The RSPCA wants to stop live animals being used in Bushtucker Trials on I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and 17,000 of its supporters have complained to ITV. The charity claims the complaints have been sent to ITV Viewer Services over the use and portrayal of live animals
The series, in which former Health Secretary Matt Hancock made a surprise appearance, has returned to Australia after a two-year stint in Wales during the pandemic. Last year, the RSPCA said more than 13,000 of its supporters complained about live animals and that nothing has changed this year.
It says ITV’s production team are putting sentient animals, such as reptiles, in distressing situations and that invertebrate animals have been at risk of being crushed during Bushtucker Trials. RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: "Sadly, we are once again seeing many live animals on our TV screens put in situations that could compromise their welfare for a quick laugh.