I’m A Celebrity Introduces Major New Rule For Bushtucker Trials
A big change is coming to the jungle this year — I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! bosses have confirmed that no contestant can be voted to face more than two Bushtucker Trials in a row.
The rule, described by ITV as “two in a row and you miss a go,” has been brought in to “give all campmates the opportunity to shine.” The new rule will mean that after completing two trials, a contestant is automatically exempt from the next one before voting resets. ITV said the change is meant to share out screen time, make things fairer, and keep the show interesting.
“More campmates will have an opportunity to step up and play their part with viewers getting a chance to get to know them more,” a spokesperson said. It’s the first time the show has set a limit on how often one person can be picked for trials.
A show insider added: “It will be really good for the show. When celebrities get voted over and over again, it can be quite upsetting for them. The public gets bored or annoyed, and the other contestants were becoming increasingly frustrated at missing out on air time.”
The decision follows years of fans repeatedly voting for the same celebrity to take on the gruesome challenges. Past seasons have seen certain stars targeted by viewers keen to see them squirm — from Gillian McKeith’s famous fainting spell after her seventh trial in 2010, to Helen Flanagan’s repeated walkouts in 2012.
In 2022, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock was voted in six times straight, while BBC DJ Dean McCullough faced seven consecutive trials last year. Even Ant McPartlin was baffled, asking on air: “Who’s still voting for Dean, I don’t get it.”
The updated voting system should help prevent that, while still keeping the trials unpredictable. It’s also part of a wider plan to freshen up the format as the hit ITV reality show celebrates its 25th anniversary.
This year’s campmates include Jack Osbourne, Alex Scott, Ruby Wax, Lisa Riley, Kelly Brook, Martin Kemp, Shona McGarty, comedian Eddie Kadi, rapper Aitch, and social media star Morgan “Angry Ginge” Burtwistle. Vogue Williams and Tom Read Wilson are also expected to make late entries. Ant and Dec will once again host the show, which kicks off this Sunday from the Australian jungle.
