The new I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! advert has angered viewers after they worried about the welfare of the pony used by bosses in the new promo clip.
In the video, host Ant McPartlin can be seen riding a small pony, alongside co-host Declan Donnelly as knights on horseback, but Ant is riding what appears to be a small Shetland pony.
This caused viewers to voice their concerns over the animal’s welfare as they worried about his weight on top of the small horse.
In the extra clip, Ant can be heard joking about the horse doing “a little dance” as the animal paces around.
(Image: ITV)
Ant sings: “Do a little dance, make a little love, get down tonight” from Get Down Tonight by KC and the Sunshine Band.
However, fans have voiced their disappointment saying that Ant was “too heavy” for the animal.
One took to Twitter to directly address ITV and say: “Disgusting your clip showing Ant Mcpartlin riding a Shetland pony.”
“You can see he is far too tall to ride such a small pony.”
Another commented: “I love you guys and think you are both brilliant but this is not funny at all.
(Image: ITV)
“The strain you will be putting on that small pony’s back is huge. Disappointed in you guys.”
While a third penned: “Is it ok to have a grown man sat on a small horse, poor horse?”
Another fan told Ant and Dec directly: “Sorry, love you two usually but that’s not right.”
This spurred an I’m A Celebrity spokesperson to issue a statement and announce that the pony is professionally trained and the safety and wellbeing of the animals used for filming were of “utmost priority”.
(Image: ITV)
They said: “The pony used in the promo is professionally trained to work in the film and television industry.
“Throughout the shoot the horse master and a team of expert handlers were on location at all times.
“The safety and wellbeing of the horses and pony used for filming were of utmost priority to everyone.”
The upcoming series of the ITV reality show will return to Gwyrch Castle in North Wales again next month, with the exact date to be confirmed.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
