Bosses of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! almost missed out on landing North Wales’ Gwrych Castle, because the owner mistook their enquiry for a hoax.
Mark Baker, who serves as the founder and chairman of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, received the email in question months ago, but came close to ignoring it because he didn’t believe it was true.
He told North Wales Live: ‘I had an email come through about a month and a half, two months ago. I ignored it initially [though] cause I thought it was spam…
Near miss: I’m A Celebrity almost missed out on landing Wales’ Gwrych Castle, as the owner mistook bosses’ enquiry for a hoax. Hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are pictured
‘After double-checking, I got in touch with the location guy at ITV and he said it was a reality TV show they wanted to make in the UK, but he couldn’t reveal what it was.’
It wasn’t until weeks later that he learned what show the location would be used for, prompting both surprise and hope for Baker.
He added: ‘When I found out what the show was, I thought, “That’s pretty immense”. We hope it will open up North Wales to the whole of Britain and further afield.’
Castle: It was confirmed this month that the show would be shot on UK soil for the first time in its two-decade run, with North Wales’ historic Gwyrch Castle being announced as the location
Baker founded the trust when he was just 12, and worked hard to save the imposing and historic building from being demolished.
Meanwhile, it has been claimed that the reportedly haunted castle is popular spot used by enthusiasts for UFO sightings.
A source told the Daily Star: ‘The celebs will be braced for horrible trials and wet weather. But they could get something far more terrifying – an alien invasion.
‘Producers have picked an area that has had numerous unexplained sightings. If there are any extra-terrestrial visitors, it will certainly make for good telly.’
MailOnline has contacted a representative for I’m A Celebrity for comment.
Exercising caution: Mark Baker, who serves as the founder and chairman of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, received the email in question months ago, but almost ignored it
The reports come after Kevin Lygo, the Director of Television at ITV, revealed that all stars for this year’s I’m A Celebrity have already been confirmed.
Amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the long-running TV favourite has been moved from the sweltering Australian jungle to the chilly Gwrych Castle.
And while rumours circulate that Selling Sunset’s Christine Quinn, presenter Vernon Kay, and Coronation Street’s Beverley Callard have signed up, Lygo assures all of the as-yet-unnamed stars have been confirmed – despite the change of location.
He told The Sun: ‘I certainly didn’t want a year without I’m A Celebrity. We could just about survive without it, but my God it’s a premier, wonderful thing that has done so well over a long period.’
Reports: It comes as rumours swirl that Selling Sunset’s Christine Quinn (left) and presenter Vernon Kay (right) could be set to enter the cast this autumn
Lygo continued: ‘Australia was always going to be a challenge so we found this extraordinary place in go here in North Wales that’s a sort of beautiful, Disney drawn castle crumbling. We just thought it looks like perfect vacation.’
With the new location, he added that ‘it’ll be fascinating to see what audiences do’ and it will be a ‘great challenge’ for producers to devise new games and tasks.
Fans eagerly await to see who will be donning their thermals to spend three weeks camping in the freezing castle.
Following the vast success of Netflix series Selling Sunset, odds on star Christine heading into the Welsh castle have been slashed.
Confirmed: ITV boss Kevin Lygo assures that all of the as-yet-unnamed stars have been confirmed for this year’s vastly different series – despite the change of location
The outspoken blonde bombshell would certainly cause fireworks in the camp and is never one to mince words.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes told The Sun: ‘Christine could be about to swap the Hollywood Hills for a haunted Welsh castle if the latest odds are anything to go by with an I’m A Celeb stint potentially on the cards.’
Vernon – who is known for hosting TV series All Star Family Fortunes – has also reportedly signed a £250,000 to take part in the series, after being approached by bosses several times.
A source told The Mirror: ‘Everyone’s so pleased to have Vernon on board, he’s a lovely guy, full of down-to-earth northern charm and perfect for the show.’
She’s off! Following her exit from the cobbles this summer (pictured), Corrie fans are also hoping that Beverly Callard will be heading to the castle to face some gruelling challenges
Following her exit from the cobbles this summer, Corrie fans are also hoping that Beverly Callard will be heading to the castle to face some gruelling challenges.
The actress – who has played Liz McDonald on the soap for 30 years – reportedly delight bosses by saying yes to appearing on the show.
Also among the rumoured names is Boyzone star Keith Duffy, who was reportedly approached by bosses for a second time after his tour was delayed until 2021.
A source told The Sun: ‘Keith has had Zoom meetings with I’m A Celebrity’s booker.
Plans: Also among the rumoured names is Boyzone star Keith Duffy, who was reportedly approached by bosses for a second time after his tour was delayed until 2021
‘Since the location moved from Australia to North Wales it’s been a little more tricky to get people on board but the team are confident they sold it well.’
Another surprise signing would be Good Morning Britain star Andi Peters, who sparked speculation he could be heading to the jungle when he recently hosted a segment from an activity centre.
With the I’m A Celebrity theme playing in the background, speculation was rife about whether he could be following GMB colleague Kate Garraway into the jungle this November.
Katie Price’s ex Kieran Hayler has openly stated he would love to take part in the show, telling new! magazine: ‘I’d love to do it because I’m into the outdoors anyway so for me it would be really cool.
And him! Another surprise signing would be GMB’s Andi Peters, who sparked speculation he could be heading to the jungle when he recently hosted a segment from an activity centre
‘I think it’s just the eating stuff I’d be a bit rubbish at – and it’s closer to home now I’ve heard!’
Strictly Come Dancing pro AJ Pritchard has also been rumoured to be taking part, after quitting the BBC show earlier this year.
EastEnders’ Tamzin Outhwaite is also reportedly on bosses wishlists, after allegedly turning down the chance to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? star Charles Ingram was also at the top of bookies odds to take part, despite strongly denying the claims.
I’ll do it! Katie Price’s ex Kieran Hayler has openly stated he would love to take part in the show
The One Show’s Matt Baker is also among those rumoured to be in talks, after saying goodbye to the evening chat show earlier this year.
As ever there are many names from the world of sport also reportedly in talks with bosses, including Soccer Saturday’s Paul Merson.
And following their sacking from Soccer Saturday on Wednesday, Ladbrokes reported that odds have been slashed on Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier and Scott Minto possibly entering the castle.
Jessica O’Reilly said: ‘The sacked Sky Sports pundits are clearly going to have a lot of time on their hands which pushes the I’m A Celebrity doors wide open now.’
Reports: EastEnders’ Tamzin Outhwaite is also reportedly on bosses wishlists, after allegedly turning down the chance to appear on Strictly Come Dancing
Questions: Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? star Charles Ingram was also at the top of bookies odds to take part, despite strongly denying the claims
She added: ‘There’s always one campmate with a link to football, and if Thommo, Charlie, Tiss or Minto spill the beans on their dismissal, it ought to make for great viewing.’
Rounding out the reported names is former Manchester United star Eric Cantona, who was reportedly at the top of bosses wish list for this series.
Show producer Richard Cowles told The Sun: ‘I just like the idea of Eric Cantona talking in French and coming up with really profound things.
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! will return to screens this November on ITV.
In the works: The One Show’s Matt Baker is also among those rumoured to be in talks, after saying goodbye to the evening chat show earlier this year
Iconic: Rounding out the reported names is former Manchester United star Eric Cantona, who was reportedly at the top of bosses wish list for this series