TV

Why Bushtucker trials could be at risk in I’m A Celebrity

Looks like the usual serving of animal genitals may be off the menu this year

I’m A Celebrity could be a very different show in future after it was reported TV bosses may have to tinker with the format of the Bushtucker trials.

According to reports, the series is facing a ‘crisis’ over the show staple because three of the campmates in the upcoming run are vegan.

The trials – which sees campmates frequently swallowing down vile offerings for the chance to win far more palatable food – are notorious for featuring such delicacies as kangaroo penis and bull testicles.

Other gut-churning treats such as witchetty grubs, roast spider, blended cockroach drinks and raw fish eyes have also been scoffed down by reluctant celebs over the show’s history.

I'm A Celebrity first trailer
There might be a rumble in the jungle (Credit: ITV)

Read more: John Barrowman reveals he’s “totally cool” with show’s eating challenges

But it seems the eating challenge may prove too much to stomach for X Factor singer Fleur East, pop rocker James McVey and Corrie actress Sair Khan who have all sworn off meat and dairy.

Additionally, it is thought Nick Knowles enjoys a semi-vegetarian lifestyle, too.

It is believed producers may be in a bit of a bind if any contestants refuse to get involved with the gruesome acts of consumption.

An unnamed TV insider is quoted as telling the Daily Star: “It could prove a bit tricky for bosses if they refuse to do the eating Bushtucker trials.

I'm A Celebrity line up
Will Bush tucker trials be changed for ever? (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Why Kiosk Keith won’t be returning to I’m A Celebrity this year

“Fleur has already told bosses that she is strictly vegan and does not go near any animal products. It’s certainly not ideal.”

Does tofu have any genitals the meat-free campmates could nibble on instead?

Speaking about food before flying to Oz, Fleur volunteered to be on cooking duty for the camp when needed.

“I do like my food, so the thing for me is not the lack of it but the taste,” she said.

I'm A Celebrity Fleur East
The genitals of any animal will not be on the menu for Fleur (Credit: ITV)

“I like seasoning and we don’t get any and so that is going to be upsetting. But I want to make sure everyone is positive and in high spirits.”

Sair also said she was a big fan of food, but did not mention her veganism.

“I love my food and I eat all the time,” said the Alya Nazir star.

“I am constantly eating and I’ve been using the jungle as an excuse to eat whatever I want before I go in! If I do lose weight I will look my usual self when I come out!”

I'm A Celebrity Sair Khan
No crocodile anus for Sair, probably (Credit: ITV)

The 18th series of I’m A Celebrity, hosted by Dec Donnelly and Holly Willoughby, begins this Sunday at 9pm.

Doctor Who star John Barrowman, The Chase’s Anne Hegerty, football manager Harry Redknapp, have all been confirmed for the ITV reality show down under alongside Nick, Sair, James and Fleur.

They will also be joined in the camp by Hollyoaks actor Malique Thompson-Dwyer, ex EastEnders actress Rita Simons, The Inbetweeners’ Emily Atack and ‘late entry’ Noel Edmonds.

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer

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