There are rumbles in the jungle about I’m A Celeb chiefs having an urgent meeting to discuss axing the series amid fears over further lockdowns.
The hit ITV show, hosted by Ant and Dec, is in jeopardy after cases of Covid-19 soared in North Wales, where the set is currently being built.
A summit was held last week to discuss worst-case scenarios.
And show chiefs will now hold daily meetings about the Government’s changing pandemic guidelines.
Ant, 44, and Dec, 45, still had the giggles as they were filmed having one of their regular Covid tests this week. But behind scenes, gloom is said to be rising on this year’s show.
A source said: “There are fears on set about a national lockdown if cases and deaths continue to rise.
“It has been a huge concern to the casting team as well as producers.
“The possibility of postponing the series and rescheduling to early next year was given due consideration.
“But rescheduling isn’t a viable option as the casting involves set dates in contracts for talent.
“A contingency plan is being put into place but it’s unlikely they will be able to postpone to 2021.
“In the worst-case scenario this year’s series will have to be cancelled.”
Filming of the 20th series is due to start next month at Gwrych Castle in Abergele, North Wales – a far cry from the usual sweltering location in Australia, which was ruled out because of coronavirus curbs.
Crew have been working around the clock to ensure the 19th century Grade I listed building is safe for when the celebrities arrive.
But yesterday the university town of Bangor – 27 miles from Abergele – was hit with new lockdown restrictions following a rise in cases among mainly young people and students.
Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy are also under stricter measures.
Our source added: “ITV and the execs on the show are having daily briefings to discuss ever-changing Government guidelines with fear of a national lockdown coming or at least affecting Wales.
“That would restrict the hundreds of production team staff who would need to be on site to make the show across a three-week period.
“There have also been discussions about shortening the series to two weeks instead of a 3.5-week stint.”
ITV is understood to have paid £1million to use the castle for the show, which is in its 20th series.
Builders have been called in to tackle vertical cracking in the walls.
Coronation Street ’s Bev Callard, 63, who plays Liz McDonald, is the first contestant to officially sign up.
ITV declined to comment.
