV since I was 21, so I feel like whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably valid!
Role in Camp: I’m a yes man, so I’ll do whatever they ask of me when it comes to cooking and cleaning.
Besides your family, what will you miss most about camp?: I know this sounds lame, but it’s like a game.
Best and Worst Traits: I think I’m the court jester and don’t take things too seriously. So when someone is having a bad day, I want to put a smile on their face. Worst? I’m pretty forgetful and have trouble concentrating on things.
Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would burn myself if he went into the jungle!
JOSIE GIBSON
Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.
Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I’m not sure what to do when I’m on trial with them!
Biggest misconception you want to clear up in the jungle?: I want people to know that I’m very adept at knowing useless information!
Role in the camp: Mom. I am very motherly and I also like talking to people.
Besides your family, what will you miss most about camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and put on a little makeup!
Best and Worst Traits: I am an optimist and love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite curious and worry about my temper if I’m too hungry.
Dream Camper: Dawn French, I love her.
MARVIN HUMES
Claim to fame: JLS star.
Phobias: heights. I have backed out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared!
Biggest misconception you want to clear up in the jungle: Showing that I’m not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice if people know more about me.
Role in Camp: I would like to be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator.
Besides your family, what will you miss most at camp?: My fantasy football app! I’m obsessed with it! Even four weeks without music is a long time.
Best & Worst Traits: I have three children under the age of ten and that definitely takes a lot of patience! Worst? Rochelle would probably say that I get “hungry” when I don’t have enough to eat.
Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he’s in the thick of things and he’s practical.
GRACE DENT
Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic.
Phobias: Horrible people.
Biggest misconception you want to clear up in the jungle: People think I’m pretty blunt and scary, but I don’t think I’m scary! Hopefully people will see that.
Role in Camp: Shoulder to rest on and I’m a practical cook so I can help out.
Other than your family, what will you miss most at camp? My three cats and my makeup bag. I love a bit of glamour.
Best and Worst Traits: I’d like to think I’m funny! My worst trait is lack of sleep. I like my sleep.
Dream camper: Queen Camilla. It would be very practical. And Madonna – she could play tracks from her Greatest Hits tour!