I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! is officially returning for 2021, with the show’s 21st series kicking off on Sunday 21st November.
Despite efforts to get the show back in its original location in Australia, I’m a Celebrity 2021 will once again take place at Gwrych Castle in North Wales, due to travel restrictions caused by the ongoing pandemic.
Some aren’t very happy about this decision, however, with last year’s contestant Shane Richie sharing his thoughts on the show’s decision to set up camp in Wales for the second year running.
Speaking in an interview with The Sun, the former EastEnders star – who finished in fourth place – said: “When we did the Castle, we all knew it was the first time it had been done. We thought it was going to be a one-off for the 20th anniversary and it won’t happen ever again in Wales. But once they announced they were going back to Wales it took a bit of the specialness off of it.”
The long-running reality series has historically been filmed in Australia, however, last year it was forced to move to the new location as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
While some fans were concerned about how this radical change would affect the show, it seemed they had been completely won over by the quirky charm that this new setting has to offer, with two-thirds of I’m a Celeb fans actually preferring the castle setting to the traditional jungle locale.
Nevertheless, producers had been hoping to return to the original location Down Under.
On 2nd August, however, Katie Rawcliffe, ITV Head of Entertainment Commissioning, confirmed that the show would be taking place in Wales, saying in a statement: “We’ll be returning to Wales for the 2021 series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!”
She added: “We’ve always said we have contingencies in place for the series if the Covid situation continued to bring uncertainty, and after a highly successful run at the castle last year we’re pleased that we can return there. I have no doubt the production team will produce another hugely entertaining series.”
As the show returns to Wales, here’s everything you need to know about the filming location for I’m a Celebrity 2021.
Where is I’m a Celebrity UK filming?
It was confirmed in August 2020 that the historic Gwrych Castle in Abergele, North Wales would be used as the main location for the 20th series.
For series 21, which starts on ITV on Sunday, 21st November, campmates will set up camp at Gwrych Castle, making this the second year the show has been filmed here.
The castle is set in 250 acres of gardens and ground, with views of the Welsh countryside from a tree-lined hillside overlooking the Irish sea, but the celebrities could be in for a scare – with several ghost sightings having been reported in the castle.
Dr Mark Baker, Chair of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust told Chronicle Live: “I’m absolutely delighted that I’m a Celebrity has chosen Gwrych Castle to be its UK location for the 2020 series.
“Gwrych Castle is a beautiful grade I listed 19th county house and a must-see destination for tourists visiting Wales.
“I’m a Celebrity being here will really help support Gwrych Castle and its ongoing restoration as well as giving the region a much-needed economic boost.”
Manorafon Farm Park has been booked for exclusive use by the show’s producers, and a look at the farm’s website reveals a possible hint as to what the celebs will be up to, with the ‘Explore’ section reading, “We also have a Reptile Hut full of interesting critters.”
Since the second series in 2003, I’m a Celeb has been based in Murwillumbah in New South Wales, filmed inside Springbrook National Park.
And while on screen all you see is the camp itself plus a series of suspension bridges and the studio where Ant and Dec broadcast, there is plenty more going on behind the scenes.
The production extends beyond what appears on camera, with an on-site medical facility, a space for props storage and an area where family and friends of the celebrities gather on the morning of each eviction.
!["Dungay]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2018/12/Location-on-Google-Maps-67f8d53.jpg?quality=90&resize=539%2C413" "\"Dungay")
However, the show is reportedly considering moving from the UNESCO heritage site when the current I’m a Celeb contract expires in 2020. According to The Sun, producers are discussing moving the show to Kangaroo Island in the future – although this has not been confirmed.
!["ITV]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2017/11/ant-and-dec-camp-863958b.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"ant-and-dec-camp\"")
Where do the celebrities stay after they’ve left the camp?
After a stint living off rice and beans, enduring cold showers and suffering multiple insect bites, the celebs are due a bit of luxury.
In previous years, evicted contestants were put up at the five-star Versace Hotel in Surfers Paradise for some much-needed R&R. After being subjected to jungle rations and Bushtucker Trials, they’ve certainly earned it. You can stay at Palazzo Versace Hotel too, if you have a couple of hundred pounds a night to spare…
- For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides.
Since the show’s move to Wales, it’s not clear where they stay after the show, but if it’s anything like the Versace Hotel, it’s going to be well worth eating all those creepy crawlies for.
I’m a Celebrity 2021 will star on ITV on Sunday, 21st November. If you’re looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV Guide.