I’m a Celebrity prompts more than 700 Ofcom complaints within first nine episodes
Series was condemned by the RSPCA before filming began
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.UK broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has revealed that it has received over 700 complaints regarding the ongoing series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
The hit ITV reality show has faced criticism in the past by animal rights activists for its use of live animals in bushtucker trials, and it seems the 20th series is no different.
After the first nine episodes of the series, which aired on Monday, 23 November, 724 complaints were lodged to Ofcom.
Episode two was the most complained-about so far, accruing 200 complaints by itself.
Ofcom have yet to confirm the exact nature of the complaints, although, with no major controversies having occurred, it stands to reason the use of live animals is the most likely explanation.
Read more: Inside the ‘haunted’ castle where I’m a Celebrity is filmed
Earlier this month, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals stated that it had “serious concerns” about I’m a Celebrity’s use of animals.
The animal welfare group noted that previous series have seen animals be “dropped, thrown, handled roughly, crushed, chased, overcrowded, scared by contestants and prevented from escaping from stressful experiences”.
In response to the statement, a spokesperson for the series said: "I'm a Celebrity complies with animal welfare law concerning the use of animals and we are proud of our exemplary production practices.
“We have a long working relationship with the RSPCA in New South Wales, Australia and as such contacted their counterparts some months ago when we knew that the programme would be made in the UK, with a view to working collaboratively with them.”
Read more: How much do the contestants on I’m a Celebrity earn?
It was recently revealed that the police were investigating whether I’m a Celebrity could be allowing insects to escape and harm the local countryside.
However, all species featured on the programme are non-invasive, and ITV has said that the bugs are “collected immediately after filming”, and were “purchased commercially within the UK”.
I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! airs nightly at 9pm on ITV
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments