The ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ camp is set to be invaded by killer spiders.
The creepy-crawly show is set to return to screens in two weeks’ time but this year’s participating celebrities may have to watch their footing more than previous years as arachnologists have warned that the confusing weather in Australia – where the programme is filmed – has been causing the poisonous critters to leave their hideaways.
Dr Robert Raven told the Daily Star newspaper: "In the past we’ve had early rain and nothing. Just really dry summers. But this summer, the rain is allowing the whole system to crank up again. People should check everywhere.
"If you pick up your towel, the next thing you know you could have a huntsman on your face. A lot of spiders are pretty harmless, but redbacks are of particular concern."
The line-up for the forthcoming series is yet to be confirmed but it’s been reported that Coronation Street’s Jennie McAlpine has agreed to swap the cobbles for cobwebs.
A source said recently: "Jennie’s been on the wishlist for some time and, after a lot of persuasion, she’s agreed to take part this year. ‘Corrie’ have given it the green light because they’ve been able to reschedule her storyline filming – so everything has finally fallen into place. She’s bubbly and great fun, so the hope is she’ll be a great addition. The producers are over the moon to get her."
Jennie is set to join the likes of The Saturdays singer Vanessa White and ‘Made in Chelsea’ star Georgia Toffolo in the Australian jungle, as well as ‘Hollyoaks’ actor Jamie Lomas who was announced for the show over the weekend.
‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ kicks off on November 19 on ITV and Ant and Dec will once again host.