Fans of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! are expressing concerns that the show's growing number of spin-offs could harm its long-term future. The latest addition, I'm A Celebrity: The Wild Frontier, set in Canada's Callaghan Valley, will feature celebrities competing in pairs, a departure from the usual solo format. Among the first rumoured contestants are Irish boyband stars Brian McFadden of Westlife and Keith Duffy of Boyzone, each reportedly earning £10,000 for their participation.
Fan Backlash on Social Media
On a Reddit thread, users voiced fears that ITV is overextending the franchise. User Jenson2025 wrote: 'These spin-offs are going to ruin and end the show. It's definitely getting too much.' TheYorkshireGirpper agreed: 'They're really milking this show dry now,' calling it 'pointless' after so many seasons. Another commenter, The-Peel, said: 'ITV are strapped for cash these days, so I'd rather they just focus on the main show.' Some fans also worried that the spin-off could replace Celebrity Big Brother (CBB), with user itsbbplus tweeting: 'If they don't do CBB again because of this I'm gonna be so angry.' DanielDaleScott predicted: 'No CBB then. Can see this years BBUK being the last on ITV tbh.' However, not all reactions were negative; Outrageous_Hunt_4182 joked: 'We don't need another one… but I'll be watching 🤣'
Controversy Surrounding Recent Spin-Off
The announcement comes after I'm A Celebrity South Africa, the all-star edition, faced a bullying scandal during its most recent series. Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas clashed with boxer David Haye and former footballer Jimmy Bullard, leading to heated arguments during a Bushtucker Trial and culminating in a shouting match during the live final. Adam described the experience as 'the lowest of lows.' Given the spin-off's irregular broadcasting pattern, the all-star series is expected to be shelved for several years.
Details on The Wild Frontier
According to The Sun, ITV is launching the new spin-off with Brian and Keith as two of its biggest stars. A source told the tabloid: 'Bosses are delighted that Keith and Brian will be taking part, they'll each bring a lot of fun and mischief to the camp. Everyone's really excited about this new format; the pairs element will get everyone talking. The casting team are hopeful they can cast celebrity duos, but may also include some stars and their non-famous family members or partners. Viewers will see the pairings undertake gruelling trials in the beautiful and unknown Canadian landscape and take on action-packed challenges to win food, all aiming to become the sole victorious pair.' Scouts have reportedly found a base in the Callaghan Valley of Whistler Olympic Park. The regular version of I'm A Celeb is expected to continue in Australia as usual.
Brian McFadden's Connection to the Show
Brian has strong ties to I'm A Celebrity through his ex-wife, Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona, who won the main show in 2004. Earlier this year, reports suggested that Kerry was snubbed for the all-star seasons. A source told The Sun: 'Everyone at I'm A Celeb loves Kerry, and they'll always back her as one of the most popular winners of the show. But times have changed, and bosses have such a fine line to tread when it comes to keeping the audience happy. Kerry will tell you herself she's like Marmite – you either love her or you hate her! There are also big hoops to jump through when it comes to who can cope in such an environment.' The source added that Kerry 'had a big mouth and won't be filtered', a trait that made her too high a 'risk' for bosses. ITV has been contacted for comment.
