I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here 2020’s stars will be forced to endure freezing 8°C cold temperatures and no protection from the elements, as bosses confirmed the first ever UK-based series will be filmed at the 200-year-old Gwrych Castle in Abergele, North Wales.
The ITV show will be based at the historic site nestled in the Welsh countryside, after bosses shelled out £1 million to secure use of the site when production was forced to be relocated from Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It won’t be an easy three weeks for the celebrities taking part as they forced to sleep in gruelling November temperatures in the roofless castle – throwing the famous shower scenes in question – and there could also be the setting for some paranormal activity, as the castle has earned a reputation for being haunted.
Challenging! I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here 2020’s stars will be forced to endure freezing temperatures and no protection from the elements, as bosses confirmed the first UK-based series will be filmed at the Gwrych Castle in Wales
As ever hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will present the new series with celebrities completing an array of challenges to win food and drink for the camp, with one eventually being crowned King or Queen of the Castle.
The chilly November weather will no doubt bring pause to some of the bikini-clad stars looking to wash off in the shower, which became an icon of its own thanks to former contestant Myleene Klass.
Gwrych Castle is nestled in a tree lined hillside overlooking the Irish Sea, and is spread across 250 acres of gardens and grounds, with an array of picturesque turrets, alcoves and grounds.
Coming soon: The ITV series will once again be hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly (left) and has been relocated to the UK due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cold weather has cast doubt on the show’s iconic shower scenes (right)
Sprawling: The 200-year-old castle will be home to this year’s campmates, who will battle freezing cold November temperatures as they say goodbye to their luxuries
Iconic: Bosses confirmed on Thursday that the ITV show’s first ever UK-based series will be based at the historic site nestled in the Welsh countryside overlooking the Irish sea
It won’t be warm! The sprawling site boasts plenty of inside areas that could play home to the celebrities in November, when the show is expected to return
In the works: Construction on the castle commenced earlier this month, after bosses confirmed the new series would be moved to the UK
Richard Cowles, Director of Entertainment at ITV Studios said: ‘The Australian jungle is such an integral part of the show it was a big challenge to find a UK location where we could continue to deliver what viewers love about I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
‘But Gwrych will definitely do that; the Castle sits in an amazing and atmospheric setting on a hillside overlooking the Irish Sea.
‘While there will be plenty of changes required as we move from New South Wales in Australia to North Wales in the UK, we are really excited to see how we can adapt the format and make the Castle our new home for a very special 20th series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! this Autumn.’
It’s thought that ITV spent an eye-watering £1 million to secure use of the Grade I listed country house.
Dr Mark Baker, Chair of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust confirmed it will be welcome boost to the local economy.
He said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that I’m A Celebrity has chosen Gwrych Castle to be its UK location for the 2020 series.
‘Gwrych Castle is a beautiful grade I listed 19th county house and a must-see destination for tourists visiting Wales.
‘I’m A Celebrity being here will really help support Gwrych Castle and its ongoing restoration as well as giving the region a much-needed economic boost.’
Lord Elis-Thomas, The Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism added: ‘We’re extremely pleased to welcome such a large production to Wales, offering a chance to showcase a spectacular part of our country to significant audiences across the UK.
‘We’re looking forward to working with the team on this production and hope to use this opportunity to show some of what North Wales has to offer.’
Popular: As ever the new series will see celebrities completing an array of challenges to win food and drink for the camp, with one eventually being crowned King Or Queen of the Castle
Step back in time: The castle may as well be plucked from medieval times, setting the stage for some hilarious and terrifying challenges the stars will have to face
Jaw-dropping: Gwrych Castle is nestled in a tree lined hillside overlooking the Irish Sea, and is spread across 250 acres of gardens and grounds, with an array of picturesque turrets, alcoves and grounds
Difficult: Richard Cowles, Director of Entertainment at ITV Studios said: ‘The Australian jungle is such an integral part of the show it was a big challenge to find a UK location where we could continue to deliver what viewers love about I’m A Celebrity’
Perfect: He added: ‘But Gwrych will definitely do that; the Castle sits in an amazing and atmospheric setting on a hillside overlooking the Irish Sea’
Plans: He added: ‘We are really excited to see how we can adapt the format and make the Castle our new home for a very special 20th series’
Splashing out: It’s thought that ITV spent an eye-watering £1 million to secure use of the Grade I listed country house
Andrew White, Director Wales, National Lottery Heritage Fund said: ‘We have been delighted to support Gwrych Castle and it is great to hear it will be having its moment in the limelight.
