I’M A CELEBQUITTY
Stars shun show’s move from sunny Oz to wintry Wales
I’M A Celebrity... don’t put me in there!
Stars being sounded out for ITV’S creepy crawly challenge are getting cold feet now it no longer means a trip to the sunshine Down Under.
Amazingly, bookers are struggling to persuade celebs to spend three weeks freezing in a campsite on the wet and windy north coast of Wales in winter.
So desperate producers have been looking at swanky hotels that may entice them into signing up.
One agent told Talk TV: “I’m finding it hard to secure talent.
“Moving the show is a huge mistake and they’ll need to put more pounds to secure decent names in the future. They’d be better off scrapping it this year and returning once they were able to film again in Australia.”
Time is running out as the show starts in November. Celebs rumoured to be taking part include former Strictly pro AJ Pritchard, 25, presenter Vernon Kay, 46, soap favourites Beverley Callard, 63, and Tamzin Outhwaite, 49, and ex-england footballer Paul Merson, 52.
Previously, campmates have always been put up in the spectacular Palazzo Versace on Queensland’s Gold Coast to make up for their grotty experience in the jungle camp.
This year I’m A Celeb will be filmed at Gwrych Castle, Abergele.
A caravan park nearby has been asked about renting digs for cast and crew.
A source said bosses are considering trying to lure stars by booking local luxury hotels such as country house and spa retreats Bodysgallen Hall, near Llandudno, and Tre- Ysgawen Hall on Anglesey.
Hardly slumming it but not quite the balmy Gold Coast.