Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year’s I’m A Celebrity revealed – following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock’s controversial appearance

Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year's I'm A Celebrity revealed - following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock's controversial appearance

As a long-time fan of reality TV shows, I must say that I am thrilled about Coleen Rooney joining I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! With her extensive experience as a wife, mother, and footballer’s spouse, she is certain to bring an interesting perspective to the jungle.


This year, the bosses deliberately chose not to include politicians in the cast for I’m A Celebrity, as TopMob has learned.

The makers at ITV are aiming to create a more upbeat show following the contentious appearances of politicians Matt Hancock and Nigel Farage, which led to a split among viewers.

Managers are optimistic that bringing on board Coleen Rooney, following the Wagatha Christie case, will create a more upbeat, joyful, and lighter work environment.

According to reports, ITV is aiming to make the upcoming season of ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ more upbeat, following a reevaluation of past seasons that featured contentious political figures like Matt Hancock and Nigel Farage, who caused a split in the viewership.

Producers have introduced two camp leaders to facilitate relationship-building among the contestants by altering the basic structure of the show.

Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year's I'm A Celebrity revealed - following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock's controversial appearance

Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year's I'm A Celebrity revealed - following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock's controversial appearance
Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year's I'm A Celebrity revealed - following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock's controversial appearance

In simple terms, Executive Producer Olly Nash expressed his desire for ‘a whole year filled with positivity, happiness, and laughter, much like a lively summer camp. This time around, he hopes we can grow even closer as a team. He aims to replicate the magical spirit of 2018 and the charm of Harry Redknapp.’

TopMob have contacted ITV for a comment.

As an ardent viewer, I can’t help but rejoice at the no-politicians policy on the channel’s signature program. It’s like a breath of fresh air, a refreshing change that keeps former MPs out of the spotlight and gives other talented individuals a chance to shine!

Throughout 2023, Nigel frequently accused ITV of underhanded tactics, both during and following his appearance on their show, claiming they weren’t playing fair.

He warned the channel’s director Kevin Lygo against going to ‘war’ with him, claiming that his life had been made ‘quite unpleasant’ while on the show.

Nigel claimed that superiors intentionally silenced him, decreased his speaking time, and opted to broadcast him, but not any other competitor, while they were both showering in the Australian wilderness without clothes on.

Online backers urged ITV to face consequences for allegedly censoring the politician, after making accusations against them.

During the last week of the show, the controversy led Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, the hosts of I’m A Celebrity, to express on their Instagram Live channel, Jungle Club, “We might take a break from inviting politicians for a whole year.

Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year's I'm A Celebrity revealed - following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock's controversial appearance
Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year's I'm A Celebrity revealed - following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock's controversial appearance
Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year's I'm A Celebrity revealed - following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock's controversial appearance

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I recently found myself contemplating the possibility of our esteemed Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, gracing the I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! jungle as a potential future campmate. However, in reflecting upon this notion, my long-time co-host Ant McPartlin shared his thoughts: “I believe we should take a break from inviting any politicians for at least a year.

Ant added: ‘Agreed, agreed, agreed.’ 

The decision to exclude politicians was made by ITV executives, following a significant number of viewers deciding not to watch last year’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! program.

2023’s final had significantly fewer viewers, dropping from approximately 10.1 million in 2022 to only around 6.6 million this year.

ITV executives think the decrease in viewership might be because they’ve added controversial politicians among the celebrity cast.

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that politicians have started to appear regularly on the I’m a Celebrity cast. Notable political figures who’ve joined include the veteran Tory Edwina Currie, the Liberal Democrat Lembit Öpik, and the former leader of Scottish Labour, Kezia Dugdale.

In the year 2012, Nadine Dorries became known for her participation in a popular TV series, ultimately becoming the first contestant to leave the jungle. During this time, she was also serving as a Member of Parliament. However, due to her involvement in the show while holding this position, the then-Prime Minister decided to expel Ms. Dorries from the Conservative Party.

Hoping to bring a fun, exciting and positive swing to the show, Coleen will join the likes of former Strictly pro dancer Oti Mabuse, 34, and McFly singer Danny Jones, 38.
Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year's I'm A Celebrity revealed - following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock's controversial appearance
Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year's I'm A Celebrity revealed - following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock's controversial appearance
Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year's I'm A Celebrity revealed - following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock's controversial appearance
Real reason ITV bosses avoided politicians on this year's I'm A Celebrity revealed - following Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock's controversial appearance

I’ve made arrangements and gathered support, there’s a team of loved ones – relatives, acquaintances from school, and friends – who will be taking care of the children during my absence. It seems likely that they’ll enjoy themselves quite a bit.

25-year-old influencer GK Barry and 62-year-old media personality Jane Moore both arrived in Australia on Tuesday, preparing for their upcoming engagements.

After numerous attempts over the years, Colleen eventually consented to join, as her strong 16-year marriage with Plymouth Argyle manager Wayne provides stability, and their four children Kai (14), Klay (11), Kit (8), and Cass (6) have grown older.

On Monday, the mother of four traveled to Brisbane and honored her loved ones by wearing a golden necklace bearing her son’s names, as she readies herself for their absence over the coming month.

In my latest Instagram post, I’ve unveiled a thoughtfully prepared video showcasing two whiteboards brimming with well-laid-out schedules tailored for my kids.

She stated: “Yes, it’s true – I will venture into the jungle… Have you ever wondered what they’ve been asking me for all these years? I’ve consistently declined or postponed because my children were young, and I had numerous responsibilities.

This time around, I found myself contemplating something novel. I’ve decided to take on a challenge that excites me. It’s about exploring uncharted territories, pursuing personal growth, and encountering fresh faces. I’m all geared up for these trials, eagerly anticipating the journey ahead.

Let me clarify, I’m genuinely worried about having to leave the children, which is a major concern for me. This worry has been lingering in my thoughts for quite some time now, but I’ve managed to accept the situation.

I’ve made arrangements and gathered assistance, from my loved ones such as family, friends, even old schoolmates – everyone’s pitching in to take care of the children. It’s likely they’ll have a wonderful experience while I’m gone.

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2024-11-13 14:19

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