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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Will Twigger

I'm A Celebrity breaks tradition for first time in 18 years as Vernon crowns Giovanna

I'm A Celebrity has parted with a tradition for the first time in its 18 year history.

Since the second series in 2003, the former series winner, or the series before, had placed the crown upon the head of the new jungle royalty.

And to end the unique 2020 show, last year's winner Jacqueline Jossa wasn't able to crown the first ever Queen of the Castle.

Instead, for the first time ever, it was a fellow campmate crowning the new royalty.

The Sun had reported that EastEnders' Jac wouldn't be able to make it due to Covid travel restrictions.

And though fans hoped to see Jac on our screens again, third place Vernon Kay took on the responsibility and crowned Giovanna Fletcher.

Vernon crowned Gi in Jac's absence (ITV)

Vernon had left earlier in the episode, with it coming down to Gi and Jordan North for the crown.

And an emotional Jordan admitted that if he were to lose to anyone, it would've been Gi.

Sources claimed that Jac had wanted to attend, but was unable to isolate ahead of the journey to Wales due to rehearsals for an upcoming West End stint.

It's said Jac was unable to make the final because she was rehearsing for an upcoming project on the West End (jacjossa/Instagram)
Gi thanked Ant and Dec as they read out her name (ITV)

"It is a more COVID secure option not to invite Jacqueline on set to hand over the crown. So on balance, producers decided for her not to appear on the final," the insider claimed.

"We don't want to bring an outsider into the bubble. We've protected the celebs for weeks and that doesn't end on the final.

"She has been rehearsing for a West End role so hasn't been able to isolate so it was deemed an unnecessary risk."

Gi, Jordan and Vernon were joined for the crowning by the rest of their campmates on video calls.

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