EXCLUSIVE: I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has been accused of ‘fake scenes’ after viewers claimed the 2025 line-up were ‘pretending’ to be shocked by the parachute jump
I’m A Celebrity has faced criticism over allegations of “fake scenes(Image: Lifted Entertainment/ITV)
ITV’s I’m A Celebrity has faced criticism over allegations of “fake scenes” but a former participant has come forward to clarify matters.
Viewers who tuned into the premiere episode of the 2025 series on Sunday (16 November) saw 10 celebrities make their entrance into the Australian jungle.
The contestants arrived at a location where Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, the beloved Geordie duo, were waiting for them.
Five of the stars were flown in by helicopter and it wasn’t long before they were told that the only way to reach their destination was by parachuting out.
Each celebrity expressed shock at the prospect of having to leap from a height of 12,000 feet, reports the Mirror.
Kelly Brook jumped out of a plane during the first episode of the 2025 series(Image: ITV)
However, this reaction didn’t sit well with fans, as this dramatic entrance is a staple of the show.
I’m A Celebrity has been airing on ITV for 25 years, and viewers are used to seeing participants make their grand entrance via parachute.
Viewers at home were quick to voice their opinions. One social media user questioned: “Why do they act shocked when this happens every season?”.
Another shared a GIF of a person pretending to be shocked, captioning it: “The celebs when they are told they have to jump out the helicopter even though it happens every year.”
Olivia Attwood jumped out of a plane in 2022(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
A third viewer commented: “You’re in a helicopter and DIDN’T expect to have to jump out! ? The guy crouching in the corner with two parachutes didn’t give it away.”
Former campmate Nicola McLean, who appeared in the 2008 series, has weighed in on suggestions that contestants were “pretending” to be shocked.
Speaking on behalf of WhichBingo, the former glamour model revealed: “I think what you’ve got to understand is you can prepare yourself for the jungle.
Nicola McLean appeared on the show in 2008(Image: ITV screengrab)
“I went to London Zoo and touched reptiles because I was like ‘right, I’m terrified of this s**t’ so I need to prepare but then you get in there and you’re in a helicopter and they’re like swooping around because they want to get the title scene and it’s hell.
“So I don’t think it’s like pretending to be shocked or pretending to be scared. I genuinely think once you’re in there you’re like ‘Oh my God’ like it’s beyond your wildest dreams and it’s really scary.”
Discussing this year’s lineup, Nicola continued: “They’ve done so well on getting Aitch and Angry Ginge because my 15 year old is watching it with me for the first time ever. He doesn’t usually watch because he says he doesn’t know anyone but this year he’s sitting down with me and I’m making hot chocolate so it’s lovely.
“You’ve also got Martin Kemp for the older ladies, who’s gorgeous, and I absolutely love Ruby Wax.”
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! airs at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX
