I'm A Celebrity introduces major new ban for new series after ratings blow

23 February 2024 , 19:00

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Bookers on I'm A Celebrity told to avoid politicians in this year's line-up (Image: PA)

Bookers on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here have been told to “avoid, avoid, avoid” politicians this year after Nigel Farage cost the series millions of viewers in 2023.

The decision from ITV bosses is also based on this year’s jungle adventure being due to air around the same time as the general election, which is expected this autumn. Insiders said it was time to focus on other types of celebrities and steer clear of the “controversial figures from the world of politics” for the time being.

One source explained: “In the past it’s been really interesting to see which politicians are willing to join the show, with some even serving MPs." They added: "But this year, with an election looming, it doesn’t feel like the right moment for that. Coming on top of Farage not helping to pull in the punters last year, and Ant and Dec making it clear they want a change, this year it’s a case of avoid, avoid, avoid. It’s time for something different so it’s fair to say no one is seeking any controversial figures from the world of politics at this stage.”

Bookers on I'm A Celebrity told to avoid politicians in this year's line-up (ITV)

Hosts Ant and Dec had originally named Farage as someone they wanted to see in the jungle, believing he would help to stir up the camp. But once the 2023 series ended, they admitted it was actually time to give the likes of Nadine Dorries, Matt Hancock and former UKIP leader Farage a miss. In a social media chat, the pair were asked if PM Rishi Sunak might be a potential future campmate and Dec said: “I think we do a year without any politicians.” Ant added: “Agreed, agreed, agreed.”

Farage finished third last year, failing in his quest to emerge as the winner, and matching placing achieved the previous year by Tory health secretary Hancock, who was the second serving MP to take part after Dorries was the first to be voted out in 2012. The Conservative Party suspended her for appearing on the show and she later apologised to the House of Commons.

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An ITV spokesperson said I’m A Celebrity had been the most watched entertainment show of 2023 with 10.7million tuning in to the first episode when catch-up viewing was added.

They declined to comment on whether any politicians would join the line-up this year.

Nicola Methven