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There’s a big change coming to the jungle this year. ITV bosses have announced a major voting shake-up for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, a move that’s set to dramatically change how the popular Bushtucker Trials play out.
For the first time in the show’s 25-year history, producers are introducing a new rule that prevents viewers from voting the same celebrity into two consecutive trials more than twice in a row.
This means that if a campmate is chosen for two back-to-back trials, they’ll automatically be exempt from the following one, giving others a chance to take part and keeping the show fresh and balanced.
A TV insider told the Daily Mail:
“It will be really good for the show. When celebrities get voted over and over again, it can be quite upsetting for them. The public gets bored or annoyed, and the other contestants were becoming increasingly frustrated at missing out on airtime.”
The move follows a growing wave of concern from both fans and production staff, who have expressed frustration over the British public’s tendency to target certain celebrities repeatedly, often turning the light-hearted reality series into a tense and uncomfortable watch.
Another source revealed that ITV bosses had become increasingly aware of the “toxic targeting” culture that had started to creep into the voting system.
“It’s a family-friendly show,” the insider explained. “When one contestant gets voted into every trial, it can feel cruel and repetitive. This change is about restoring balance and fairness to the jungle.”
The rule change comes after radio presenter Dean McCullough became the focus of audience votes in 2024, being chosen for seven consecutive Bushtucker Trials. Viewers repeatedly voted for him to face challenges, including being buried in dark spaces filled with spiders, after he struggled to win stars for camp.
While some fans found the situation entertaining, many others took to social media to call for a format change, arguing that it had gone too far. McCullough himself admitted that the constant voting took a toll, saying that while he wanted to give his best, the relentless trials became emotionally draining.
Last year, Dean McCullough was targeted by viewers and voted to take part in seven trials in a row, prompting fans to demand a shake-up in the show’s format, which ITV bosses have since implemented.
Even Ant McPartlin intervened last year, directly appealing to viewers on air to “give someone else a go.” He admitted the situation had become “unfair” and “unprofessional,” acknowledging that while the show thrives on public participation, the same person being voted in repeatedly doesn’t make for great television.
With the new exemption rule, ITV hopes to bring back the spirit of fun and unpredictability that made I’m A Celebrity such a national favourite. Fans are already calling it a “long overdue” move that will make the competition more dynamic and entertaining to watch.
The 25th series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! launches this Sunday on ITV, with Ant and Dec returning to host and an all-star cast that includes Ruby Wax, Alex Scott, Kelly Brook, Martin Kemp, and Aitch heading into the Australian jungle.