‘The series will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the beauty of north Wales as well as show how a historic building can engage a modern audience in innovative ways. We hope it will help to boost support for the castle in the long term.’
It’s also been reported that bosses are thrilled to learn that the castle has spooky history, setting the stage for some paranormal activity in the camp.
Cashing in: Dr Mark Baker, Chair of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust confirmed it will be welcome boost to the local economy
Cashing in: He said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that I’m A Celebrity has chosen Gwrych Castle to be its UK location for the 2020 series’
Picturesque: He added: ”Gwrych Castle is a beautiful grade I listed 19th county house and a must-see destination for tourists visiting Wales’
Income: ‘I’m A Celebrity being here will really help support Gwrych Castle and its ongoing restoration as well as giving the region a much-needed economic boost,’ he continued
Castle: Andrew White, Director Wales, National Lottery Heritage Fund said: ‘We have been delighted to support Gwrych Castle and it is great to hear it will be having its moment in the limelight’
A source on the ITV show previously told The Sun: ‘Producers are chuffed with the new location — they’re excited for a change in scenery this year
‘The Bushtucker trial crew, who work tirelessly all year round, have been working overtime to come up with some terrifying new trials and challenges.
‘Not only will there be creepy crawlies galore, but now they have the added aid of playing with a haunted castle. They think it will make for brilliant TV.’
Beautiful: He added: ”The series will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the beauty of north Wales as well as show how a historic building can engage a modern audience in innovative ways’
Scary: It’s also been reported that bosses are thrilled to learn that the castle has spooky history, setting the stage for some paranormal activity in the camp
Thrilling: A source on the ITV show previously told The Sun : ‘Producers are chuffed with the new location — they’re excited for a change in scenery this year
In the works: The source added: ‘The Bushtucker trial crew, who work tirelessly all year round, have been working overtime to come up with some terrifying new trials and challenges’
Derelict: As only fitting with the new location, this year’s trials are thought to be incorporating the spooky setting and there will be cameras around the castle to capture any paranormal activity
As only fitting with the new location, this year’s trials are thought to be incorporating the spooky setting and there will be cameras around the castle to capture any paranormal activity.
It has been suggested that ITV will include a medieval theme, with celebs possibly having to joust for dinners or even spend time in a dungeon or mock-up gallows.
Gwrych Castle was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh in the early 1800s. Its frontage is 1500ft in length and there are 18 battlemented towers.
Historic: It has been suggested that ITV will include a medieval theme, with celebs possibly having to joust for dinners or even spend time in a dungeon or mock-up gallows
Vast: Gwrych Castle was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh in the early 1800s. Its frontage is 1500ft in length and there are 18 battlemented towers
Enclosed: There is no public access at all to the main building due to its substantially ruinous state
There is no public access at all to the main building due to its substantially ruinous state, but the castle boasts 250 acres of historic gardens and parkland.
The castle is thought to be haunted by a number of spirits, including previous owner the Winifred Hesketh, the Countess of Dundonald who died in 1924.
Legend says she is angry at her husband for taking all of her former homes’ valuables, with some people claiming she, or another spooky spirit, stalks the area in a white dress.
Sprawling: The castle boasts 250 acres of historic gardens and parkland, making it the perfect setting for a series as vast as I’m A Celebrity
Occurances: The castle is thought to be haunted by a number of spirits, including previous owner the Winifred Hesketh, the Countess of Dundonald who died in 1924
Ghosts: Some locals also believe that the spirit of a servant girl who died falling off a horse haunts the land. While others say ghosts of former caretakers have been seen around the 200-year-old castle which boasts 250 acres
Some locals also believe that the spirit of a servant girl who died falling off a horse haunts the land. While others say ghosts of former caretakers have been seen around the 200-year-old castle which boasts 250 acres.
The Countess left the castle in her will to King George V and who then passed it onto the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VIII).
The castle was then passed to the Venerable Order of Saint John, and in 1928, Douglas Cochrane, 12th Earl of Dundonald purchased the castle for £78,000 (£4,932,388 today).
Inherited: The Countess left the castle in her will to King George V and who then passed it onto the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VIII)
Passing around: The castle was then passed to the Venerable Order of Saint John, and in 1928, Douglas Cochrane, 12th Earl of Dundonald purchased the castle for £78,000 (£4,932,388 today)
Safe haven: During World War Two around 300 Jewish refugees lived at the castle, and following the war the castle became a visitor’s attraction, but it has fallen into disrepair in recent years
Derelict: following the war the castle became a visitor’s attraction when it was purchased by Leslie Salt, but it has fallen into disrepair in recent years
Transitions: The series, which usually returns to TV screens in November, will certainly look different when it comes back this year
During World War Two around 300 Jewish refugees lived at the castle, and following the war the castle became a visitor’s attraction when it was purchased by Leslie Salt, but it has fallen into disrepair in recent years.
