ITV has been urged to stop I’m A Celebrity’s “pretty grotesque” use of animals as props.
The popular reality show send celebrities off to the Australian jungle and often challenged to perform tasks in exchange for rewards.
Many of these tasks involve the use of animals, such as insects or frogs, and animal rights activists have long hoped the show would change this.
In an open letter, conservationist Chris Packham described ITV’s “exploitation of animals” as an “anachronistic embarrassment” given so many people’s concern for the planet.
Hello , I’ve written another letter to @antanddec about the ongoing appalling abuse of animals on @ITV programme @imacelebrity . I’ve tried to be polite but my patience has run thin . If you agree with what it says please RT . #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/TBRCsL6Ucq
— Chris Packham (@ChrisGPackham) November 27, 2023
Speaking to The Hard Shoulder, animal rights activist John Carmody hoped ITV would listen to Mr Packham’s concerns.
“We might not be able to connect with a lot of the insects that they use on these programmes but it… cheapens our message, it cheapens the importance of our message which is to have respect for all living beings,” he said.
“It’s pretty grotesque, it’s worn out and it’s tacky, in my opinion.
“It’s time for animal use to go on this programme.
“In 2024, we hope that producers at ITV can get together and they can come up with modern advances and twists that will be more ethical and doesn’t involve any animals.”
The rat's agenda is clear… #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/vs8shx3MlC
— I'm A Celebrity... (@imacelebrity) November 22, 2023
Mr Carmody said the use of animals as props sends a “very bad message” to millions of viewers and said more and more people agree with him.
“Animal rights campaigners are sick to our back teeths of animal suffering, animal cruelty and animal exploitation,” he said.
“We worked hard for years, often with our bare hands, to pull down brick walls, to show the world of animal suffering and animal cruelty and we’re making advances, slowly but surely, thanks to decent people out on the streets.”
I’m A Celebrity is broadcast daily on ITV at 9pm.
Main image: An I'm A Celebrity contestant and a spider. Picture by: I'm A Celebrity.
