I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! bosses have hired someone to count how many “aliens” go into the castle.
Producers are under orders to keep an eye on any beasties they use for Bushtucker Trials which are not native to Wales.
Last year there was a rumpus when they brought in Turkish crayfish for a watery challenge without a special licence.
The fish, which were used in episode five of the 2020 series, are listed as a non-native invasive species and keeping them – even in captivity – is outlawed.
CEO of Buglife told The Guardian earlier this year: “Entertainment isn’t one of the reasons why people should be having these dangerously invasive species at all – they just shouldn’t be using invasive species for […] frivolous purposes.”
(Image: ITV)
Springwatch’s Chris Packham raised concerns about using creatures for trials that did not normally live in the Welsh woodlands.
He warned: “If any of these species were to naturalise, we could have severe problems.
‘”We have a history in this country of invasive species causing enormous ecological damage.”
(Image: antanddec /Twitter)
Now ITV have vowed to work with the Welsh authorities to ensure they do not break any environmental laws.
They will have someone on the team who will now count every “alien species” before it goes inside Gwrych Castle in Abergele for trials.
And then they will do a second count when it is over to make sure nothing has escaped.
Natural Resources Wales have had talks with ITV ahead of the new series starting on November 21 so they don’t breach any laws.
(Image: ITV/REX)
An NRW spokeswoman said: “Last year neither the production company or ITV had a licence for non-native species.
“This year the production company have been advised that they can apply for a licence.”
Last night an ITV spokesman said: “We’re working with all the relevant authorities on this series.
“We have a system in place within the controlled environment to ensure they were counted before, during and after.”
It comes as the luxurious quarantine conditions for the incoming celebs have been revealed – with celebs like Emmerdale’s Danny Miller and Rudimental’s DJ Locksmith bedding down in luxury cottages before the show begins.
The accommodations feature vaulted ceilings, weather-proof windows and sliding doors that look out to idyllic views.
Celebs can also enjoy king-size beds, roll top baths and a picturesque patio in their lush cottages.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
