Jungle fever: why the nation can’t get enough of I’m a Celeb

Forcing UK celebrities to eat sheep testicles and lie in a coffin filled with snakes is a tried and tested formula here. Every November we sit in front of our television screens excited to watch Jordan North scream ‘Turf Moor happy place’ every day for three weeks. The format of the show is the same, we know the same thing happens every year, so why do we have such an infatuation with it? 

There’s many reasons, the first being we see celebrities make a fool of themselves. Another is we get to see celebrities be their true authentic self. It turns out Harry Redknapp is actually a really nice guy, and others turn out to be not so nice (Lady C comes to mind in this instance). 

However, the higher profile the show becomes, the higher profile the contestants become, which has brought some controversy in recent years. This began around the time Stanley Johnson entered the jungle. Since then, we’ve had Matt Hancock, who mishandled the covid pandemic in the same way he mishandled his mistress, and Nigel Farage, arguably up there with one of the most hated men in the country. Although it seems light-hearted as we see them get voted to take on every horrible task, some people take issue with the fact that ITV are allowing them a platform. The fact that they both made it to the final supports this argument. 

This year, bring fewer dodgy politicians, and more Wagatha Christie. Colleen Rooney will hopefully bring enough drama to boost the declining audiences. GK Barry joins the show as a contestant for the younger viewers, while Tulisa is a contestant for the nostalgic viewers.   

Despite scepticism of the future of the show, there is no doubt that I’m a Celeb has brought us some iconic moments: Peter Andre and Katie Price falling in love, Gillian Mckeith fainting and of course the infamous strawberry-gate. So grab your insect-less snacks and get comfortable for this year’s jungle antics.

Edited by: Eleanor Robinson