I'm a Celebrity Get me out of Here swapped the Australian Jungle for North Wales last year due to pandemic travel restrictions, and though ITV bosses hoped it would return to Australia this year, ongoing restrictions will see the 2021 series go back to Gwrych Castle, a Grade I listed gothic revival 19th century castle.
Author and presenter Giovanna Fletcher, last year's queen of the castle, has called the location a 'gift' and not a 'consolation'.
She wrote on Instragram: "Soooo…. @imacelebrity is heading back to Wales! @gwrychcastle is stunning and (even though we were blindfolded when travelling around) it was the perfect place to play and have fun for a few weeks. Wales was never a consolation prize, it was a pure gift!"
Playfully continuing: "I can’t wait to watch!! Although it will feel like people are hanging out in my gaff! 😂❤️xx"
Katie Rawcliffe of ITV said of the step: "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."
It's great news for the castle too, which had restoration sped up due to the show taking place there, plus a real tourism boost. Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust chairman Dr Mark Baker said he was "absolutely delighted" to have the show back.
And it seems the fans are too. People were quick to agree with Giovanna in the comments of her post. One wrote; "I love it in Wales.. In fact think I preferred it.. Can't wait for the return 🙌🏼🙌🏼." While another added; "I think the castle was great - made a real change!" And a third went as far as to say; "I think the castle was the best year yet❤️"
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