While millions of viewers eagerly anticipate the annual reveal of the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! line-up, the truth is that ITV bosses have been secretly crafting the star-studded roster for months behind the scenes. In a rare glimpse into the reality TV giant's inner workings, creative director Richard Cowles and celebrity producer Micky Van Praagh have disclosed the meticulous process that creates one of television's most talked-about casts.
The Jungle Hunt Begins in Spring
The search for the perfect campmates is a marathon, not a sprint. Micky Van Praagh begins her solitary work as early as March, merely weeks after the previous series wraps up in December. She operates alone during these crucial early stages, with her team only expanding around April. The core decisions, however, rest entirely with her.
This lengthy lead time allows for intense secrecy. For the 2018 series, Micky had secured John Barrowman long before public speculation began. The deal was confirmed around April, requiring elaborate measures to maintain confidentiality. Micky even fabricated travel photos to throw people off the scent while she entered isolation to manage the process.
A Collaborative Casting Process
Despite her pivotal role, Micky is far from the only voice in the casting room. The process involves a collaborative effort between producers, publicists, agents, and the celebrities themselves. Even the show's iconic hosts, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, have significant input and are known for enthusiastically suggesting names.
This collaboration has directly shaped past line-ups. Richard Cowles admitted that Dec's suggestion of Noel Edmonds landed the TV presenter in the 2018 series, a connection forged after the pair worked together on Saturday Night Takeaway. Sometimes, stars even volunteer, with singer Fleur East reportedly telling Micky backstage that I'm A Celeb was the only reality show she ever wanted to do.
Crafting the Perfect Campmate Mix
Behind every famous name is a rigorous vetting process. Micky meets each potential campmate personally, sometimes for several hours, to determine if they possess the right temperament for the jungle's challenges. She emphasised the pressure of these meetings, stating, 'You’ve only got one meeting to work out who they really are. You have a mountain of questions and one chance to dig deep.'
The producers have a specific strategy for the final line-up. While viewers sometimes complain about unrecognisable faces, Richard confirmed this is intentional. The show aims to appeal to all ages by using two or three household names as the backbone, then building the rest of the series around them with lesser-known but compelling personalities.
Micky looks for 'funny, high-energy people' to add layers to the cast, and some celebrities remain on a 'maybe' list for years before the timing is right. Crucially, the producers never cast for conflict. Richard explained that warmth is a fundamental part of the show's appeal, and while arguments are acceptable, too many become 'boring and a bit relentless.' The goal is to create a stressful environment that reveals the celebrities' true characters, ensuring maximum entertainment value for the audience.
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! airs from 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
