Chris Packham Slams Ant & Dec Over Animal Abuse on I’m A Celeb
TV’s Chris Packham hits out at ITV favourites Ant & Dec, accusing their hit show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! of ongoing animal cruelty. The New Forest-based environmentalist claims the infamous Bush Tucker Trials exploit animals for cheap thrills and outdated entertainment.
ITV Defends Animal Welfare Practices
ITV insists it follows strict UK animal welfare laws and employs careful production methods to protect creatures involved in the show. A spokesperson stressed that all animals are handled safely before, during, and after filming.
Packham’s Scathing Social Media Roast
Despite ITV’s reassurances, Packham, 61, took to X (formerly Twitter) to brand the show a “grotesque blot” on Ant & Dec’s reputation. He said the ongoing use of animals for entertainment is “embarrassing” and out of touch with today’s environmental values.
Thousands of Complaints & a Radical Proposal
As President of the RSPCA, Packham revealed the charity received 17,000 complaints last year about animal abuse in entertainment. He urged a bold shake-up of I’m A Celebrity in 2024:
- End all animal abuse in the show’s challenges
- Introduce educational segments on wildlife conservation
- Donate a share of profits to conservation projects
- Make Ant & Dec ambassadors for wildlife charities
“It’s time for entertainment to respect wildlife, not exploit it,” Packham concluded, calling for a new era of ethical TV that aligns with growing environmental awareness.
