ITV bosses have decided to shake up I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and have implemented a ban on reality TV stars entering the jungle.
The ban comes following years of complaints from traditional celebrities stating that reality TV stars have an unfair advantage. According to reports in The Sun, ITV is seeking more “credible” names after Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison was last year’s Queen of the Jungle.
According to the reports, bosses plan to emulate the guidelines behind Strictly Come Dancing which avoids reality favourites.
A source for the show told
The Sun:
“This year I’m A Celeb . . . wants to go back to its roots by signing up more cult favourites from the past and current, newsworthy personnel.”
“The last series got a ribbing for having so many reality show stars and giving them lots of camera time.”
“Despite them providing most entertainment, bosses are keen to lure more credible campmates.”
The complaints are largely based on the fact that reality TV stars are accustomed to being filmed close up and know how to act. They also have massive social media followings willing to vote for them.
Previously the show had featured celebrities from
Xfactor,
Made in Chelsea,
The Only Way is Essex and
Geordie Shore. Names included Mark Wright, Joey Essex, Gemma Collins, Hugo Taylor, Spencer Matthews, Ferne McCann and George Shelley.
The new series starts in Novemeber.