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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Emma Gill

I'm A Celebrity Jungle Challenge attraction closes down 15 months after opening

ITV has made the shock decision to close down the I'm A Celebrity Jungle Challenge at Salford Quays.

The much-anticipated attraction based on the hit ITV show opened just last summer, but bosses have told the Manchester Evening News it 'has become financially unviable going forward'.

Billed as 'the ultimate jungle encounter', the challenge, inspired by the blockbuster show, promised to 'take Campmates into the heart of the jungle to navigate a series of fun-filled physical challenges'.

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But today, Wednesday, ITV bosses have confirmed the place will close 'with immediate effect'.

A statement on the attraction's Facebook page states: "ITV has made the decision to close the IAC Jungle Challenge Attraction with immediate effect.

The iconic phone box at the attraction (ABNM Photography)

"All customers with future bookings will be automatically contacted via the booking email and fully refunded. Please allow 7 working days for the team to process your refund and for the money to appear back in your bank account."

People have already commented on the post to ask why there is no further explanation of the closure, with customers saying they had booked the place for upcoming celebrations.

"That’s the boys Xmas present ruined," said one. "Do we know why I was booking for my Daughters 21st birthday in April?" said another.

Based at Quayside, MediaCityUK - formerly known as The Lowry Shopping Centre - the attraction featured Main Camp, the Throne and Winner's Bridge, and promised to 'put campmates' nerve and agility to the test as they raced against the clock in a bid to collect stars and be crowned King or Queen of the jungle'.

Visitors were able to scale The Ascent - an 8.1m vertical rock climb, reach dizzy heights racing across the suspended Treetop Trail, scramble nets, balance on beams and swing round the Jungle Run, take a leap of faith on Get a Grip and glide through the trees on a Zipline, all as part of timed trials.

A spokesperson for ITV said: "ITV have made the decision to close the IAC Jungle Challenge Attraction as it has become financially unviable going forward.

"We'd like to express our thanks to the staff at our operator Continuum for their work during the time it has been open.

"Where practical we will seek to redeploy team members across our other attractions operated by Continuum."

Tickets for the attraction started from £20 for early evening slots, with family tickets from £84.

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