Viewers of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! have launched a scathing attack on the current series, branding the iconic Bushtucker Trials 'incredibly boring and easy' and accusing ITV of having 'gone soft'.
Jungle Backlash: What Are Fans Saying?
The criticism has erupted online, with a Reddit thread becoming a focal point for disgruntled fans. One viewer penned: 'Anyone else finding the trials incredibly boring now?' They lamented the repetitive nature of the challenges, which often involve unscrewing stars or using keys while being surrounded by a limited roster of creatures like crocodiles, spiders, and rats.
Another fan agreed, writing: 'They seem to be so much easier too, they’ve got full stars on majority of them already!?' This sentiment was echoed by a third who questioned the difficulty, stating: 'I’m not being funny some of them look ridiculously easy. To the point where your looking at the tv thinking “picking up toads is a difficult task now?”'
Have The Trials Really Become Easier?
The evidence appears to support the viewers' claims. This year's campmates have shown remarkable competence, with the lowest star haul so far being six. Many trials have resulted in seven, eight, ten, and even the new maximum of twelve stars being won. This high success rate is a stark contrast to the struggles of earlier series.
Some fans theorise that the producers are being more cautious. One suggested: 'I think they’re worried about being cancelled or getting criticism if anyone’s mental health suffers.' Others are calling for a return to more athletic trials, questioning the over-reliance on critters.
However, not everyone blames the production. A contrasting view proposed: 'I do not think they are easier i think they just have braver contestants nowadays.' This was swiftly countered by another who simply commented: 'No they are much easier and we have people less terrified.'
Production Responds to the Criticism
When confronted with the allegations that the trials were being softened, a TV insider defended the show to the Daily Mail. The source claimed: 'It's not that ITV has changed the budget or scale of the trials, it's just that the likes of Aitch and Ginge are acing the challenges compared to previous contestants.' They were described as 'strapping young men' making the tasks look easy, with a promise that more difficult trials are on the way.
Further complaints have targeted the production value, with one viewer calling this year's efforts 'cheap', specifically citing the Camp Fright trials. They argued that the show has lost its genuine sense of fear and tension, with nobody even shouting the iconic 'Get me out of here!' line anymore.
In a twist, ITV is bringing live trials back to the jungle for the first time in six years. The upcoming 'Cocktails of Cruelty' will be a head-to-head drinking challenge, harkening back to a format last seen in the Australian jungle in 2019 and in Wales in 2020.
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues on ITV1 and ITVX.
