The Reason This Year's I'm A Celeb Has Been Hit With 12,000 Ofcom Complaints

I’m a Celebrity… drew to a close on a Sunday, with Danny Miller being crowned the first King of the Castle.

However, as much as we love seeing our celebrities battle it out for grub for themselves and their campmates, the series has been a magnet for controversy in regards to animal welfare.

Several insects, bugs and creepy crawlies are used in the Bushtucker Trials, while celebrities are also asked to eat disgusting offcuts such as cow’s vaginas or sheep penis.

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The RSPCA are now claiming that Ofcom has received 12,000 complaints after they’ve been vigorously campaigning against the issue.

In a statement, Dr Ros Clubb, from the RSPCA’s wildlife department, said: "We’re overwhelmed by the response from the public to our campaign against the use of live animals in the I’m a Celeb show.

"More than 12,000 have already written to Ofcom to express concern – with the reaction from the public even stronger than last year, when the programme was filmed in North Wales for the first time."

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The RSPCA added: “Animals like rats, lizards and snakes are likely to have been subject to stress while being surrounded by screaming, panicked celebrities in small, confined spaces as part of trials.

“Different species of animal - such as snakes and rats - have been placed in close proximity during trials, potentially causing significant stress to both species. Animals have also been handled inappropriately by contestants.”

The RSPCA is now urging for I’m a Celebrity to “update, re-think and modernise” to stop the unnecessary harm of animals.

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A spokesperson from ITV has responded: “The team at I’m A Celebrity have many years of experience in producing the show and have rigorous protocols in place to ensure that animals are handled safely before, during, and after filming, in compliance with animal welfare law.

"Welfare and safety is always our primary priority.”

They have also pointed towards their animal welfare procedures, which can be found here.

Tyla has contacted Ofcom for comment.

Topics: ITV, TV And Film, Im A Celebrity

Kimberley Bond

Kim is a journalist at Tyla, and has previously worked at the Evening Standard, Radio Times as well as several national newspapers. A showbiz obsessive and a television fanatic, Kim is particularly interested in celebrity gossip, A-list events and the latest releases on either the big or small screen. Contact her at [email protected]

@0xKimberley