ITV's blockbuster reality series I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! could be making a dramatic return to British shores for its 2025 edition, according to industry insiders. After years of filming in the Australian jungle, producers are reportedly considering a UK-based production that would see celebrities facing challenges closer to home.
Historic Welsh Castle Emerges as Frontrunner
Gwrych Castle in North Wales, which previously hosted the show during pandemic restrictions, has emerged as the leading contender to house the celebrity camp. The stunning 19th-century estate provided a spectacular backdrop for the 2020 and 2021 series, proving that the show's magic could be successfully recreated outside Australia.
An ITV source revealed: "Discussions are ongoing about where to film the 2025 series. While Australia remains the spiritual home of the show, the success of the UK versions during COVID demonstrated that we can create compelling television here too."
Why the Potential Move Back to Britain?
Several factors are influencing the potential relocation:
- Production costs have significantly increased for international filming
- The environmental impact of transporting entire production teams and equipment across the world
- Proven success of UK-based series during pandemic years
- Growing audience appreciation for British landscapes and locations
What This Means for Celebrity Campmates
While the Australian jungle offers tropical heat and exotic wildlife, a UK-based series would present different but equally challenging conditions. Celebrities would face:
- Colder temperatures and potentially wet weather
- Different types of Bushtucker Trials adapted to British surroundings
- The same level of isolation and psychological challenges
- Unique historical settings adding to the atmospheric pressure
Ant and Dec would continue to host regardless of location, maintaining the show's familiar dynamic that has captivated millions of viewers for over two decades.
Audience Reaction and Show Legacy
The potential move has generated mixed reactions among dedicated fans. Some purists argue that the Australian jungle is integral to the show's identity, while others welcome the environmental and cost-saving benefits of UK filming.
"The 2020 and 2021 series proved that the essence of I'm A Celebrity isn't about the location, but about watching celebrities pushed out of their comfort zones," noted a television critic. "The challenges, the camaraderie, the drama - these elements translate perfectly to any setting."
ITV executives are expected to make a final decision in the coming months, with an official announcement likely before the 2024 series concludes. Whatever the outcome, the discussion highlights the evolving nature of television production in an era of increasing environmental awareness and budget constraints.
