I’m A Celebrity 2021: Australia return in jeopardy as Queensland goes into lockdown

I’m A Celebrity’s return to Australia this year could be scrapped due to Covid (Picture: ITV)

Plans for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! to return to Australia for the upcoming 2021 series could be thrown into chaos as Queensland has been put into another lockdown due to Covid-19.

ITV bosses had been given the go ahead to return to filming in Oz last month after being forced to relocate to Wales last year, however the latest news could create problems.

Queensland and other states including Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast were placed in quarantine on Tuesday, with residents being asked to stay at home. It’s been reported that restrictions will be reviewed on Friday, July 2.

I’m A Celebrity insiders are claiming that the news could spell bad news for fans hoping to see the show in the jungle.

‘The plan is for I’m A Celebrity to be filmed in Australia and at the moment that is still the case,’ a source said.

‘But seeing Queensland and other parts of Australia go into lockdown because of coronavirus outbreaks is the kind of news they dread.

Ant and Dec hosted the ITV show in Wales last year (Picture: ITV/REX)

‘Filming is still a way off but if something like this happens nearer the time, they may have to rethink their plans.’

The insider added to The Sun: ‘Those at the top of the chain at I’m A Celebrity are constantly monitoring the situation.

I’m A Celebrity relocated to Gwrych Castle in north Wales for the last series as a result of the pandemic and there have been concerns it would return to its temporary UK home for a second inning.

‘Wales is pencilled as we know but clearly, everyone wants to return to Australia,’ a source said previously. 

‘However, if they choose Australia there is every chance it could be cancelled later down the line because of Covid If they choose Wales, it is guaranteed it will happen.’

More: I’m A Celebrity

They added to Mail Online: ‘It costs more to film in Wales than fly to Australia as it’s a four-month set build.’

It’s understood that no final decision has yet been made regarding the location for the new series.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is set to return to ITV later this year.

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