I'm A Celebrity urged to axe animal and insect trials as ITV show is branded 'disgusting'

Fans of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here are making waves with their demands to cut the animal and insect challenges from the show's iconic trials, branding them as "disgusting."

The ITV series, set in the Australian outback, has previously been scrutinised for its use of live creatures by the RSPCA, which condemned the practices as "mistreatment" of animals. Notorious for featuring celebrities consuming things like camel penis, pig testicles, as well as live bugs, it's unsurprising that audiences are now raising concerns that the broadcaster might escalate these elements for shock value, prompting calls for those segments to be scrapped.

Disgruntled comments have poured in over social media, with one viewer exclaiming: "Never watched this s***, and never will. The cruelty to/exploitation of wildlife here for human entertainment is beyond disgusting. There's NO justification for it, and this show should have been stopped years ago."

Another individual appealed: "Ban I'm A Celeb - gratuitous violent cruelty to other creatures for entertainment! " Adding to the chorus, a third commentator said: "I can think of way more than five reasons, this drivel is SO wrong on so many levels - but OK this is just a start."

The conversation extends beyond viewers, with conservation organisation Project the Wild entering the fray, criticising the programme for the portrayal and use of "invasive species is wrong", reports the Mirror, alongside condemning the depiction of animals as mere objects, deeming it inhumane.

Last year, the RSPCA criticised the show for putting "living creatures in dangerous and unnatural situations" which could not only harm animals on set but also inspire harmful 'copy-cat' trials by viewers at home. Dr Ros Clubb, Head of Wildlife, remarked: "Programmes like 'I'm A Celebrity' are still flagrantly disregarding the welfare of animals in the interest of a quick thrill and there's currently nothing in the Broadcasting Code to dissuade them."

Dr Ros continued, urging public support ahead of the show's finale: "Ahead of the show's finale, anyone who agrees with us can back our calls for change on the RSPCA website. In the last four years, we've seen 60,000 sign-ups to our campaign - with more than 41,000 contacting Ofcom, and approximately 20,000 complaining to ITV. We are calling for the Broadcasting Code to be urgently evaluated and strengthened in order to help protect animals from mistreatment and abuse."

They further highlighted the need for action following the Online Safety Act: "Just weeks after the Online Safety Act came into force, including new measures on policing animal cruelty content online, it's clear we need further action on Ofcom's Broadcasting Code too."

The charity has been outspoken about animal "mistreatment" since the inception of 'I'm A Celebrity' in 2002.

This year, the programme is scheduled to broadcast on November 17 and will showcase a host of familiar faces including Loose Women's Jane Moore, N-Dubz and ex X Factor judge Tulisa, along with WAG Coleen Rooney. Other celebrities include former professional pugilist Barry McGuigan, YouTuber GK Barry, TV and radio host Melvin Odoom and Corrie's beloved Alan Halsall.

With the plank challenge now removed from the show, which previously saw celebs confronting their acrophobia before entering the jungle, The Sun has disclosed that they will now race into the jungle. And the victors will reign over the camp.

The stars will reportedly select their partners for the challenge based on fitness and stamina. And the challenge is named Snakes and Ladders.