Bushtucker's grueling I'm A Celebrity trial Bosses banned major backlash | Television and radio

I’m a celebrity… Get me out of here! is known for its grueling trials where campmates are often pushed to their limits to overcome their fears.

Over the years, contestants have been tasked with overcoming their fear of heights by parachuting from a plane 10,000 feet above sea level, or overcoming their discomfort in small spaces by lying in a coffin filled with snakes and spiders.

But arguably the biggest challenge the stars face on the show are the food trials where Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly present them with a selection of disgusting dishes to eat to win stars.

However, five years ago ITV bosses announced they would ban an unusual Bushtucker tryout after receiving a wave of backlash from fans.

As the number of camp participants begins to dwindle, let’s take a look at the unusual challenge that viewers won’t see on our screens this year.

In 2019, producers decided to ban campers from consuming live insects as part of the Bushtucker Trials. Instead, celebrities are only served dead insects in gag-worthy challenges, meaning they won’t have to pick up their dinner before eating it.

The decision to cancel the trial was reportedly discussed by producers for some time before making the announcement.

A source from the show said BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat: “I’m A Celebrity producers have reviewed the trials and have decided that no living creatures will be eaten during the trials this year.

“They had been planning this for a while and in fact last year the beach worms were the only creatures eaten alive, but this time around they decided to implement the change completely and permanently.”

The reality show was criticized for its use of live animals and insects in the Bushtucker Trials throughout its 19 series history before the change was implemented.

Wildlife experts and charities have repeatedly condemned producers for the “cruel” and “abusive” treatment of living creatures during their tasks.

BBC Spring Watch presenter Chris Packham, animal rights campaigner Tayana Simons and vegan blogger Lucy Watson were among those who spoke out at the time.

THE BBC The nature presenter previously asked I’m A Celebrity hosts to consider using insects on the show. After the changes were announced, he said he was “very happy” to learn of the decision during an interview on BBC Radio 5 live.

He added: “What has long concerned me about the program is that it represents animals in the wrong way. There was never any ambiguity that eating live invertebrates constituted abuse and also exploitation for entertainment purposes.

I’m a celebrity…Get me out of here! airs weeknights from 9pm on ITV1 or catch up on ITVX.