I’m A Celebrity 2023 FIRST LOOK: Jungle camp has expanded to include a private gossiping area, plus the highest trial in Australia and a bigger menu of gruesome animal organs

• I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! return to screens on November 19

IT’S back and it’s bigger than ever – the I’m A Celebrity Jungle has expanded to include a private gossiping area, the highest trial in Australia and an even bigger menu of gruesome animal organs.

Set to face the Jungle this year are the likes of the controversial Brexit leader Nigel Farage, the ruthless restaurant critic Grace Dent and international boxer Tony Bellew – but none of these tough nuts know what is coming for them.

The Daily Mail was granted a behind the scenes look at the show’s impressive features both new and old before it’s set to air this Sunday.

This year’s series will feature Australia’s highest ever trial and the infamous eating trial – where celebrities consume the likes of pig testicles and deer blood – will become extreme this year as stars will have to eat more than one disgusting dish on the menu if they wish to win awards.

Exciting: With just days to go until the much-anticipated launch of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! the final preparations are underway in the Gold Coast 

When travelling to trials, celebrities are blindfolded and put in the back of a stuffy white van with blacked out windows after which they are driven to unknown locations but not far from the camp.

This is done to keep the stars immersed in their jungle journey. Any hint of the outside world, maybe a radio announcement or a chat with the driver, could break the illusion and allow them to touch back to reality.

Camp is a lot smaller than it appears on screens at home and the beds are cramped and basic.

The water pool where the celebs swim to cool off which is reportedly infested with Yabbies – an Australian crustacean around eight inches long from the crayfish family.

Yabbies have been around for more than 200 years, but a new feature sits next to the watering hole – a built in platform overlooking the pool equipped with a bench – perfect for a bit of harmless gossiping between disgruntled campmates.

ITV bosses decided to add the decking to allow a literal platform for stars to whinge with one another – allowing audiences further insight into relationship dynamics – though they assure this year there will be no romantic relationships.

For heavy smokers such as Nigel – who puffs at least ten a day – lone cigarette breaks are taken off-screen in a private area and achieved by asking a crew member.

ITV supply packs of the smoker’s preferred brand to have on hand but for vapers it’s a different story as in Australia you must hold a nicotine licence in order to vape in the country.

First look images of the 2023 camp have been revealed ahead of the new series which kicks off on November 19 (Hosts Ant and Dec pictured)

Apart from the smoking-area there is no real place for the celebrities to decompress – apart from the Telegraph room but even in there, one wall is filled with cameras trained on the confessional booth.

I’m Celebrity contestants are less supported in terms of handling social media after their time in the Jungle because ITV bosses insist, they are seasoned pros at handling public scrutiny.

As well as the famous phone booth, Kiosk Kev is also back and was pictured in his new Kev’s Wallaby Whips Van.

Every move the celebrities make will be under the watchful eye of 128 cameras that are carefully disguised in camp while contestants can vent about their co-stars in the Bush Telegraph.

Celebrities are only allowed one luxury item, which has to be earned, and bosses say the most common request is a pillow – but not all stars have been wise with their choices in the past.

Show hosts Ant and Dec will broadcast live from their tree house, which has been rebuilt and modernised this year, and the famous red bridge, where celebrities reunite with friends and family after being booted off the show, also returns.

Tough: The images show that celebs will be forced to sleep on hammocks, clean out the toilet, and dodge venomous snakes and spiders while taking on gruelling trials

The iconic red telephone box, which is used on the show for campmates to win treats by answering a question during the Dingo Dollar challenges, will return.

Fun: As well as the famous phone booth, Kiosk Kev is also back and was pictured in his new Kev’s Wallaby Whips Van

Camp: Keeping clean won’t be easy either, as celebrities will need to use a water wheel to generate running water to wash in a dirty bathtub

The full lineup for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2023 has been unveiled and it features some of the show’s most outspoken characters ever.

