ITV’s director of television Kevin Lygo confirmed that this year’s series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! will take place at Gwrych Castle in north Wales.
Usually, with the filming taking place in Australia, celebrities and their families stay in the luxury Palazzo Versace hotel after they are booted out of the jungle.
But with the series taking place in Wales this time around, speculation has begun about where the famous faces will live it up after leaving the castle compound.
One potential location is the Celtic Manor in the Coldra Woods and, although the 5-star hotel is in south Wales, a number of stars have stayed there over the years, proving it definitely has what it takes to be the UK Palazzo Versace.
Could The Celtic Manor Resort be this year’s Palazzo Versace? (Image: Booking.com)
Celtic Manor has been home to a number of events including the 2020 Ryder Cup and the NATO Summit 2014, as well as celebrity golfing tournaments.
The resort is set in a more than 2,000 acre area in the Usk Valley of Wales, with panoramic views of the stunning Welsh countryside.
It boasts four hotels, including a luxurious Resort Hotel, an historic 19th century Manor House, the Coldra Court and a smaller country inn with six bedrooms available.
The 5-star resort boasts multiple luxurious hotels (Image: Booking.com)
On top of that, there are 10 Hunter Lodges for those wanting more privacy with self-catering options.
While the winter weather in the UK means poolside cocktails are out of the picture, there is still plenty to do on the grounds – including a swimming pool if guests do fancy a dip.
From spas and health clubs, to clay pigeon shooting, fishing and adventure golf and even a treetop high ropes course and tennis courts, the celebrities and their loved ones would find it difficult being bored during their stay.
The resort boasts spas, health clubs and plenty of activity to keep guests occupied (Image: Booking.com)
On top of that, there are seven restaurants serving a variety of cuisine including a steak house, an Asian restaurant and the country inn.
The resort has been voted the UK’s Best Hotel nine times in the past 10 years – including at this year’s 2020 Meetings and Incentive Travel Awards.
A top pick for those passionate about golf, the Celtic Manor is home to the Celebrity Cup, though the tournament was called off this year.
There are multiple restaurants on site, including a steak house and Asian eatery (Image: Booking.com)
Last year’s teams saw a number of big names including Strictly Come Dancing champ Kelvin Fletcher, former Westlife star Brian McFadden and Zara Phillips’ husband Mike Tindall.
Presenter Jenni Falconer made an appearance, as did The Chase star Bradley Walsh and actor James Nesbitt.
In previous years, stars including Denise Van Outen, Gethin Jones, rugby star and Nicole Scherzinger’s hunky boyfriend Thom Evans and his brother Max, Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Gavin and Stacey’s Rob Brydon have joined the English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish teams.
It has been confirmed that Gwrych Castle will be the home of this year’s batch of celebs instead of the Aussie jungle (Image: Getty Images)
Speaking of the decision to move this year’s series to Wales, Kevin Lygo said: “We were worried they thought they were going to hot sunny bug-infested Australia, and now they are going to north Wales in the dark, but everyone is still there and exciting.”
He added at the Edinburgh TV festival: “I think it will be fascinating to see and to have this reboot of a treasured brand forced upon us, I think, is a good thing.”
Kevin described Gwrych Castle as “a beautiful Walt Disney castle” that is both “crumbling” and “tough”.
While ITV Studios’ director of entertainment Richard Cowles said: “Our celebrities will probably have to swap shorts for thermals, but they can still look forward to a basic diet of rice and beans and plenty of thrills and surprises along the way.”
The line-up of celebrities is yet to be confirmed, however names including ex-Corrie babe Lucy Fallon, Tiger King’s Carole Baskin and The Chase’s Jenny Ryan have been rumoured.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
