Politics
I’m A Celebrity ‘start date revealed as show is moved to avoid World Cup’
I’M A Celebrity will return to screens on October 30 this year, according to reports.
The Sun exclusively revealed last month how the ITV reality show will be aired earlier to avoid a clash with the FIFA World Cup in November and December.
I’m A Celebrity will reportedly return on October 30Rex
Now a source has told the Mirror that the end of October has been scheduled for the next batch of celebs to enter camp.
A source previously explained to us: “Two of ITV’s biggest juggernauts – not just of the season but the whole year – are I’m a Celeb and its international football coverage.
“So it makes sense to keep them apart, and as the World Cup isn’t going to budge, it makes sense to move Ant and Dec.
“The last thing anyone wants is for viewers to have to choose between the latest from the jungle and a big game.
“At the moment nothing has been confirmed – but whatever ITV do will be in the best interests of viewers.”
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Last year Ant and Dec kicked off the show from Wales on the later-than-usual 21 November.
That is the exact date the Qatar World Cup will start this year – with matches continuing until the final on 18 December.
A spokesperson for I’m A Celeb told The Sun: “It’s too early to confirm scheduling for the show.”
ITV bosses have previously spoken of their wish to take the show back to it’s Australian base this year after two years in Wales.
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Rosemary Newell, director of content, said: “We expect a celebrity to return in Australia in November, when it will generate audience over 11 million.”
The news comes after hosts Ant and Dec revealed their hopes to head back to Australia for this year’s series during an interview last month.
Speaking on The One Show, Ant said: “Well, the plan is the jungle, so if all things…” before Dec interrupted to say: “Nothing against Wales!”
Ant agreed, saying: “We love Wales but you know, Australia is its home and we’d like to get back there if we can.”
GettyITV will be airing live international football from Qatar this November[/caption]
