I'm A Celebrity chaos as ITV bosses forced to rethink evictions

30 November 2023 , 15:01

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I'm A Celebrity chaos as ITV bosses forced to rethink evictions

I'm A Celebrity bosses are having to rethink the start of the show's evictions with their scheduling plans in chaos after two stars quit and more could follow.

The ITV series has been rocked in recent days by the exits of Jamie Lynn Spears and Grace Dent. There has also been problems of bad weather and bad ratings with up to two million less viewers than last year on some nights. One show source said: "They are all struggling in that camp, not just the ones who quit, everyone seems to be finding it tough this year and there is still a long way to go.

"It is hard to put your finger on exactly what has caused it but if anyone else was to quit or leave on medical grounds now we would have a full blown crisis on our hands. Nella Rose has said she might go and she is not alone in feeling the pressure in there either." The show's eviction process would normally start on Friday (December 1) and then run throughout next week until the final but they may start later or be less frequent next week to cover the lack of contestants left.

Jamie Lynn Spears became the second celebrity to quit the show, after Grace Dent (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Before the series began the show execs promised the hardest trials ever and the toughest test for celebrities. But with the added pressure of camping in storms the tactics may have backfired . The show is reeling from two unplanned exits as well as the initial boycotting of the show by up to two million viewers because of the booking of failed politician Nigel Farage.

Farage's influence has also seen ITV end up in a word of words with GB News who have criticised the show and suggested it has "an agenda" against the failed MP. Chris Packham has also again called for an end to animal cruelty on the show this week. This is an ongoing problem which will not go away.

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Already some TV sources are suggesting the show may need a revamp in 2024 so I'm A Celebrity can maintain its status as ITV's biggest entertainment show. The insider said: "The formula of the show is a good one, but the way the celebs enter into camp, the eviction format and many of the trials feel very familiar.

"The drop in ratings will mean bosses go back to the drawing board and we will see some new tricks, changes to camp and perhaps even a change to the eviction process next year."

An ITV spokesman said the opening episode had consolidated to an audience of 10.8 million. The 16-34 year old audience was the biggest of the year for any channel or programme. I'm A Celebrity is also the 3rd most watched TV programme this year on any channel.

Mark Jefferies from the I'm A Celebrity camp