The triumphant return of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! to British television screens last Sunday has sparked excitement among loyal fans, but this year's lineup notably lacks the political firebrands that previously generated such intense public backlash.
This absence follows ITV's significant decision last year to implement a ban on political figures entering the jungle, a move that came after a string of controversial signings that divided viewers and dominated headlines.
The Political Jungle Ban
For years, the Australian jungle served as an unlikely platform for politicians seeking to reshape their public image. However, after numerous controversial appearances, ITV executives decided in 2023 to prohibit political figures from participating in the reality series.
The controversy surrounding campmates hasn't been limited to political persuasion alone. The announcement of Jamie Lynn Spears's participation in the 2023 series raised eyebrows due to her involvement in her older sister Britney's controversial conservatorship battle.
Most Contentious Jungle Contestants
Matt Hancock created one of the biggest political storms in the show's history when he entered the jungle in 2022. The former Tory MP defied expectations by reaching the grand final, finishing third behind Jill Scott and Owen Warner.
Hancock spent 21 days in camp and served as Camp Leader while being voted for six consecutive Bushtucker Trials by the public. After his exit, he admitted he joined the show because he believed "politicians aren't viewed as human enough" by the public.
His appearance came after he resigned as health secretary in June 2021 when he was caught breaking Covid social distancing rules during his affair with aide Gina Coladangelo.
Nigel Farage caused uproar when announced as a 2023 campmate, with the Reform and former UKIP politician believed to be earning a substantial £1.5 million for his appearance.
The backlash was immediate, with nearly 10,000 people using the hashtag 'Boycott I'm A Celeb' and some viewers threatening to avoid the series entirely. Despite the controversy, Farage managed to reach the final three alongside champion Sam Thompson and runner-up Tony Bellew.
After 23 days in camp, Farage reflected: "I did my best to show no fear at all. I gave you nothing. Not everyone likes the stuff I campaigned for but no matter what people think I mucked in, threw myself into camp."
Reality Romance and Public Backlash
The 2004 series witnessed the birth of one of reality television's most iconic relationships when Peter Andre and Katie Price fell in love before viewers' eyes. Their jungle romance led to marriage a year later, though they divorced in 2009.
When Price returned to the jungle five years later during a tumultuous period in her life, public perception had dramatically shifted. She was voted for five consecutive Bushtucker Trials before quitting on day nine.
Jamie Lynn Spears faced significant backlash ahead of her 2023 appearance due to her role in sister Britney's conservatorship. The former Nickelodeon star dramatically exited the show on "medical grounds" after struggling in camp.
Show producers had reportedly labelled her a "flight risk" and didn't believe she would last the series duration. Her exit came after 11 days, with a show spokesperson describing her as "a fantastic campmate who has triumphed at trials and bonded well with her fellow celebrities."
Nadine Dorries made political history as the first sitting MP to enter the jungle in 2012, resulting in then Prime Minister David Cameron suspending her from the Conservative Party for participating while representing Mid-Bedfordshire.
Dorries faced some of the most revolting Bushtucker Trials, including eating a camel's toe and an ostrich's anus. She became the first contestant voted out that series.
The mother-of-three commented at the time: "I am a thorn in his side. He will be relieved," referring to Cameron's likely reaction to her jungle absence.
Looking Forward
With ITV's political ban now firmly in place, future series of I'm A Celebrity will likely feature different types of controversy rather than political firestorms. The show continues to captivate audiences with its mix of celebrity challenges and camp dynamics, even as it evolves its participant selection process.
As the new series unfolds without political figures, viewers will watch to see whether other types of contestants generate similar levels of public debate and discussion that have become synonymous with the jungle experience.
