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ITV 'to spend £15 million to get I'm A Celebrity on air'

ITV 'to spend £15 million to get I'm A Celebrity on air'
© ITV
ITV has reportedly set aside £15 million to ensure that I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! can make it to air in November come what may.

ITV is reportedly spending £15 million on extra safety measures to ensure that this year's series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! can go ahead as usual this November.

The show has been thrown into an inevitable doubt this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and despite the UK recently easing lockdown measures, there are early signs of a second wave threatening to sweep the globe.

ITV is said to be scouting potential destinations in the UK to stage the series should travel to Australia not be possible for cast and crew in several months' time, and the broadcaster reaffirmed its commitment to the show in today's announcement of its autumn schedule.

Director of television Kevin Lygo said that his team are "moving heaven and earth" to get I'm A Celebrity on air and also remarked that there "should be a spinoff show", despite ITV2's companion series Extra Camp already having been axed for 2020.

A source told The Sun: "Bosses are sparing no expense to get the jungle on air.

"It's their biggest and most lucrative show and despite a challenging financial situation they have set aside a big pile of dosh to make it happen - not only on talent but to cover the cost of crew, production and all of the costs that come with it.

"There's been a lot of discussion about whether or not they could feasibly get it on air, but as Kevin says they're doing their utmost to make sure it will happen. They can't afford for it not to."

Rumoured celebrities for this year's show include Charles Ingram, Nigel Farage and Maya Jama.

> Every name in the frame for this year's I'm A Celebrity

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