ITV's popular reality show, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, is facing significant backlash from the animal rights organisation PETA following the launch of its 2025 series. The charity has condemned the programme's use of animals in its famous Bushtucker Trials, labelling them as cruel and demanding the show be removed from television.
PETA's Strong Condemnation
The criticism follows the premiere of the new series on 16th November, which featured two trials that involved animals. In one challenge, five celebrities placed their hands into containers filled with ants while trying to unscrew a star. At the same time, they wore boxes on their heads into which snakes were placed by programme rangers.
PETA issued a strong statement, with its Vice President of Programmes, Elisa Allen, stating the show is for ignorant people who demonstrate a lack of understanding of other life forms. She claimed the trials inflict severe stress and trauma on the sensitive animals, who are manhandled or crushed while exposed to screaming humans. Allen argued that such cruelty, masquerading as entertainment, should be taken off the air and called on the British public to join their campaign to stop ITV from tormenting animals.
ITV's Defence and Welfare Protocols
In response to the allegations, an ITV spokesperson defended the production's practices. The spokesperson confirmed that I'm A Celebrity complies with all regional and national laws concerning the use of animals, including reptiles and insects. They stated that the RSPCA NSW is informed of all activities and has an open invitation to attend the site at any time.
The spokesperson emphasised that qualified and experienced animal handlers are present during all trials featuring animals. With many years of experience, the production team has rigorous protocols in place to ensure animals are handled safely before, during, and after filming. The spokesperson reiterated that welfare and safety are always the primary priority.
Series Launch and Weather Disruption
The 2025 series launched with ten new celebrities entering the jungle for a three-week stay. However, the production faced an initial setback due to stormy weather. The hosts' usual dramatic helicopter entrance had to be scrapped because of poor conditions and strict health and safety rules. Instead, Ant and Dec were forced to arrive by car to greet the contestants.
Despite the rocky start, the series continues, with upcoming challenges like The Divey, a nod to The Ivy, which will feature an eating challenge for YouTuber AngryGinge and Ruby Wax. The weather in the camp has been volatile, shifting from sweeping storms to 30-degree heat, affecting both filming conditions and the camp environment.
