I’m A Celebrity line-up is complete – and stars are ‘excited’ for first ever UK series, confirms ITV boss

I’M A Celebrity’s 2020 line-up is complete – and stars are “excited” for the first ever UK series, the boss of ITV has confirmed.

After it was confirmed producers have swapped the Australian jungle for a “haunted” castle in North Wales, Kevin Lygo said he worried celebrities would drop like flies to avoid the British series.

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Director of Television at ITV, Kevin Lygo, is preparing for I’m A Celeb 2020[/caption]

But it seems the new location at Gwrych Castle in Abergele has got everyone excited for upcoming show.

“I certainly didn’t want a year without I’m A Celebrity,” said Kevin Lygo.

“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.

“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.

Rex Features

Gqyrech Castle is 200 years old and believed to be haunted[/caption]

“I think it’ll be fascinating to see what audiences do and a great challenge to producers to come up with different games and different tasks and not do exactly the same as they’ve been doing for years.

“I got to make quite a few big decisions and and I know the team are very stimulated by this.

“I think it’s exciting in respect of Ant and Dec –  they’re thrilled about it.”

The show, won last year by Jacqueline Jossa, will lose its Australian themes, including the Dingo Dollar challenge.

ITV

Ant and Dec are excited for the new challenge[/caption]

It’s believed cash saved on filming Down Under could be used to help lure bigger celebs.

So far, Christine Quinn, Vernon Kay, AJ Pritchard and Kieran Hayler are all rumoured to have signed up.

“We had booked most of our celebs,” said Kevin.

“We were worried they thought they were going for a nice hot, sunny, bug-infested Australia but no – now they’re going into freezing cold North Wales in the dark and British weather.

“But everybody’s there, everybody’s excited.

“I think it’ll be fascinating to see and and having this real treasure brand forced upon us is honestly, I think is a good thing.”

ITV

Last year’s I’m A Celebrity campmates including Kate Garraway and winner Jacqueline Jossa[/caption]

I’m A Celebrity returns this autumn, with Ant and Dec filming live from Gwrych Castle every evening during the series.

The presenters have been flying out to Australia for the past 19 years, but coronavirus made it impossible to record in the usual location.

Although they’re bound to be disappointed by their tans this year, the Geordie duo are said to be excited about the new challenge.