Ant and Dec hint I’m A Celebrity UK 2021 WILL be returning to Wales

‘I won’t miss the jet lag!’ Ant and Dec hint I’m A Celebrity 2021 WILL be returning to Wales after filming was relocated from Australia due to Covid-19 pandemic

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have sparked claims that this year’s series will be returning to Wales.

The presenting duo said they’d be ‘very happy’ to remain in the UK for filming when the series returns later this year, joking they ‘wouldn’t miss the jet lag’ from travelling Down Under.

Last year’s I’m A Celebrity was relocated to Gwrych Castle in Wales after plans to record the usual show in Australia became impossible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Will they be back? I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have sparked claims that this year’s series will be returning to Wales

Speaking to Digital Spy magazine, Ant said: ‘If during coronavirus we have to stay put and do it in Wales again, I’d be very happy.

‘We were very welcomed in Wales. There were cardboard cut-outs of me and Dec in the butcher’s, and the local school did a tribute. We’d happily go back there. We’d miss the sunshine, mind.’

Dec added that he ‘wouldn’t be disappointed’ if filming was once again taking place in Wales later this year, adding: ‘The people in Wales were lovely. They made us feel very welcome. 

‘I had a lovely time. I will miss the sunshine, but I will not miss the jet lag of coming back from Australia.’ 

Next series? The presenting duo said they'd be 'very happy' to remain in the UK for filming when the series returns later this year

Next series? The presenting duo said they’d be ‘very happy’ to remain in the UK for filming when the series returns later this year

Last year’s I’m A Celebrity saw author Giovanna Fletcher crowned series champion after 12 celebrities moved into the derelict Gwrych Castle.

It was reported last month that ITV bosses had already secured use of the castle for another series if the Covid crisis prevented a return to Australia.

A source told The Sun: ‘Ultimately they are at the mercy of COVID-19 restrictions.

‘Formally an agreement is in place for the use of Gwrych Castle this year. Should the show need to be held there again it has all got the green light.’

ITV hired the 19th century castle for six weeks in 2020, costing £1million, after Covid-19 ruled out the usual setting in Australia.

The network also announced an extreme Covid Management Plan to ensure the series ran smoothly.

Changes: Last year's I'm A Celebrity was relocated to Gwrych Castle in Wales after plans to record the usual show in Australia became impossible during the COVID-19 pandemic

Changes: Last year’s I’m A Celebrity was relocated to Gwrych Castle in Wales after plans to record the usual show in Australia became impossible during the COVID-19 pandemic

This included the celebrities being tested every three days and crew members wearing proximity buzzers, masks and getting temperature checks on arrival.

The celebrities also had to isolate for two weeks ahead of their arrival.

The new venue was warmly received by viewers, with some even calling for the show to make Wales its new permanent home.

While other fans suggested it alternate years between Wales and Australia.

The full Ant & Dec interview can be read in issue six of Digital Spy magazine, available now exclusively on Apple News+

Out soon: The full Ant & Dec interview can be read in issue six of Digital Spy magazine, available now exclusively on Apple News

Out soon: The full Ant & Dec interview can be read in issue six of Digital Spy magazine, available now exclusively on Apple News