ITV have abandoned hopes that I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! will return to Australia this year and have confirmed that the show will be filmed again in Gwrych Castle, Wales.
Last year’s series, which saw Giovanna Fletcher crowned the first ever Queen of the Castle, was staged at the castle in Abergele in North Wales due to the pandemic and proved a hit with viewers with many saying they preferred the show in the UK rather than a further flung location.
Speaking of the return to Wales, ITV boss Katie Rawcliffe 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."
Lifted Entertainment boss Richard Cowles 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."
Dr Mark Baker, Chair of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust said: "I’m absolutely delighted that I’m A Celebrity has chosen Gwrych Castle to be its UK location for the 2021 series."
Earlier this year, ITV said the show would return to Australia this year if travel was possible.
Ant McPartlin, who co-hosts the series with Declan Donnelly, said he would be "very happy" for I'm A Celebrity . . . to return to Wales.
Donnelly said they were "welcomed" there, telling Digital Spy: "There were cardboard cut-outs of me and Dec in the butcher's, and the local school did a tribute. We'd happily go back there. We'd miss the sunshine, mind."
