An I'm A Celebrity spin-off featuring fan-favourite campmates GK Barry and Reverend Richard Coles has been axed after only the pilot episode, according to reports. The show, which aimed to explore deep topics around life and death through the unlikely pairing, was dropped by ITV despite initial excitement from producers.
Pilot Episode Fails to Secure Series Order
Influencer GK Barry, 26, and Reverend Richard Coles, both appeared on the ITV reality series in 2024 and formed a close friendship during their time in the jungle. Their bond, which often involved humorous and heartfelt conversations, led the channel to consider a spin-off where they would spar over life's big questions. However, insiders have revealed that the project will not proceed beyond the pilot.
'There were high hopes for the project because producers were excited by the dynamic between GK and Richard, not least because it seemed to amuse viewers,' a source told The Sun. 'They enjoyed the idea of the wise older man interacting with the streetwise millennial as they explored some pretty deep subjects. But after provisional filming took place, it was decided not to proceed with it as a series – much to the disappointment of everyone involved.'
GK Barry and Reverend Coles Speak Out
GK Barry previously discussed the ill-fated show in October, telling Attitude magazine: 'We are exploring walks of life from two different generations — one from a gay godly man and a gay ungodly woman. There are some depressing bits in there, but one thing about me is that I will make a joke about it.' She also joked that if the show made it to a full series, she would involve her girlfriend, Ella Rutherford.
In an Instagram post after filming the pilot, GK Barry wrote: 'Working with you has opened my eyes to worlds I’d never heard of or dreamt of before. Some of them have been nightmares, but some of them have been dreams – and today has been a dream.' Reverend Coles also expressed optimism about their friendship, saying: 'Me and GK struck up the best of friendships in the jungle, and I’m happy to say we’ve taken that with us out of the jungle into the wider world.' He later teased the show's content, adding: 'Expect something surprising with coffins.'
Fan Reactions and Future Prospects
The cancellation comes as a disappointment to fans who enjoyed the duo's chemistry on I'm A Celebrity, where GK Barry famously attempted to give Reverend Coles a sex education lesson. She said in the Bush Telegraph: 'I came into this jungle maybe not knowing who I would gel with or who I would be close with in here, and never in a million years if you told me that I would be getting on best with a reverend would I have believed you. But, he is honestly… I think he might be my favourite person in here.'
It remains unclear what specifically led ITV to drop the spin-off. Metro has reached out to ITV, GK Barry, and Reverend Richard Coles' representatives for comment. The show's cancellation means viewers will not see the pair's deep conversations about coffins or other topics anytime soon.
