Would You Boycott I’m A Celebrity Over The Bushtucker Trials?

One of the biggest TV events of the year kicks off on Sunday... I'm A Celebrity. The much-loved show is back, with names such as Richard Madeley, after the show moved from the Australian jungle due to Covid restrictions.

The show ditched live eating challenges in 2019, but animal rights charity Peta{ =nofollow}- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - are still calling for audiences to boycott the show due to the way animals are treated, with live animals - such as snakes, rats and bugs - are frequently used in the (often nightmarish) Buchtucker trials.

Peta UK’s Media and Communications Manager, Jennifer White told Metro.co.uk, 'People didn’t want to see animals being eaten alive, and they got rid of live eating challenges, but we’re still seeing animals being treated in these incredibly horrific ways, all to try and up their TV ratings.'

This isn't the first time Peta have raised concerns about the trials, and in 2019, the charity set up a petition (which, according to Peta, they say has over 40,000 signatures).The petition, addressed to ITV studios, reads: 'Unlike the celebrity contestants, who want to be on the show, animals are not there by choice, and they deserve better than to be used in irresponsible and inhumane stunts in an attempt to boost ratings.

'All animals want to live free from harm, and none should be exploited for entertainment. This kind of blatant disregard for life is what keeps animal protection caseworkers inundated with cruelty reports year round, as it sets a dangerous example for viewers, many of whom are greatly influenced by what they see on their screens.'

A spokesperson for I’m A Celebrity previously told Metro: ‘I’m A Celebrity complies with animal welfare law concerning the use of animals and we are proud of our exemplary production practices.’ (Grazia has contacted ITV for comment.)

ITV was fined £1,660 for animal cruelty on IAC, when Gino D’Acampo and Stuart Manning ate a rat which Gino had killed - to go with their meal of rice and beans - in 2009.

I'm A Celebrity starts on Sunday November 21.

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