Production on ITV's new I'm A Celebrity spin-off, The Wild Frontier, has been placed under lockdown in Canada following a bear attack that left a female walker airlifted to hospital. The incident occurred on Friday evening (September 4) near Conflict Lake in the Callaghan Valley, prompting regional authorities to shut public access to the location and launch an investigation.
Bear destroyed and safety measures introduced
An adult black bear discovered at the attack site was destroyed over safety concerns. A "ring of steel" has reportedly been established around the ITV location, where Ant and Dec's new series has commenced production. Images obtained by The Sun reveal electric fencing and "bear lockers" for food storage at camp, designed to safeguard the stars participating in the programme.
The publication reported that celebrities are being protected by 24-hour security while crew members are equipped with bear spray. The wilderness series started filming on Monday (September 6), with presenters Ant and Dec said to have reached the location mere hours following the bear attack.
Source stresses security priority
A source informed them that security remains the top priority: "Wellbeing and security of cast and crew is absolutely paramount so all the necessary measures are in place and bosses will go above and beyond to ensure the safety of production."
The British Columbia conservation team confirmed the bear attack on Saturday afternoon. A party of three hikers came across two bears, with one of the animals attacking the woman before retreating. The woman was treated at the scene before being transported by air ambulance to hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.
Authorities investigate bear species
Authorities have yet to establish whether the bear responsible for the attack was a grizzly or black bear, though approximately eight adult grizzlies are thought to inhabit the Callaghan Valley region.
The Wild Frontier is scheduled to broadcast next year and allegedly features celebrity participants including Rio Ferdinand, Christopher Dean and Louise Redknapp. Ant and Dec unveiled the programme in footage recorded at Whistler Olympic Park.
Ant and Dec announce new format
Ant remarked: "Have a guess where we are? No, it's not Centre Parcs. We're in Canada!" Dec added: "We are filming a brand new series from the I'm A Celebrity team and it's called I'm A Celebrity: The Wild Frontier. It's an exciting new format, loads of new trials and challenges and we cannot wait to bring it to you."
The duo also acknowledged the bear threat within the promotional footage. Dec went on: "The big twist is to take part, you have to enter as a pair, compete as a pair and leave as a pair. And those duos better be ready because out here in the Canadian wilderness, danger lurks around every corner. One word – bears. It launches next year and there will be a live grand final from London where you will pick your winning duo."
