I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! has continued to be one of ITV’s most-watched shows in recent years as a whole host of celebrities from all walks of showbiz have taken part in Bushtucker Trials. However, it was announced this evening (January 9) that the show’s popular spin-off show, Extra Camp, has been pulled from the schedule next year after “tough commercial decisions.”
The spin-off show has run alongside the popular competition since it commenced back in 2002, having had several different hosts in its time.
However, The Sun reported this evening that the sister show will no longer be running alongside the main event when it returns later this year.
In a statement to The Sun, an ITV source said: “ITV have been discussing the future of Extra Camp for some time and it’s not a decision they’ve taken lightly as they are very fond of it.
“But bosses are focusing on growing ITV2’s prime-time offering on the channel and Extra Camp, sadly, isn’t a part of that.
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“The show is quite expensive to make and, in the current climate, they’ve had to make a tough commercial decision,” the source concluded.
Show host Joel Dommett confirmed the news in an Instagram post this evening.
He explained how he and hosts of the latest series, Emily Atack and Adam Thomas, were “not to blame” for the show’s axe.
“Sad news – The time has unfortunately come to put Extra Camp to bed in its uncomfortable hammock. The show will no longer continue.
“It’s been a huge privilege to be a part of a show with such a rich history filled with amazing hosts. The producers have assured me that @emilyatackofficial @adamthomas21 and myself are not to blame.”
Emily took to Instagram to explain more details to her followers about ITV’s decision not to renew the show.
She said: “Hey everybody… I’m sure most of you have seen by now that ITV has decided not to do Extra Camp anymore, Extra Camp is no more, for reasons beyond our control, financial stuff, they’ve decided not to go again.
“Adam Thomas is blaming himself which is making me p*** myself, it’s not you Adam! It’s probably me.
“In all seriousness, thank you to everybody who watched and enjoyed it, we had so much fun doing it, and I learnt so much on there, the people at ITV are the hardest working people ever and there’s going to be a lot of sad people on the production, I love all you guys and I’ve never worked with such professional, hilarious, great people.”
Not letting the news faze her, she said: “It’s all good, it’s the way of the business, it’s all blessed and it’s all peace and love and thank you all again for all of your support, I love you all.
The show, which has been filmed live in Australia alongside the main event since 2009, has had 17 different presenters including Laura Whitmore and Emma Willis.
An ITV insider added: “ITV2 has loved having I’m A Celebrity: Extra Camp on the channel and it’s really sad the show is ending.
“All the presenters over the years have been fantastic, along with the brilliant, hard-working production crew,” the source concluded.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here can be streamed on the ITV Hub