I’m A Celebrity producer praises ‘incredible’ cast and crew for making show in ‘difficult circumstances’

THE I’m A Celebrity cast and crew have been praised for making the show in “difficult circumstances”. The Director of Entertainment at ITV Studios, Richard Cowles, took to Twitter ahead of the launch show on Sunday night and heaped praise on the people behind the scenes and the 2020 line-up. Cowles, 52, tweeted: “So proud […]

THE I’m A Celebrity cast and crew have been praised for making the show in “difficult circumstances”.

The Director of Entertainment at ITV Studios, Richard Cowles, took to Twitter ahead of the launch show on Sunday night and heaped praise on the people behind the scenes and the 2020 line-up.

Cowles, 52, tweeted: “So proud of all the I’m a Celebrity team.

“They have worked so hard to move the show to Wales in really difficult circumstances. Incredible cast, amazing castle; watch them move in tonight at 9pm, ITV.”

I’m A Celebrity kicks off in Wales tonight after the ongoing coronavirus pandemic torpedoed plans for the production to return to Australia.

It meant bosses had to be prepared for every eventuality – but they were determined to not cancel the show.

ITV/Rex/Shutterstock

Gwrych castle in Abergele, North Wales, is I’m A Celeb’s new amazing location[/caption]

A source said: “It has been a huge concern to the casting team as well as producers.

“The possibility of postponing the series and rescheduling to early next year was given due consideration.

“But rescheduling isn’t a viable option as the casting involves set dates in contracts for talent.”

Cowles recently revealed I’m A Celebrity crew members are even wearing electronic tags to keep socially distanced and ensure the show remains on air.

ITV bosses have introduced the safety devices to limit the chances of a Covid crisis taking place behind the scenes.

Electronic proximity detectors that light up and buzz when people are within two metres of each other have been supplied to the show by Clearview Intelligence.

The clever tags also immediately log any incidents when they occur for a fast and efficient track-and-trace solution.

ITV Studios’ Director of Entertainment Richard Cowles, explained: “The crew on I’m A Celebrity all wear proximity monitors that alert them when they are less than two metres away from each other, that way they can step back and safely social distance. 

“We want to do everything we can to create the safest workplace for crew, cast and our hosts.”

Nick Lanigan, Managing Director of Clearview Intelligence added: “These tags are an essential tool in supporting staff to work safely in any environment.

“ITV Studios recognises that it makes sense from a health and safety and business continuity perspective to use the tags and help keep their staff safe.”

Much of the editing will be done remotely in London to limit the number of people on site and further reduce the risk.

Cameras have also been remotely mapped out around the castle to keep the human interaction at a minimum.