'I'm A Celebrity needs to change - or there won't be a 2025 series'
Winter has arrived - and it's not the snow that gives it away. It's, of course, the comeback of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
The much-loved show, presented by Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, brings families together in front of the TV to witness the drama and disputes as the campmates grow increasingly hungry.
A week into the show, and there seems to be a surprising lack of arguments, despite the tension surrounding the trials. While Danny and Barry tackled the first trial, the following ones were all undertaken by GK Barry and Dean, both of whom confessed to having numerous fears - with GK Barry becoming an internet sensation for her reaction to brushing her arm against a leaf (in the jungle, no less)!
For years, I've been quietly pleading for the show to start a bit earlier - 9pm every night - which means a late bedtime, but this series, I've noticed an even bigger issue that needs addressing swiftly!
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As is customary each series, Ant and Dec open the voting lines and the public gets to decide who will face the next trial. With the votes now going solely on the app - and the abolishing of the famous phrase "call the short number" - ITV bosses have made a major change this year - but another needs to be enforced, and quickly!
Long-time viewers of the show will recall how some of the least popular campmates - including politicians Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock - ended up participating in many of the trials, thereby getting plenty of screen time.
People wanted to see them struggle - but they simply gained more exposure from it. Perhaps it's time to consider a new voting system that truly 'punishes' those who viewers vote for, or the showrunners could implement a system that excludes recent campmates who have participated in Bushtucker trials from the next one, ensuring everyone gets a fair go.
Fan favourites such as Tulisa Contostavlos, Coleen Rooney and Danny Jones are all being overlooked for the major trials, which instead favour those we enjoy watching scream and shout the iconic 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here' catchphrase.
So, ITV bosses, let's make this change - and ensure the longevity of the show!
*I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here broadcasts daily at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.