Numerous TV and showbiz icons have urged people to boycott the forthcoming season of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!
The ITV show debuted in 2002 and has never shied away from intrigue and controversy in its 21 years as one of ITV’s most popular series.
However, the officially publicised list of famous faces set to enter the jungle this month has enraged many fans, prompting others to call for a boycott.
When Nigel Farage, the former UKIP leader and MEP, joins the camp, he will become the highest-paid individual in I’m A Celeb history.
The cast also features Jamie-Lynn Spears, Britney Spears‘ sister, Josie Gibson from This Morning, and Fred Siriex from First Dates.
After being fired from his government post for violating Covid-19 regulations, disgraced former Health Secretary Matt Hancock joined the series.
In response to Farage’s significant association with the programme, various TV and entertainment figures have called for a boycott ahead of its November broadcast.
Comedian London Hughes has stated that if she were to be in a lineup with Farage, she would quit immediately and sue ITV.
‘If I went on I’m A Celebrity and found out I was on the show with Nigel Farage, I’d leave and sue for racial negligence… but that’s just me,’ she remarked.
‘I’d say that I’m quite shocked that ITV is platforming a racist as a form of entertainment, but nothing really surprises me anymore,’ she added.
When it came to the man who sought and failed to become an MP seven times, TV great Kathy Burke didn’t spare her words.
‘Quick, there’s another hate baiting c**t available,’ she jibed, referencing Matt Hancock’s appearance in last year’s series which saw him finish third.
Journalist Bella Mackie took to Instagram’s Story to explain why she would not be watching the reality series, which premieres later this month.
‘He’s apparently being paid £1.5million,’ she said, before listing a disturbingly long list of reprehensible comments Farage has made down the years.
Farage also targeted Romanians, those with HIV/AIDS, and suggested that women were ‘worth less’ to employers in the list of statements Bella published.
‘I sincerely hope people don’t watch I’m A Celebrity if he’s on it this year. For real. How is this entertainment?’ she commented, calling her followers to action.
Numerous viewers and fans of the show have also urged Ant and Dec to address the issue around Farage’s selection.
Former Tory MP Edwina Currie warned last week that Farage’s appearance on I’m A Celeb ‘could change the face of British politics’ in the near future.