The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! camp has been modified this year to accommodate Ade Adepitan, who will be the first wheelchair user to appear on the show.
The 53-year-old TV presenter was flown out to Australia earlier this year to visit the camp and work with the production team to identify areas that needed adaptation. Since then, the team has been working with Adepitan to ensure the camp is fully accessible for him.
Accessibility changes at the camp
Pathways have been made deeper, and dedicated parking bays for Adepitan's wheelchairs have been created so he can transfer between his crutches and wheelchair, just as he would outside the camp. New rest areas have been installed along the path from the camp to the creek, and a stairlift has been built to give him access to the jungle shower.
Adepitan will have three wheelchairs in and around the camp, along with three pairs of crutches placed where needed. He will also have another wheelchair for the bushtucker trials and an electric wheelchair capable of handling more difficult terrain, such as a beach.
Adepitan's reaction and the new series
Despite the adjustments, Adepitan has not been told about format plans, bushtucker trials, or anything else planned for the new series. Reflecting on his involvement, he said: "Words like honour and privilege are ones I feel, but I don't think they sum it up enough."
He added: "For me, this is a moment in time. Even if I go out in the first week, I will always be remembered as the person in a wheelchair. I am slightly overwhelmed. It's never been done before, and it never crossed my mind I would be the first. It's the biggest show on TV and this is a huge opportunity. How often do you get to spend three weeks in the jungle doing this crazy stuff?"
The cast line-up includes former footballer Wayne Rooney, actress Joanna Page, model Leomie Anderson, Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, YouTuber and content creator Sharky, TV presenter AJ Odudu, comedian Jack Skipper, and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup. The show starts on Monday November 16 at 9pm on Virgin Media Play and Virgin Media One.
