Production bosses on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! were forced to implement emergency protocols and evacuate the entire camp as a severe storm battered the Australian jungle.
Emergency Evacuation Protocol Activated
The dramatic evacuation occurred on Monday after the Queensland Bureau of Meteorology issued what it described as a "very dangerous storm" warning for the region. The alert specifically mentioned the thunderstorm was generating large to giant hailstones, destructive winds, and heavy rainfall likely to cause flash flooding.
According to programme insiders, the health and safety weather contingencies were immediately activated, requiring the immediate evacuation of all celebrities to the Bush Telegraph shelter. The contestants remained huddled together in the confined space for approximately one hour while the most intense conditions passed overhead.
Aftermath and Camp Damage
When the storm subsided and the celebrities returned to camp, they discovered their belongings completely soaked by the torrential downpour. Sources revealed the camp was left "drenched" throughout, forcing the contestants to spend Monday afternoon attempting to dry everything using the campfire.
The adverse weather conditions caused significant production delays, with recording reportedly postponed by up to three hours. Such evacuations only occur in extreme circumstances, with ITV bosses relying on sophisticated weather monitoring systems to track approaching storms.
Historical Precedent and Future Concerns
This isn't the first time weather has disrupted the reality show. Last year's series was similarly impacted by record rainfall and flooding, which also necessitated an evacuation. Former campmate Melvin Odoom previously confessed to nearly quitting the show due to harsh weather conditions, revealing he was rescued by a security guard during a storm after crying out for help.
Insiders warn that the recent evacuation and subsequent damp conditions will likely damage camp spirits significantly. The Bush Telegraph, described as "tiny," became extremely uncomfortable with all twelve contestants crammed inside while soaking wet.
Compounding the misery, the same source warned that the wet weather will inevitably lead to an invasion of leeches and biting insects, creating grim conditions for the celebrities. "After what has seemed quite a harmonious camp, we expect it to get a little fraught from now on," the insider added.
It remains unclear whether footage of the evacuation will be broadcast to viewers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenging conditions contestants face in the jungle, where even advanced planning can be overwhelmed by nature's fury.
