Entertainment
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! slammed by Chris Packham for ‘releasing foreign crayfish which could destroy native species’
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has been slammed by Chris Packham for ‘releasing foreign crayfish which could destroy native species’.
The Springwatch presenter hit out at producers of the ITV show after they reportedly used Turkish crayfish during filming in Gwrych Castle without a licence.
According to an investigation by wildlife charity Buglife, the show used the invasive species in episode five of the most recent series.
The crustaceans could have escaped and now be harming the ecosystem in north Wales, and Chris has now called for a police investigation.
British white-clawed crayfish are already dwindling in numbers, and the new development could have further impact on their numbers.
Chris took to Twitter to voice his concern, hitting out at producers of the show.
‘So it appears that [ITV’s I’m A Celebrity] exploited a highly invasive non-native species without a licence . . . not only abusive but also strictly illegal. @NWPolice must investigate this serious wildlife crime. . .’ he wrote.
ITV released a statement in November saying: ‘All of the insects used on I’m A Celebrity are non-invasive species.’
Chris has been vocal in his criticism of I’m A Celebrity in the past, previously saying he wants the show to stop ‘killing animals for entertainment’.
In 2019, Chris explained that wanted to talk to show bosses about how they include animals in the Bushtucker trials, accusing them of ‘stereotyping’ snakes and cockroaches.
He also publicly blasted the ITV reality show for ‘abusing animals’ at the TV Choice Awards.
Metro.co.uk has contacted ITV for comment.
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! is available to watch on ITV Player.
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