I'm a Celebrity... 2021

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-56334967

Feels strange to be creating a thread for something that's still some months away, especially as this forum won't be around when it arrives.

But for the first time, we seem to have confirmation that Australia remains 'Plan A' for future series. This is a relief for me, as I vastly preferred it in Australia, even though Wales was enjoyable enough in the circumstances.

Of course, whether they'll make it back to Australia in time for this year's series remains to be seen. If not, we know they have a back-up booking for the Welsh castle. I just hope that whatever happens, there is sufficient time to plan some decent challenges. Some of last year's trials were a little ropey...

Poor decision, for me, as I much preferred Wales as it was a nice refresh to a brand which looked tired.

Fair enough - I've seen others on social media say similar. Personally, I thought the Welsh version last year was a smaller, slightly diluted version of the usual show anyway - though in fairness, I don't know how much of that was down to the Covid restrictions. If we do get a second Welsh series because of travel restrictions, I'm sure they'll be able to make improvements. My particular complaint about the trials was that they were all rather samey; there were no high wire tasks or water tanks, and so on.

I think the Australian version is a much-needed dose of sunshine in the middle of winter; a dark and gloomy Welsh castle didn't feel the same. I also prefer the outdoor setting. But it's all subjective I suppose.

The Welsh version is still temporary for 'I'm A Celeb UK' but was popular with international buyers looking for a spin off. So much so that ITV Studios have announced they're building a permanent castle setting in Poland. https://deadline.com/2021/03/itv-studios-im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here-castle-poland-1234712158/

I can see the Australian version taking the castle format.

Surely if South Africa is working for them, they won’t dump it?

Not on a permanent basis but after so many years in South Africa, a castle edition either in Poland or Wales would be seen as a refresh.

I’d agree, but at the same time they’d probably be keen to get the South Africa base back up and running. Also from ITV Studios point of view, it’s a month or so without any of new clients not able to use what is presumably a slightly more cost effective option. I’d imagine this set is going to be targeted towards new European markets that don’t yet take the format.