PETA urge I’m a Celebrity fans to boycott show after concerns over ‘cruel’ bushtucker trials

ITV’s I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here has been slammed by an animal rights charity for its “cruel ways” and “blatant animal abuse” during bushtucker trials.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have hit out at the expected “tacky animal stunts we’ve seen year after year on I’m a Celeb.”

They said, “it isn’t funny,” adding “treating animals like inanimate props for puerile pranks ignores all we’ve learned about the other remarkable beings we share the world with.”

The charity made it very clear they did not approve of ITV and their “dangerous message.”

“ITV seem perfectly happy to continue to send the dangerous message that abusing animals is acceptable or even entertaining,” they said.

“Despite knowing the suffering, discomfort, and fear that the unwilling animal participants endure during the show’s idiotic challenges,” they said, before urging “viewers to change the channel on this circus until producers get animals out of there.”

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“This disregard for life also sends a dangerous message to viewers that abusing animals is acceptable and even entertaining,” she added.

“The show has been running for almost two decades now, but its producers are still stuck in their cruel ways – even though people in the UK voice their disgust at the blatant animal abuse shown every year.”

A spokesperson for I’m A Celebrity told Indy100: “I’m A Celebrity complies with animal welfare law concerning the use of animals and we are proud of our exemplary production practices.”

While contestants are yet to be officially announced, reports suggest that Good Morning Britain’s Richard Madeley has signed up to the show, alongside The Saturdays’ singer Frankie Bridge.

Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale in EastEnders) has also reportedly signed up, along with Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald in Coronation Street), Danny Miller (Aaron Dingle in Emmerdale), and former footballing pro David Ginola.

I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here will return to screens on Sunday (21 November) at 9pm.

Indy100 has reached out to PETA for further comment.