ITV has announced a significant rule change for the upcoming 2025 series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! that will alter how the public votes for the show's infamous Bushtucker Trials.
What is the new rule?
The fundamental change means that celebrities will now be limited to a maximum of two consecutive trials voted for by the public. If a campmate is selected for two challenges back-to-back, they will automatically be exempt from the next vote. The system then resets, making them eligible to be chosen for one or two further trials again.
An insider explained the reasoning to the Daily Mirror, stating: "Celebrities all want the opportunity to take on a Bushtucker Trial and bring home stars for camp. Viewers would much prefer to see different celebrities take on the iconic Bushtucker Trials as opposed to the same person every day."
Why was this change needed?
This new regulation comes directly in response to recent series where certain contestants were repeatedly voted for by the public. Last year, Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough was consistently chosen, undergoing a total of seven Trials. He participated in six consecutive public-voted Trials, withdrawing early from two of them.
This pattern was not an isolated incident. In 2022, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock similarly faced six Trials in a row. The record for the most Bushtucker Trials in a single series is still held by Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas, who undertook 12 challenges during the 2016 series.
The show's presenter, Ant McPartlin, even questioned the repetitive voting on the spin-off show Unpacked, saying: "I think it's good to see other faces there... You just get to a point where you go, 'Who's still voting for Dean?' I don't get it."
Who benefits from this new system?
The change is expected to be welcomed by the 2025 line-up of celebrities, which is reported to include model Kelly Brook, rapper Aitch, and Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley.
The show insider emphasised that this is a positive move for all involved, adding: "This is a great move for fans of the show so we don't see the same faces doing the trials, as well as uncovering new favourites. It's a win-win for the celebs too, who are keen for more chances to get their personalities across."
This strategic shift aims to create a more balanced and dynamic viewing experience, ensuring a wider variety of campmates face the jungle's challenges and get their moment in the spotlight.
