By James Simons-
North Wales Police is reportedly investigating television programme, I am a celebrity get me out of here, over its use of insects such as cockroaches, maggots, spiders and worms, following complaints the species could threaten wildlife in the area around Gwrych Castle, near Abergele.
A potential breach of the Wildlife and Countryside Act could arise if the programme failed to get a licence for the release of the bugs, The Guardian reported.
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Following the report, the RSPCA has stressed its previous calls for I’m a Celebrity “to be a highly entertaining show without the use of animals” and encouraged viewers to contact Ofcom.
A spokesperson for the show said: “All of the insects used on I’m A Celebrity are non-invasive species.
“They are only ever released in a contained area and collected immediately after filming. Speaking to The Guardian, he said: “I’m not sure which species they’re releasing, but I can tell you they’re not native. We don’t have those cockroaches here in the UK and we certainly don’t have them in North Wales.”
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Celebrities including athlete Sir Mo Farah, Coronation Street star Beverley Callard, EastEnders actor Shane Richie and TV presenter Vernon Kay are among the stars competing in this series of the show, which has been running for 18 years
Rural crime officers from north Wales police are looking into complaints that non-native creatures such as cockroaches, maggots, spiders and worms could threaten wildlife in the 100-hectare (250-acre) estate surrounding Gwrych Castle in north Wales, where the show is being held this year.
ITV claim that all of the insects used on I’m A Celebrity were non-invasive species, but declined to comment on which species were used. A spokesperson said: “They are only ever released in a contained area and collected immediately after filming. They are all purchased commercially within the UK and are normally bred as animal food.”
The show is usually hosted live from the Australian jungle, where celebrity contestants engage in entertaining dares and challenges with live animals, like being covered in insects or surrounded by rats.
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