I’m A Celebrity 2021 hit with 12,000 Ofcom complaints over ‘concerning’ use of animals in trials

Danny’s final trial involved a tremendous amount of insects (Picture: Kieron McCarron/ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2021 has been hit with thousands of Ofcom complaints over the use of live animals on the show as controversy around the issue rages on.

On Sunday, this year’s series of the ITV reality competition came to an end, with former Emmerdale star Danny Miller being crowned the winner.

While there were many highs on the show, as stars including David Ginola, Frankie Bridge, Simon Gregson and Adam Woodyatt entertained the nation, there has been continued criticism over the decision to have the contestants take part in trials with animals.

The team who work on the programme ensure that animal welfare law is complied with on the production, with an ITV spokesperson saying: ‘The team at I’m A Celebrity have many years of experience in producing the show and have rigorous protocols in place to ensure that animals are handled safely before, during, and after filming, in compliance with animal welfare law. Welfare and safety is always our primary priority.’

Nonetheless, there are some who do not believe animals should be featured at all, with the RSPCA claiming that 12,000 people have contacted Ofcom to complain about the issue.

Frankie was placed in a ‘tomb’ with numerous snakes (Picture: ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)

In a statement, Dr Ros Clubb, from the RSPCA’s wildlife department, said: ‘We’re overwhelmed by the response from the public to our campaign against the use of live animals in the I’m a Celeb show.

‘More than 12,000 have already written to Ofcom to express concern – with the reaction from the public even stronger than last year, when the programme was filmed in North Wales for the first time.’

The representative for the charity stated that the live animals on I’m A Celebrity are ‘put in situations that would compromise their welfare for nothing more than a quick laugh’, which has caused them to ‘worry’.

The RSPCA outlined that animals such as rats, lizards and snakes may be ‘subject to stress’ while in close proximity to I’m A Celebrity stars who are ‘panicked’ and in ‘small, confined spaces’, adding that animals may be ‘handled inappropriately by contestants’.

Furthermore, the organisation aired its concerns over the environment for animals such as lizards and snakes amid the drop in temperatures in Wales, as they ‘cannot produce their own body heat, with it being unclear whether suitable sources of heat and light are being used’.

The RSPCA outlined the worry over the lives of invertebrate animals being ‘trivialised’, as they are ‘routinely at risk of being crushed during trials’.

In a statement sent to Metro.co.uk, an Ofcom spokesperson said: ‘We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.’

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While speaking to Metro.co.uk, Jennifer White, the UK Media and Communications Manager for Peta, insisted that there are several ways that the ‘TV producers can entertain audiences without having to exploit and kill animals’.

‘There’s absolutely no reason why they can’t put their heads together and come up with some animal-friendly alternatives for celebrities to take part in,’ she said.

I’m A Celebrity is available to watch on ITV Hub.

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