ITV executives have reportedly instructed the bookers of the popular show “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” to steer clear of including political figures in future line-ups.
This directive follows a notable decline in viewership during the 2023 edition, which featured Nigel Farage, the former UKIP leader and GB News presenter.
The decision to exclude politicians is seen as a response to the 4-million viewer drop in the show’s finale compared to the previous year.
Viewership Decline and Controversial Figures:
The 2023 edition of “I’m a Celebrity” witnessed a significant dip in its final episode, with only 6.6 million viewers compared to 10.1 million in 2022.
ITV executives attribute this decline to the inclusion of controversial politicians, particularly Nigel Farage, who finished in third place, and Matt Hancock, the disgraced former Health Secretary, in 2022.
Farage’s headline-making moments, including his notable nude scenes, left fellow campmates stunned and may have contributed to the decision to avoid such figures in the future.
Ant and Dec’s Response:
According to a source cited by the Daily Mirror, Ant and Dec, the show’s hosts, expressed enthusiasm about Nigel Farage’s participation.
However, after the decline in viewership, they reportedly advocated for a hiatus from featuring politicians.
Dec stated, ‘I think we should do a year without politicians,’ with Ant concurring, ‘Agreed, agreed, agreed.’
This marks a departure from previous seasons where politicians, including Edwina Currie, Lembit Öpik, and Kezia Dugdale, were part of the cast.
Politicians on the Show’s History:
The inclusion of politicians has been a recurring theme in recent seasons of “I’m a Celebrity,” with figures like Edwina Currie, Lembit Öpik, and Kezia Dugdale participating.
Notably, Nadine Dorries took part in the 2012 edition, facing suspension from the Conservative Party for her involvement while serving as an MP.
Despite the show’s tradition of featuring politicians, the recent decline in viewership has prompted ITV to rethink this strategy.
The decision by ITV to exclude political figures from future “I’m a Celebrity” editions showcases the impact of viewer preferences on programming choices.
The decline in viewership, attributed to the controversial nature of political participants, reflects the delicate balance that reality shows must strike to maintain audience engagement while avoiding potential controversies.
Ant and Dec’s advocacy for a hiatus from political figures signals a potential shift in the show’s casting strategy.
The response from ITV, if provided, may shed light on the network’s approach to maintaining the show’s popularity amid changing viewer expectations.
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