I’m A Celebrity’s return Down Under has been dealt a blow – after the Australian PM ruled out reopening the country’s borders until 2022.
It means the hit ITV series could be held at Gwrych Castle in North Wales for a second time this November.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he did not believe Australians had an “appetite” for welcoming tourists if it meant having more lockdowns.
In a later post on Facebook, he warned borders would only be opened “when
it is safe to do so”.
Australia’s budget plan this week confirmed “international travel is expected to remain low through to mid-2022, after which a gradual recovery in tourism is assumed to occur”.
Under current Covid rules, each I’m A Celeb cast and crew member would need to apply for individual travel exemptions in order to film the show in Australia.
The last series Down Under was won by actress Jacqueline Jossa in 2019.
Talks are thought to be ongoing at ITV and a source told the Mirror: “I’m A Celebrity will happen this year, it is just a case of deciding the location.”
A delay in getting Covid vaccines sent to Australia is partly to blame for the border closures.
Gwrych Castle near Abergele is understood to have an agreement to host the series again this year.
The contestants would normally fly to Australia in November but Quantas has delayed international flights until late December.
Last week, hosts Ant and Dec said plans were “up in the air” but they “would happily go back to Wales”.