It was also the home of boxer Randolph Turpin in 1951, as he set up his training camp before beating Sugar Ray Robinson to become world middleweight champion
The series, which usually returns to TV screens in November, will certainly look different when it comes back.
While viewers have become accustomed to seeing celebrities boost their careers by donning bikinis and going shirtless as they sweat out in the Jungle, the new batch will likely need to pack thermals for the new series.
Far from the summer: While viewers have become accustomed to seeing celebrities boost their careers by donning bikinis and going shirtless as they sweat out in the Jungle, the new batch will likely need to pack thermals for the new series
Freezing cold: And as the stars settle into their temporary digs, they will no longer get the opportunity to luxuriate in the daily delight of an outdoor shower, as they will now be bathing in a primitive tin tub, according to The Sun
Changes: Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced ITV to switch locations and has resulted in major changes to production, affecting everything from what food challenges stars will do to where they will sleep during filming
And as the stars settle into their temporary digs, they will no longer get the opportunity to luxuriate in the daily delight of an outdoor shower, as they will now be bathing in a primitive tin tub, according to The Sun.
Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced ITV to switch locations and has resulted in major changes to production, affecting everything from what food challenges stars will do to where they will sleep during filming.
While creepy crawlies such as witchetty grubs have been a mainstay on the Australian menu, dining in north Wales will have more of a local flavour, as it’s been reported their eating challenges will include sheep’s testicles.
Gross: While creepy crawlies such as witchetty grubs have been a mainstay on the Australian menu, dining in north Wales will have more of a local flavour, as it’s been reported their eating challenges will include sheep’s testicles
A mouthful: And longtime hosts Ant and Dec are sure to have their tongues tied when they return to filming, as they’ll be based in a village called Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
A bit cold? The change of location means a change of weather for contestants who will have to battle 8.5C (47.3F) temperatures and winds, a stark contrast to the blistering heat in the Australian jungle 22C (71.6F)
Measures: Contingency plans will be put in place to combat drastic weather changes, including make shift huts when they need protection from the elements
Far from luxurious: Family and friends will also miss out on the opportunity to travel abroad and stay in a luxury hotel as they support their loved ones from the sidelines
And longtime hosts Ant and Dec are sure to have their tongues tied when they return to filming, as they’ll be based in a village called Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.
The change of location means a change of weather for contestants who will have to battle 8.5C (47.3F) temperatures and winds, a stark contrast to the blistering heat in the Australian jungle 22C (71.6F).
Contingency plans will be put in place to combat drastic weather changes, including make shift huts when they need protection from the elements.
Family and friends will also miss out on the opportunity to travel abroad and stay in a luxury hotel as they support their loved ones from the sidelines.
Plans: Despite all the changes, it has been suggested that relocating to Wales could save ITV a considerable amount of money, which could then be used to get bigger-name stars
The winners title of King or Queen of the Jungle will also be replaced with the last person standing being crowned King or Queen of the Castle, as the crew aim to retain much of the original features of the show.
Even the stars’ I’m A Celeb kit will have a familiar look, however they will have to wear thermal layers to keep them warm underneath in the cold Welsh winter.
Despite all the changes, it has been suggested that relocating to Wales could save ITV a considerable amount of money, which could then be used to get bigger-name stars.
Although the broadcaster will still have to convince them that spending three weeks in the cold countryside is as doable as three weeks in Australia.
Beloved: I’m A Celebrity premiered in 2002 and has been a success every year since, averaging more than 10 million viewers per episode
I’m A Celebrity premiered in 2002 and has been a success every year since, averaging more than 10 million viewers per episode.
Last year’s finale, which saw former EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa crowned Queen of the Jungle, was the most watched TV show of 2019.
Jacqueline beat out Coronation Street star Andy Whyment and presenter Roman Kemp in the final.
Other well-known stars who took part in the most recent series included reality star Caitlyn Jenner, Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle and Good Morning Britain’s Kate Garraway.
Already rumours are rife about who could be taking part this year, with stars including Vernon Kay, AJ Pritchard and Tamzin Outhwaite all reported to be in talks with show bosses.
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here 2020 will return to ITV this November.
Restoration: Construction on the castle has been underway for several weeks, with bosses ensuring some crumbling areas will still be safe for the stars