The 2024 series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has officially launched with a dramatic airborne entrance as five contestants parachuted onto Australia's Gold Coast.
Celebrity Skydive Kicks Off New Series
Spandau Ballet guitarist Martin Kemp, 64, model and actress Kelly Brook, 45, rapper Aitch, 25, comedian Edie Kadi, 42 and former EastEnders star Shona McGarty, 34 made a spectacular arrival on Thursday, jumping from individual helicopters before landing on Broadwater Beach.
The group celebrated their successful first trial with an emotional group hug on the sand, dancing together in relief and excitement. Kelly Brook, wearing a leopard print jumpsuit and boots, appeared particularly thrilled, jumping for joy upon safely reaching land.
Hosts Ant McPartlin, 49, and Declan Donnelly, 50 watched the dramatic arrivals from a safe distance on the headland, waving down to their latest batch of campmates.
New Rules Promise Toughest Series Yet
ITV bosses have introduced significant changes to ensure this becomes the 'toughest' series in the show's history. The luxury item feature has been removed, meaning celebrities can no longer receive home comforts from loved ones.
Instead, contestants must earn a framed picture of their choice through challenges. Executive producer Olly Nash told the Daily Mail: 'It's a tough and gruelling show, and there's nothing wrong with driving that home. We need to see more celebrities earning their keep.'
Another major change sees the introduction of the Getaway Car and Cocko Van. The first ten celebrities were split into two groups, with the first two in each group to complete challenges including wading through fish guts rewarded with a seat in the Getaway Car with a glass of fizz and more comfortable mattresses in camp.
The remaining three from each group travel in the less desirable Cocko Van and must sleep on standard camp beds.
Snake Infestation and Voting Changes
Producers have reported seeing 'more snakes than any other year' during the build-up to the new series. Mr Nash revealed: 'I have seen more snakes in this build phase then I ever have done before, huge great pythons almost as long as this log.'
A new voting rule has also been implemented after last year's controversy where Dean McCullough faced seven consecutive Bushtucker Trials. Now, if a celebrity has been put forward for two trials in a row, they are exempt from the following public vote.
Even basic comforts will be harder to come by this series. If a contestant wants a bath, two campmates must cycle on a tandem bike to pump water out, ensuring everyone contributes to camp life.
The first five celebrities will soon be joined by a second group including internet sensation Angry Ginge, 25, Ozzy Osbourne's son Jack, 40, Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, 49, former Lioness Alex Scott, 41, and Ruby Wax, 72, who will complete similar arrival challenges.
