A major 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' star has reportedly dropped out after the upcoming series moved to Wales.
Ant and Dec
Some potential contestants are said to be having second thoughts about taking part this year after it was announced the reality show is returning to Gwrych Castle for a second year, rather than its usual Australia base due to the coronavirus pandemic.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "One popular star dropped out immediately.
“Bosses are still in talks with loads of top celebs about taking part and feel confident this won’t put people off given last year’s success.
“But for some of the talent, roughing it for weeks in wet and cold Wales isn’t going to be as much fun as doing that in the Australian jungle."
However, some stars have already signed up for the series - which will be hosted by Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly - and they are said to be "still on board".
The source added: “Luckily for bosses, the ones who have signed contracts are all still on board.
"And bosses have still got plenty of time to pull out all the stops when it comes to booking major talent.”
On Monday (02.08.21), ITV confirmed that 'I'm A Celebrity' would be back in North Wales instead of the typical jungle camp.
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV Head of Entertainment Commissioning, said: “We can confirm today that we’ll be returning to Wales for the 2021 series of 'I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!'.
"We’ve always said we have contingencies in place for the series if the COVID situation continued to bring uncertainty, and after a highly successful run at the castle last year we’re pleased that we can return there.
"I have no doubt the production team will produce another hugely entertaining series.”
And Richard Cowles, Director of Unscripted at Lifted Entertainment, added: “With the continued uncertainty around COVID and international travel we have taken the decision not to return to our home in Australia for the 2021 series.
"We’re excited to return to Gwrych Castle. The last series was a huge success and we were made to feel so welcome by everyone locally and can’t wait to see everyone again.”
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