I’m A Celebrity’s Gwrych Castle location continues to be prepared for show’s first UK-based series

Construction work continued on Gwrych Castle in Wales in anticipation of the next season of I’m A Celebrity, which it will play host to later this year.

A large crane was seen operating above the 200-year-old historic site at its entrance on Tuesday, seemingly lifting and moving things inside the entryway and turrets ahead of the show’s return.

It was revealed on Friday last week that the hit show would be filmed in the location in North Wales and not the usual venue in Queensland, Australia, because of coronavirus.   

ITV secured Gwrych Castle folly, a Grade I listed country house in Abergele, North Wales, at the cost of £1 million. 

Workers in high-vis jackets were seen operating the crane with precision as things were lifted to and from the castle grounds to make it suitable for filming purposes.

On the ground, other people were seen busily working on restoring the historic site with some working with diggers at the entrance, though it was not clear what they were doing.

Meanwhile, others were seen building scaffolding along the inner walls of the castle as they prepared to make the inside suitably safe for the potential celebrity line-up.

A sign saying ‘danger: keep out’ was placed above the entryway, as building site workers were seen in their protective helmets and high-vis jackets.

The castle’s windows gave a glimpse of the predominantly empty sanctum within, with moss and other flora growing along the sides of the building.

Aerial snaps on Monday also showed a crane in action at the 200-year-old site which is said to be haunted.

The drone photos also showed the extensive, luscious grounds of the estate where the celebrities will be based for the series. 

A large crane was seen at the main part of the building which is under construction to be ready for the show, and it appears to be working predominantly in that area. 

A source on the ITV show previously told The Sun: ‘Producers are chuffed with the new location — they’re excited for a change in scenery this year.

‘The Bushtucker trial crew, who work tirelessly all year round, have been working overtime to come up with some terrifying new trials and challenges.

‘Not only will there be creepy crawlies galore, but now they have the added aid of playing with a haunted castle. They think it will make for brilliant TV.’   

As only fitting with the new location, this year’s trials are thought to be incorporating the spooky setting and there will be cameras around the castle to capture any paranormal activity. 

It has been suggested that ITV will include a medieval theme, with celebs possibly having to joust for dinners or even spend time in a dungeon or mock-up gallows.

MailOnline approached ITV for a comment at the time. 

Gwrych Castle was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh in the early 1800s. Its frontage is 1500ft in length and there are 18 battlemented towers. 

There is no public access at all to the main building due to its substantially ruinous state, but the castle boasts 250 acres of historic gardens and parkland. 

The castle is thought to be haunted by a number of spirits, including previous owner the Winifred Hesketh, the Countess of Dundonald who died in 1924. 

Legend says she is angry at her husband for taking all of her former homes’ valuables, with some people claiming she, or another spooky spirit, stalks the area in a white dress.

Some locals also believe that the spirit of a servant girl who died falling off a horse haunts the land. While others say ghosts of former caretakers have been seen around the 200-year-old castle which boasts 250 acres.  

Gwrych Castle hasn’t been lived in for years and was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh in the early 1800s.

During World War Two around 300 Jewish refugees lives at the castle however it has fallen into disrepair in recent years, reports the BBC.

The series, which usually returns to TV screens in November, will certainly look different when it comes back this year. 

While viewers have become accustomed to seeing celebrities boost their careers by donning bikinis and going shirtless as they sweat out in the Jungle, the new batch will likely need to pack thermals for the new series.  

And as the stars settle into their temporary digs, they will no longer get the opportunity to luxuriate in the daily delight of an outdoor shower, as they will now be bathing in a primitive tin tub, according to The Sun. 

Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced ITV to switch locations and has resulted in major changes to production, affecting everything from what food challenges stars will do to where they will sleep during filming.

While creepy crawlies such as witchetty grubs have been a mainstay on the Australian menu, dining in north Wales will have more of a local flavour, as it’s been reported their eating challenges will include sheep’s testicles. 

And longtime hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are sure to have their tongues tied when they return to filming, as they’ll be based in a village called Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch.    

The change of location means a change of weather for contestants who will have to battle 8.5C (47.3F) temperatures and winds, a stark contrast to the blistering heat in the Australian jungle 22C (71.6F).  

Contingency plans will be put in place to combat drastic weather changes, including make shift huts when they need protection from the elements.

Family and friends will also miss out on the opportunity to travel abroad and stay in a luxury hotel as they support their loved ones from the sidelines.

The winners title of King or Queen of the Jungle will also be replaced with the last person standing being crowned King or Queen of the Castle, as the crew aim to retain much of the original features of the show. 

Even the stars’ I’m A Celeb kit will have a familiar look, however they will have to wear thermal layers to keep them warm underneath in the cold Welsh winter.

Despite all the changes, it has been suggested that relocating to Wales could save ITV a considerable amount of money, which could then be used to get bigger-name stars.  

Although the broadcaster will still have to convince them that spending three weeks in the cold countryside is as doable as three weeks in Australia.

Following the news that filming for this year’s I’m A Celeb will be moving to Wales, fans took to Twitter in droves to share their reactions, with many taking on a comedic tone.

Wrote one: ‘If I’m a celebrity is being made in the UK this year what ‘critters’ will they terrify the contestants with – wasps, moths and pigeons?’

‘So I’m A Celebrity is going to be in Britain,’ stated another. ‘So trials will involved sharing a fly tipped chest freezer with a mildly disgruntled stoat and eating tripe.’ 

Speaking on Friday after the show’s move to the UK was confirmed Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Director of Television said: ‘We announced last week that we were doing all we could to make the series and I’m thrilled that we can bring the show to viewers albeit not in the jungle.

‘We have a great team both on and off screen and I know they will produce a hugely entertaining series.’