I'm A Celebrity has defended its use of bugs amid reports the programme is under police investigation for releasing non-native wildlife during filming.
Police are investigating the programme over its use of non-native species of bugs including cockroaches, maggots, spiders and worms, according to The Guardian.
The newspaper said the programme had potentially breached the Wildlife and Countryside Act if it failed to get a licence for the release of the insects.
A spokesman for the programme said all of the insects used during the programme are "non-invasive species".
The 20th series of the ITV reality show is currently being filmed at Gwrych Castle, in Abergele, north Wales due to the coronavirus pandemic making it impossible to head to its usual Australian filming location.
The programme's spokesman added: "All of the insects used on I'm A Celebrity are non-invasive species.
"They are only ever released in a contained area and collected immediately after filming.
"The bugs are UK-bred and are commercially purchased in the UK for birds and exotic animal feed for pets and zoo keepers in normal circumstances.
"Our insects have been donated to local wildlife sanctuaries, trusts and zoos for their exotic animal and bird feed after filming."
Wales' First Minister has also waded into the controversy.
He told BBC Breakfast: "We worked carefully with the production company to make sure that all the rules are being observed.
"If there have been some infringement then it's right that they are investigated.
"We would be concerned about non-native species being released."
But he said the programme "has brought the eyes of people outside Wales to Wales".
And he added: "Looking ahead to next year, of course, we look forward very much to being able to welcome people back here to Wales."
