I’M A Celebrity fans are longing for the return of sister show Extra Camp.
The popular spin-off programme was axed in 2020 as it was deemed too expensive by ITV.
Now that the programme has returned to Australia after two years in Wales due to the coronavirus pandemic, viewers have a sense that something is missing from the traditional format.
One lamented on Twitter: “Do you know what I miss? EXTRA CAMP. #ImACeleb.”
Another posted: “I wish they still had Extra Camp if only to do the weekly stats on the most googled jungle related thing. Cos I know full well this weeks is ‘Chris Moyles Musical’”
A third asked: “Why isn’t there the #ImACeleb Extra Camp show on this year?”
Extra Camp was hosted by former contestants Emily Atack, Adam Thomas and Joel Dommett in its final series.
It had run since the jungle reality show began in 2002.
But bosses decided the ITV2 companion, previously called I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! NOW!, had become too expensive.
It was shown at 10.30pm — just outside the channel’s prime time schedule, which is about to get a big push.
An ITV source said at the time: “ITV have been discussing the future of Extra Camp for some time and it’s not a decision they’ve taken lightly as they are very fond of it.
“But bosses are focusing on growing ITV2’s prime-time offering on the channel and Extra Camp, sadly, isn’t a part of that.
“The show is quite expensive to make and, in the current climate, they’ve had to make a tough commercial decision.”
Joel Dommett said of the decision: “The time has unfortunately come to put Extra Camp to bed in its uncomfortable hammock.
“The show will no longer continue. It’s been a huge privilege to be a part a show with such a rich history filled with amazing hosts. The producers have assured me that @emilyatackofficial @adamthomas21and myself are not to blame.
“They said the show was better than ever and also that Joel is the sexiest presenter we have ever had (I wasn’t listening but it was something like that) – it is simply because it’s expensive given how late it’s on and the funds will be used in more prime time slots.
“I’ve told them that Adam will do it for free but the decision is made. Thank you to all the crew who have made this the most wonderful 3 years, you have shaped me as a person and presenter. I’ve learnt so much.
“Thank you to everyone for watching.”
Since the ninth series in 2009, Extra Camp has mostly been filmed live in Australia, with only the occasional celebrity interviews shown from London.
The show had 17 presenters since it first aired.
Previous hosts included tragic It Girl Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Emma Willis, late Love Island presenter Caroline Flack and her replacement on the dating show Laura Whitmore.
Stacey Solomon and Scarlett Moffatt have also fronted it.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/im-a-celebrity/im-a-celeb-to-air-bumper-movie-length-episode-tonight-to-fit-in-all-the-eviction-drama/