Leading this year’s campmates are Fred Sirieix, Grace Dent, Danielle Harold , Marvin Humes and Josie Gibson , with the stars seen in their jungle garb for the first time in new photographs.

Also preparing for a stint in the Australian outback are Jamie Lynn Spears , Sam Thompson , Nella Rose, Nigel Farage and Nick Pickard.

Retired jockey Frankie Dettori and boxer Tony Bellew have also been rumoured to be potential campmates, but entering as this series’ latecomers.

However, rain is set to beat down on the set a whole host of creepy crawlies and ‘flesh-eating leeches’ could also be making an appearance.

The unexpected New South Wales weather has left workers desperately scrambling to get the site ready.

There is the option of the waterfall, which has been made famous by the likes of former contestants Myleene Klass and Katie Price who stripped down to their bikinis to bathe, but it’s located up a rocky hill and is dependent on the level of rainfall

Show hosts Ant and Dec will broadcast live from their tree house, which has been rebuilt and modernised this year, and the famous red bridge, where celebrities reunite with friends and family after being booted off the show, also returns

Watching on: Every move the celebrities make will be under the watchful eye of 128 cameras that are carefully disguised in camp while contestants can vent about their co-stars in the Bush Telegraph

Weather: However, rain is set to beat down on the set a whole host of creepy crawlies and ‘flesh-eating leeches’ could also be making an appearance

Shock: The unexpected New South Wales weather has left workers desperately scrambling to get the site ready

Last year, bosses had no choice but to close the camp for a whole day, when they were hit by a storm, with Joe Swash saying it had ‘leeches everywhere in the water’.

At the time, downpours also swept in parasitic worms, which typically live in creeks and in bushlands, into suburban streets, so this year’s wild weather could spell trouble.

According to The Sun , construction had no choice but to stop on the site earlier this week, when the heavy rain and strong wind made it impossible.

The storm could not have come at a worse time as there is still so much to do before I’m A Celeb… returns to our screens on Sunday, 19th October.

Workers still need to put in place the new trial areas which will include an Aztec temple and an outdoor pool with six sunken cages.

The Bureau of Meteorology were forced to issue a warning for Murwillumbah, the town in New South Wales where the ITV camp is based.

Possible clashes: Nigel will be joined by an assortment of pop stars, actors and social media influencers when he lands in the jungle 

A source said: ‘Every minute counts at this stage of production, so even an hour stolen from the schedule is frustrating.

‘The rain and wind has been strong – definitely not what people think of for the Gold Coast.’

On the weather, a show source said: ‘The production team are the best in the business and are used to working in all weather conditions.

‘There’s contingencies in place for all weather scenarios. Thankfully the weather forecast is looking dry and hot for the celebrities’ arrivals.’

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! aires at 9:00pm on ITV1 from November 19.

I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates

NIGEL FARAGE

Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party  and leader of the Brexit Party.

Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty. 

Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news. 

Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore. 

Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields 

DANIELLE HAROLD

Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.

Phobias: Rats. I hate them! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in. 

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too! 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either. 

Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.

FRED SIRIEIX

Claim to fame: First Dates star.

Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp. 

Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning. 

Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient! 

Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.

NELLA ROSE

Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star. 

Phobias: I am fearful of everything! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book. 

Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.

 Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it! 

Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele. 

NICK PICKARD

Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star. 

Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character. 

Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts. 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop! 

Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock. 

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS

Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.

 Phobias: I am scared of everything.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.

Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone. 

Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed. 

Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot. 

Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.

SAM THOMPSON

Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter. 

Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck. 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!

Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming. 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things. 

Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle! 

JOSIE GIBSON

Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.

Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information! 

Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on! 

Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry. 

Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her. 

MARVIN HUMES

Claim to fame: JLS star.

Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me. 

Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too. 

Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food. 

Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.

GRACE DENT

Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic. 

Phobias: Horrible people. 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this. 

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour. 

Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep. 

Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour! 

 

 

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