ITV is planning to cut back on the number of reality show stars appearing on the next series of I’m a Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here, in a bit to make a fairer competition.
The next series of the show kicks off in November and bosses are looking to incorporate more ‘credible’ names, after Vicky Pattinson of Geordie Shore fame was crowned last year’s queen of the jungle.
In the last series, each of the top three finalists came from a reality show background, with Pattinson pipping X-Factor’s George Shelley and Ferne McCann of The Only Way is Essex, who finished second and third.
Former Westlifer Kian Egan was crowned King of the Jungle in 2013
The Sun reports that I'm a Celeb producers are planning to emulate BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing model, which avoids reality show participants.
The news comes as many, as of yet unnamed, ex-contestants on the show have complained that the reality stars have an unfair advantage, saying that they are used to being filmed close up and often have large social media followings voting for them.
A source told The Sun, “This year I’m a Celeb wants to go back to its roots by signing up more cult favourites form the past, and current newsworthy personnel.”
Vicky Pattinson, who won last years show
They said, “The last series got a ribbing for having so many reality stars and giving them loads of camera time. Despite them providing most entertainment, bosses are keen to lure more credible camp mates”
Other reality stars who have appeared on I’m a Celeb include Mark Wright and Joey Essex of The Only Way is Essex and Made in Chelsea’s Spencer Matthews.
