I'm A Celebrity is hit with more than 12,000 Ofcom complaints over the 'use and portrayal' of animals during trials
I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! has been hit with a blast of Ofcom complaints surrounding the 'use and portrayal' of animals during the Bushtucker Trials.
More than 12,000 furious viewers have contacted the communications regulator to vent their objections to how the ITV show used live creatures throughout the series.
Welsh animal welfare charity RSPCA Cymru have been taking to social media to encourage others to take action after their experts closely monitored the programme.
Oh no: I'm A Celebrity has been hit with more than 12,000 Ofcom complaints over the 'use and portrayal' of animals during trials (Naughty Boy pictured in this year's series)
On Sunday, the charity tweeted: 'It may be the #ImACeleb final tonight - but a record number of you have backed our campaign to contact Ofcom w/ concerns about the show's use & portrayal of animals.
'12,000+ of you have taken action - even more than last year, when the show first came to #Wales. Diolch!
'Our welfare experts have been closely monitoring this year's #ImACelebrity - & sadly have seen a large number of 'Bushtucker Trials' featuring the use of live animals, often in stressful or worrying situations. Read more, and take action.'
Speaking out: More than 12,000 furious viewers have contacted the communications regulator to vent their objections to how the ITV show used live creatures throughout the series (Frankie Bridge pictured)
The numbers supporting the RSPCA's campaign this year has surpassed the 11,800 who took action during the last series, when the programme was filmed in North Wales for the first time.
Dr Ros Clubb, from the RSPCA's wildlife department, said: 'We're overwhelmed by the response from the public to our campaign against the use of live animals in the I'm a Celeb show.
'More than 12,000 have already written to Ofcom to express concern - with the reaction from the public even stronger than last year, when the programme was filmed in North Wales for the first time.
'Recent weeks have once again seen many live animals put in situations that would compromise their welfare for nothing more than a quick laugh - and once again we've been really worried about what we have seen.'
Encouraging change: Welsh animal welfare charity RSPCA Cymru have been taking to social media to encourage others to take action after their experts closely monitored the programme
The 2021 series saw the likes of Naughty Boy, Frankie Bridge and Louise Minchin get up close and personal with snakes, critters, rats and lizards.
The RSPCA added that these creatures were subject to 'stressful situations' and 'confined spaces.'
An ITV spokesperson said: 'The team at I’m A Celebrity have many years of experience in producing the show and have rigorous protocols in place to ensure that animals are handled safely before, during and after filming, in compliance with animal welfare law. Welfare and safety is always our primary priority.'
Creatures: The 2021 series saw the likes of Naughty Boy, Frankie Bridge and Louise Minchin (pictured) get up close and personal with snakes, critters, rats and lizards
Danny Miller was crowned the first king of the castle, while Simon Gregson came second and Frankie Bridge third in Sunday's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! final.
The Emmerdale star, 30, sat on the throne and wore the floral crown after becoming the first male celebrity to win the show following its relocation to Gwrych Castle in north Wales - and later admitted he signed up so he could provide for his baby son.
Danny wasn't able to be reunited with his seven-week old son Albert or his fiancée Steph as he left the castle due to Covid restrictions stopping families waiting for them as they leave.
His triumph follows a series of setbacks for the beleaguered show, which has been routinely hampered by freak weather storms since its launch in November, among them Storm Arwen.
Winner! Danny Miller was crowned the first king of the castle, while Simon Gregson came second and Frankie Bridge third in Sunday's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! final
