I’m A Celebrity ‘will feature a camp with a ROOF’ during first UK-based series

I’m A Celebrity is set to feature a camp with its own roof to save contestants from freezing temperatures during the show’s first UK-based series, according to reports. 

The famous faces taking part traditionally sleep in hammocks and sleeping bags under the stars in the Australian jungle but they are now facing a very different climate as the show moves to Wales amid the coronavirus pandemic.  

It will be the first time base camp has been sheltered in the show’s 18-year history.

A source told The Sun: ‘Bosses need to make sure their celeb cast don’t quit – they can’t have them sleeping outside, like in Australia, as they’d freeze. 

‘The UK winter is not the nicest and the talent are not used to roughing it in the cold so bosses are creating an under-cover camp kitted out with cameras to capture all the action.’

It is thought that the stars will also be provided with thermals as they move to the grounds of Gwrych Castle in Abergele, North Wales, where temperatures range between 37F to 53F (3C to 12C).

MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.  

It comes after it was revealed last week that the hit show would be filmed in the location in North Wales and not the usual venue in Queensland, Australia, because of coronavirus. 

A source on the ITV show previously told The Sun: ‘Producers are chuffed with the new location — they’re excited for a change in scenery this year.

‘The Bushtucker trial crew, who work tirelessly all year round, have been working overtime to come up with some terrifying new trials and challenges.

‘Not only will there be creepy crawlies galore, but now they have the added aid of playing with a haunted castle. They think it will make for brilliant TV.’

As only fitting with the new location, this year’s trials are thought to be incorporating the spooky setting and there will be cameras around the castle to capture any paranormal activity.

It has been suggested that ITV will include a medieval theme, with celebs possibly having to joust for dinners or even spend time in a dungeon or mock-up gallows.

Gwrych Castle was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh in the early 1800s. Its frontage is 1500ft in length and there are 18 battlemented towers.

There is no public access at all to the main building due to its substantially ruinous state, but the castle boasts 250 acres of historic gardens and parkland. 

The castle is thought to be haunted by a number of spirits, including previous owner the Winifred Hesketh, the Countess of Dundonald who died in 1924.

Legend says she is angry at her husband for taking all of her former homes’ valuables, with some people claiming she, or another spooky spirit, stalks the area in a white dress.

Some locals also believe that the spirit of a servant girl who died falling off a horse haunts the land. While others say ghosts of former caretakers have been seen around the 200-year-old castle which boasts 250 acres.

During World War Two around 300 Jewish refugees lives at the castle however it has fallen into disrepair in recent years, reports the BBC.

The series, which usually returns to TV screens in November, will certainly look different when it comes back this year.  

And as the stars settle into their temporary digs, they will no longer get the opportunity to luxuriate in the daily delight of an outdoor shower, as they will now be bathing in a primitive tin tub, according to The Sun. 

Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced ITV to switch locations and has resulted in major changes to production, affecting everything from what food challenges stars will do to where they will sleep during filming.

While creepy crawlies such as witchetty grubs have been a mainstay on the Australian menu, dining in north Wales will have more of a local flavour, as it’s been reported their eating challenges will include sheep’s testicles.

And longtime hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are sure to have their tongues tied when they return to filming, as they’ll be based in a village called Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch. 

Family and friends will also miss out on the opportunity to travel abroad and stay in a luxury hotel as they support their loved ones from the sidelines.

The winners title of King or Queen of the Jungle will also be replaced with the last person standing being crowned King or Queen of the Castle, as the crew aim to retain much of the original features of the show.

Despite all the changes, it has been suggested that relocating to Wales could save ITV a considerable amount of money, which could then be used to get bigger-name stars. 

Some of the stars who have been rumoured to be taking part in this year’s series include TV presenter Vernon Kay, former Strictly Come Dancing Star AJ Pritchard, Tiger King’s Carole Baskin and footballer John Barnes.