Holly Willoughby and Mel B warned over rabid bats & deadly snakes as they start filming Netflix Bear Hunt in Costa Rica
THE stars taking part in Holly Willoughby’s new Netflix show Bear Hunt have been warned of the risks of rabid bats as they prepare to enter the Costa Rican jungle this week.
Celebrities including Mel B, Boris Becker, Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen and Lottie Moss will be filming in the wilderness with a plethora of other critters and serpents to watch out for.
A 24/7 medical team is on standby to ensure the welfare of the stars as they prepare to enter the camp – which has been specially made for the show.
A source said: “The Bear Hunt is not for the faint hearted and all the celebrities who have signed up know they’re going to be heading into the wild where it’s teeming with animal nasties.
“As well as snakes like the venomous hog-nosed pit viper and spiders like the black widow and brown recluse, the jungle is also teeming with bats which can spread rabies.
“Naturally every precaution possible has been put in place by Netflix to ensure the safety of everyone working on the show, from the crew to the celebrities, but it’s a show which isn’t for the faint hearted.”
Presenter Holly, 42, touched down in the country last week and has been staying at a luxury hotel with Bear, 49, and the other stars ahead of filming.
Bear was photographed paragliding on a beach while being filmed over the weekend as the show starts production in the coming days.
Strictly’s Shirley Ballas, supermodel Leomie Anderson and ex rugby star Danny Cipriani are also in hiding in the country in preparation to go into the jungle.
The hugely anticipated show will rival ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! with the contestants working in teams to out-do one another.
Insiders said the celebrity’s families have started arriving in the country ahead of filming.
They will remain in a nearby hotel until their loved one is evicted from the show, which is due to air next year.
Netflix have spent millions on the project, including a bumper budget to secure top notch talent.