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I’m A Celebrity could be investigated by Ofcom after 600 complaints

Allegations of bullying and animal cruelty

Even though I’m A Celebrity is over for another year, the show could still find itself in hot water with the authorities.

The series was dogged by claims from viewers that there was bullying in-camp by contestants.

Now reports claim that the series could face broadcasting body investigations and even fines after over 600 complaints about animal cruelty and bullying were lodged.

Ian was at the centre of bullying accusations (Credit: ITV)

Read more: I’m A Celebrity: Ian Wright’s wife Nancy insists he’s not a bully

During the series, both Ian Wright and James Haskell were accused of bullying Irish comedian Andrew Maxwell.

Despite Andrew’s wife saying that she didn’t think her husband had been bullied, viewers were still livid at his treatment.

Former rugby star James, 34, also attracted complaints when he mocked Ian Wright’s attempt at jogging by saying, “Look at that clubfoot.”

But it wasn’t just the questionable behaviour that caused viewers to complain to Ofcom – the show’s continued use of live animals during the Bushtucker Trials also didn’t sit well with the audience.

Live animals were used during the Trials (Credit: ITV)

The Sun reports that 615 complaints were made to the broadcasting body during the series.

James’s ‘clubfoot’ comment sparked over 70 complaints alone.

Other complaints centred around the Trials, where live animals, like spiders, were used.

We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.

A spokesperson for Ofcom said: “We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”

Jacqueline Jossa
Jac won by the smallest of margins (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Robbie Williams teases he’d be up for I’m A Celebrity next year 

The fall-out from this year’s series continues elsewhere, with ITV revealing just how close the final votes were between Coronation Street’s Andy Whyment and former EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa.

Jacqueline won with 50.61% of the total vote, while Andy received 49.39% of viewer votes.

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor