I’m A Celebrity bosses have insisted that filming will still go ahead in Gwrych Castle Abergele, despite news that Wales has implemented a travel ban.
On Wednesday, Welsh Ministers unveiled an extraordinary bid to ban people who live in coronavirus hotspots in England, Scotland and Northern Island from entering the country, which could impact potential contestants from being on the show.
However, a show representative confirmed on Thursday that this is not an issue, and told MailOnline: ‘I’m A Celebrity continues to adhere to all relevant guidelines as well as our own strict Covid protocols.’
Going ahead: I’m A Celebrity bosses insist the show WILL be filmed as planned despite Wales implementing a travel ban for those coming from COVID-19 hotspots in England
In Wales, there are 17 areas under higher local lockdowns, which include rules against entering or leaving the area without a reason, such as work or education.
Currently people living in Covid-19 hotspots elsewhere in the UK are free to enter areas of Wales not under restrictions where levels of the virus are low.
Under the new rules, only those with a ‘reasonable excuse’ will be allowed to travel between the two countries.
Travel ban: On Wednesday, Welsh Ministers unveiled a bid to ban people who live in COVID-19 hotspots in England, Scotland and Northern Island from entering the country
Confirmation: However, a show representative told MailOnline: ‘I’m A Celebrity continues to adhere to all relevant guidelines as well as our own strict Covid protocols’
Potential loophole? In Wales, there are 17 areas under higher local lockdowns, which include rules against entering or leaving the area without a reason, such as work or education
For now: Currently people living in Covid-19 hotspots elsewhere in the UK are free to enter areas of Wales not under restrictions where levels of the virus are low
Restructions: Under the new rules, only those with a ‘reasonable excuse’ will be allowed to travel between the two countries
Mark Drakeford announced the move and put the blame for the action squarely on Boris Johnson, saying the PM had ignored two letters requesting he introduce travel restrictions in areas of England with high case rates.
Producers are said to be concerned ongoing restrictions amid the pandemic could make filming impossible, particularly as several areas have been placed in Tier 2 and Tier 3 categories.
It was announced on Thursday that London will be placed into Tier 2, while Greater Manchester is being plunged into a Tier 3 lockdown.
Worries: Producers are said to be concerned ongoing restrictions could make filming impossible, particularly as several areas have been placed in Tier 2 and Tier 3 categories
Preparations underway: Trailers for the crew could be seen parked nearby the castle
Nearby: The town of Agergele could be seen a short distance away from where I’m A Celeb crews had begun setting up
Doing their thing: Builders were busy setting up some tents outside the castle
Working hard: Builders could be seen on site working on different areas of the castle
Earlier this month it was claimed crew members had to spend a weekend drying out Gwrych Castle after it became flooded when it was battered by torrential rain.
Aerial shots released recently showed that the building appears to have finally dried out as work is once again underway last week, after the brutal weather led to some damage to the Abergele castle in North Wales.
While the weather appears to have gotten better, contestants are likely to have a tough three weeks ahead of them during their stay as more bad weather has been predicted for the area.
Various crew vehicles are also still on site as the production team continue to work hard to get the new set ready in time for a November air date.
Drying out: Earlier this month it was claimed crew members had to spend a weekend drying out Gwrych Castle after it became flooded when it was battered by torrential rain.
Busy schedule: Aerial shots released recently showed that the building appears to have finally dried out as work is once again underway last week
Tough: While the weather appears to have gotten better, contestants are likely to have a tough three weeks ahead of them during their stay as more bad weather has been predicted
Doing their part: Various crew vehicles are also still on site as the production team continue to work hard to get the new set ready in time for a November air date
Easy does it: Builders were seen putting tarpaulin on one of the massive buildings they’d built
Avoiding the rain? The tarpaulin could potentially be being used so that the location wouldn’t be affected by poor weather as badly as it had been before