Locals have reacted angrily to claims that TV duo Ant and Dec are not welcome in North Wales after a picture appeared to show a banner telling the star pair to "go home".
Pictures have been shared with the media showing a banner hanging from a bridge above the A55 in Abergele with a spray-painted message reading 'Ant + Dec Go Home!'
But locals have hit back at claims of hostility towards the ITV production, and said they are "delighted" to welcome I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here back this weekend. While some locals are simply baffled, North Wales Live reports.
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Local councillor Delyth MacRae was quoted in some articles as being critical, but she said the quotes used, which referenced a debate over use of a footpath, were taken out of context from a meeting earlier this year.
Cllr MacRae said: "The comment they used from me was totally out of context and not correct.
"I'm furious about it because I've been misquoted, it's absolutely ridiculous.
"The town has been booming because of the show and the economic benefits to the area have been amazing, it's brought so many visitors to the town."
A spokesperson for Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust said: "It seems to be a publicity stunt which is sad to see.
"A lot of local people and businesses have been employed by ITV again this year and it’s brought a lot of excitement and interest to the area.
"Last year the show is thought to have brought in over £1m to the Welsh economy so we’re very happy to have the show here for the second year in a row."
Several articles reported that I'm A Celeb bosses had angered locals by restricting access to the site but many took to social media to have their say.
One local resident wrote: "I read this article and some of the comments, and I was so annoyed.
"People of Abergele are wonderfully warm and welcoming! A great pity that a tiny minority, with sizeable chips on their shoulders, have had their unpleasant views highlighted."
Another viewer wrote: "A massive welcome to Ant, Dec, the camp mates and all production staff.
"Thank you for coming back and holding your hugely popular program here. Your visit puts us on the map like never before and helps the lovely Gwrych Castle team save our beautiful Castle.
"We are very happy to have you all here and can’t wait for the show to begin."
