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I’m A Celebrity bosses drop segment from this year’s series over ‘coronavirus fears’

It's a popular segment with viewers

In the latest I’m A Celebrity news, bosses have reportedly axed the show’s friends and family segment over coronavirus fears.

For years, contestants of the ITV programme have been surprised with loved ones on-screen at the end of the series.

But after scrapping the emotional reunion segment last year, bosses have apparently chosen to do the same due to the pandemic.

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I’m A Celebrity bosses have reportedly chosen to scrap the friends and family segment (Credit: ITV)

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According to The Sun, contestants will no longer be reunited as ITV have had to “trim the fat where possible”.

A source told the publication: “Sadly, despite it being really popular, they’ve decided that the friends and family segment just had to go.”

The insider added: “It’s given some great content over the years, but it was just too hard to guarantee that one of them would not bring Covid, or any other illness, into the camp and jeopardise the final few days.

They could jeopardise the final few days

“One option was to get friends and family to quarantine, too – just as the celebrities did before they went in.”

Instead, celebrities will have to reunite with friends and family following their elimination.

ED! has approached ITV for comment on this story.

Ant and Dec I'm A Celebrity
Ant and Dec host the ITV programme (Credit: ITV)

Read more: I’m A Celebrity star Danny Miller sends surprise parcel to partner Steph Jones

Meanwhile, Arlene Phillips became the first celebrity to be voted off the show last night (December 5).

The former Strictly judge waved goodbye to the castle after two weeks in camp.

Arlene appeared on Good Morning Britain today to speak about her journey.

Arlene discusses I’m A Celebrity stint

She shared: “It’s non-stop

“And in the cold, and no great places to wash or get clean, but it’s an adventure of a lifetime, it really is.”

The star also opened up about being evacuated from camp during Storm Arwen.

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Arlene Phillips was evicted last night (Credit: ITV)

She revealed: “It was very strange because you’re out of the castle, but you’re still in isolation.

“For me, it was great because I managed to get delivered my Josh Wood [hair dye], and I could do my roots.

Read more: I’m A Celebrity tonight: Kadeena Cox dumps bugs over Louise Minchin’s head in vile trial

“That was like the biggest thrill of a lifetime for me to go back without my roots showing. It was a good thing for me.”

Bookies predict that Kadeena Cox will be the next campmate to be eliminated.

Harry and John's Loved Ones Surprise Them in the Jungle | I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor