Production of the hit ITV show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! was thrown into a state of high alert on Wednesday after a violent incident and subsequent police manhunt erupted dangerously close to the programme's remote camp.
Fatal Shooting Sparks Major Police Operation
The drama unfolded in the town of Eungella, New South Wales, a mere 20-minute drive from Camp Dungay, where the celebrities were located. Police were called to a property at 1:25 pm on Wednesday, December 3, following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 41-year-old man with a fatal gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A second man, aged 38, was also shot but survived his injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In a separate but linked incident on the same street, a 45-year-old man was struck by a vehicle and later hospitalised. Authorities have confirmed that the suspected shooter and an accomplice fled the scene, prompting an immediate and extensive search operation by the New South Wales Police Force.
Show Bosses Act Swiftly on Security
A source close to the production told The Sun that the jungle security team is "well-aware" of local developments and moved quickly to guarantee the safety of everyone involved with the show. "If something has happened nearby, they will know about it - and they act swiftly to ensure the safety of the entire team at all times," the insider revealed.
Fortunately, the source confirmed that no one connected to the ITV production was affected by the violent events. The show's rigorous security protocols, which are always active due to the isolated location, were reportedly activated as a precautionary measure.
Investigation Ongoing as Suspects in Custody
Police later confirmed that two men had been taken into custody. The 45-year-old hit-and-run victim was placed under police supervision in hospital before being formally detained. He is being held alongside a suspected accomplice, though specific charges have not yet been disclosed by the Tweed/Byron Police District.
Detectives are now keen to interview both the surviving shooting victim and the man struck by the car to piece together the exact circumstances. Authorities have appealed to the public for information, urging anyone with details to contact Tweed Heads Police or Crime Stoppers.
The shocking incident occurred as the reality show continues its nightly broadcasts. In the latest episode, model and presenter Kelly Brook became the fourth celebrity to be eliminated, following Alex Scott, Eddie Kadi, and Vogue Williams out of the jungle.
