Now Welsh leader says I’m A Celeb bugs may be risk to human health
IT’s a row over foreign creepy- crawlies which has really bugged environmental campaigners.
Now Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has joined criticism of the use of non-native wildlife on I’m A Celebrity.
He warned that releasing foreign bugs on Welsh soil may pose a threat to human health and other wildlife.
The hit ITV show was probed by police after thousands of cockroaches were poured over contestants such as TV host Vernon Kay and Olympic runner sir Mo Farah as they undergo trials.
Critics claim it is also using foreign spiders, maggots and worms.
Mr Drakeford told BBC Breakfast yesterday: ‘We worked carefully with the production company to make sure that all the rules are being observed. If there have been some infringements, then it’s right that they are investigated.
‘We would be concerned about non-native species being released.’ He said that ‘viewers will have seen the stories from Denmark recently about mink and coronavirus crossing species’.
The politician added: ‘We wouldn’t want to see non-native species being released here in Wales because of the risks that could pose to the health of other wildlife but potentially, as in the Danish situation, the risk to human health as well.’
Police investigated the show over fears non-native bugs may be escaping into the Welsh countryside. But TV bosses have insisted all the insects used at the location in Gwrych Castle in North Wales are ‘non-invasive species’.
Last night a police spokesman said officers had been alerted to ‘the potential release of creatures into “non studio” areas’’
He added: ‘We have given suitable advice to the production team regarding their set management and biosecurity.’ BBC Autumnwatch’s Welsh presenter Iolo Williams reported ITV after being appalled by seeing thousands of cockroaches being poured over contestants. He labelled it ‘madness’ to use non-native species.
Mr Williams, 58, said: ‘I’m not sure which species they’re releasing, but I can tell you they’re not native. We don’t have those cockroaches here in the UK and we certainly don’t have them in North Wales.’
Gwrych Castle Woods, next to the filming location, is a site of special scientific interest – home to some of the country’s rarest wildlife.
An I’m A Celebrity spokesman said all the insects used were strictly kept in the filming area.
He added: ‘They are only ever released in a contained area and collected immediately after filming.
‘The bugs are UK-bred and are commercially purchased in the UK. Our insects have been donated to local wildlife sanctuaries, trusts and zoos for their exotic animal and bird feed after filming.’
I’m A Celebrity is being filmed in Wales rather than its usual jungle location in Australia this year due to the pandemic.