Chris Packham is poised to write another letter of complaint to Ant and Dec when I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! returns later this year. The naturalist and Springwatch presenter has long criticised the show’s Bushtucker trials, which involve insects and other creatures, labelling them an “appalling abuse of animals” and “anachronistic embarrassment”.
Packham’s Ongoing Campaign Against Animal Trials
Packham told the Radio Times that he will send a fresh objection to the presenters, arguing the programme “reinforces negative stereotypes about [certain] sorts of animals, where animals are being used purely for entertainment”. He has previously written multiple letters but has never received a reply from Ant and Dec. ITV has stated that it takes animal welfare extremely seriously and complies with all laws, with qualified animal handlers on site at all times.
New BBC Series: Evolution
Next week Packham presents a new BBC series called Evolution, covering four billion years of Earth’s history. In the first episode, he offers himself to a colony of ants, carefully extracting them from his bloodied arms – a scene reminiscent of I’m A Celebrity. However, Packham insists it is not a trial, saying: “I used to lay down alongside wood ants’ nests and they’d get in my armpits. That’s living for me.”
Packham Unfazed by Viewer Complaints
Packham recently received complaints after picking up pine marten poo with his bare hands on Springwatch. He responded: “What’s skin for, for Christ’s sake? Skin has evolved as a remarkable barrier against disease and infection! I’m 65, I’m not going to start putting gloves on to pick up s**t!”
