Cuddly bear moves in with TV celebs
A CHLAMYDIA-riddled koala has invaded the I’m A Celebrity camp in a first for the show.
Show producers were stunned to find the cuddly creature had crept onto their jungle set during the last few weeks.
And although there has been much action around the camp setting up for the series, the koala is perfectly happy kipping above them in the trees.
The crew have even given it a name – Karl.
However, a high proportion of the Australian native animals carry the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia.
Although unlikely, some strains of the disease can be passed from koala to humans by urine, say experts.
But Olly Nash, series producer, insists there’s no need for alarm. He said: “They move so slowly but it might just appear one morning and hang around for 20 hours. He’s around here somewhere, he’s on the side of the valley somewhere hanging around a ridge.
“It’s the first one I’ve ever heard of in the camp.
“They’re not dangerous but they are a bit smelly.”
Despite being one of Australia’s most famous symbols, koalas are rarely seen in the wild and spend most of their days asleep high in the branches of trees.
● A JUNGLE gym has been installed for the first time. The celebrities will be able to stay – or get – in shape with a full set of weights, pull-up bar and a punch bag with boxing gloves.
Producers wanted to give campmates somewhere new to chat together.
Bosses hope gym addicts like beefcake James Haskell will make a beeline for the workout area.