I’m A Celebrity defends use of bugs following RSPCA criticism

ITV’s I’m A Celebrity has defended the use of bugs in trials following criticism from the RSPCA and Welsh naturalist and BBC Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams.

A SPOKESPERSON for the hit show told Sky News all insects used for bushtucker trials are “non-invasive species” and are only released in a contained area.

But I’m A Celebrity….Get Me Out Of Here is being “investigated” by North Wales Police over the show’s use of spiders, maggots, cockroaches and worms following complaints the species could threaten wildlife in the area around Gwrych Castle, reports The Guardian.

It claims there is a potential breach of the Wildlife and Countryside Act if insects are being released without a licence.

The RSCPA has raised concerns about the show’s use of creatures on numerous occasions and has reiterated its calls for the programme to stop using animals.

“Since ‘I’m a Celebrity’ was first aired, animals have been dropped, thrown, handled roughly, crushed, chased, overcrowded, scared by contestants and prevented from escaping from stressful experiences.

“There have also been incidents where animals have been killed for no other purpose than entertainment,” said the charity, urging viewers to contact Ofcom.

Welsh naturalist and BBC Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams has also hit out at the show for its use of animals.

In a tweet last week, he said: “As well as the moral issue of using wild animals for entertainment, surely there are huge ecological issues here also.”


Thank you for taking the time to read this news article “I’m A Celebrity defends use of bugs following RSPCA criticism”. For more UK daily news, Spanish daily news and Global news stories, visit the Euro Weekly News home page.

Author badge placeholder
Written by

Tara Rippin

Tara Rippin is a reporter for Spain’s largest English-speaking newspaper, Euro Weekly News, and is responsible for the Costa Blanca region.
She has been in journalism for more than 20 years, having worked for local newspapers in the Midlands, UK, before relocating to Spain in 1990.
Since arriving, the mother-of-one has made her home on the Costa Blanca, while spending 18 months at the EWN head office in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol.
She loves being part of a community that has a wonderful expat and Spanish mix, and strives to bring the latest and most relevant news to EWN’s loyal and valued readers.

Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

Comments