I’m A Celebrity stars ‘will be forced to quarantine for two weeks before entering the jungle’ as producers push to keep show going amid coronavirus crisis
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here stars will be forced to quarantine for two weeks before entering the jungle amid the coronavirus crisis, according to reports.
The precautionary measures are being implemented to limit the risk of a Covid-19 outbreak in camp but will mean that those who reach the final will spend a total of five weeks away from their families, instead of the usual three.
A TV source told The Sun: ‘I’m A Celeb is one of the toughest reality shows out there and adding a two-week quarantine period is only going to make it harder.
Precaution: I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here stars will be forced to quarantine for two weeks before entering the jungle amid the coronavirus crisis, according to reports
‘The welfare of the campmates is the biggest concern, so having them possibly put in quarantine for a fortnight lessens the risk of anyone falling ill.
‘They understand that for some people, the thought of maybe having to spend more than a month away from their families might be off-putting.
‘But in the grand scheme of things, having this two-week plan in place is one simple way of being able to ensure the health of those taking part — and the people working on the show.’
MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.
Safety: The measures are being implemented to limit the risk of a Covid-19 outbreak in camp but will mean that those who reach the final will spend a total of five weeks away from their families instead of the usual three
It is thought that those being invited to take part in the show this year include singer Jessie J and Tiger King’s Carole Baskin.
It comes after it was alleged that ITV bosses would stop flying friends and family members of contestants to the jungle after the show was given the go-ahead to return to screens in November.
Sources have revealed that the company will no longer be spending £100,000 to fly relatives and friends over to greet contestants after they leave the show.
In the past the production team has paid for business-class flights to and from Australia and a seven-night stay at the Palazzo Versace hotel in Surfers Paradise.
New rules: It comes after it was alleged that ITV bosses would stop flying friends and family members of contestants to the jungle (pictured is last year’s Queen of the Jungle Jacqueline Jossa with her husband Dan Osborne)
A source told The Sun: ‘Having no friends or family flown out will be a big blow to celebrities.
‘Producers have even involved them in recent years by taking them into the jungle in the final days to create heartfelt scenes.
‘There are early plans to film video calls to capture celebs having their first chats with loved ones.’
It is unclear whether family and friends will be allowed to pay for their own flights to the jungle if they wish.
Recent reports have suggested that ITV has been cutting costs after ad revenue fell because of the coronavirus pandemic.
An ITV spokesman said it was too early to comment on what will happen in November.
Revelations: Sources have revealed that the company will no longer be spending £100,000 to fly relatives and friends over to greet contestants after they leave the show (pictured is Caitlyn Jenner in 2019)