I’m A Celeb avoids Ofcom probe over ‘cruel’ Bushtucker trials involving stars eating live bugs despite 80 complaints – as PETA brands decision ‘shameful’
- I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! received 18 complaints about live animals
- Ofcom said complaints did not ‘did not raise issues warranting investigation’
- PETA said it’s ‘shameful’ show is still using ‘cruel’ Bushtucker trial challenges
I’m A Celebrity has avoided a rap from Ofcom despite 80 people complaining about the use of live animals in the latest season.
Animal rights campaigners have slammed the broadcasting watchdog’s decision not to take action and called for ITV’s hit show to ‘scrap’ their Bushtucker trials.
Ofcom said the complaints did not ‘did not raise issues warranting investigation,’ reports the Mirror.
I’m A Celebrity has avoided a rap from Ofcom despite people complaining about the use of live animals on the show. Pictured is Emily Atack doing a Bushtucker trial in the most recent series
Season winner Harry Redknapp eats a creature during one of the challenges that have been branded ‘cruel’ and ‘beyond shameful’ by PETA
Elisa Allen, PETA Director, said that it’s ‘beyond shameful’ that the show is still using the same ‘tired, tacky, moronic, and – worse – cruel “challenges” year after year.’
She added that viewers do not think about who will win but whether the show will ‘lay off the animals who are terrified and even killed for a cheap, immature laugh.
‘PETA urges the producers to scrap these disgusting stunts and replace them with real challenges suitable for this century.’
The latest season of the show, which saw Harry Redknapp crowned as King of the Jungle, featured numerous Bushtucker trials with live animals.
Runner up Emily Atack was seen downing blended drinks of jungle nasties, and facing snakes and cockroaches.
In one episode she had to do the Fill Your Face challenge to win her course for the camp’s final supper.
The Vamps singer James McVey is surrounded by insects during an episode of the hit ITV show
Ofcom said the complaints did not ‘did not raise issues warranting investigation.’ Pictured left is Emily Atack after the Fill Your Face challenge and right Nick Knowles’ covered by critters
Emily’s head was locked into a bubble helmet as it was continuously filled with various jungle critters.
Football manager Harry Rednapp, 71, also completed a challenge where he shared space with reptiles, including frilled dragons, bearded dragons and blue-tongued lizards.
In 2016 51 people complaining to Ofcom about animal welfare issues.
In a statement Ofcom said: ‘We assessed a number of complaints about the tasks given to contestants.
‘However, these were in keeping with the well-established format of this reality series, and were unlikely to have exceeded the expectations of the audience.’
Controversial: Animal rights campaigners have slammed I’m a Celebrity bosses after they used a camel and pigeons in a Bushtucker Trial
Animal welfare campaigners were disgusted after the contestants held live insects in their mouths for thirty seconds.
In 2017 the RSPCA urged audiences to complain after a camel dressed as Donald Trump was used in a Fright House sketch – while pigeons were packed into the Pest Wing.
The animals were used in an episode where Amir Khan and Vanessa White competed for meal tokens.