I'm A Celebrity FIRST LOOK: Stars prepare for cruellest series EVER

I’m A Celebrity FIRST LOOK: Gwrych Castle is kitted out with a derelict clink, chilling sleeping quarters are set up and Kiosk Cledwyn RETURNS… as stars prepare for the cruellest series EVER

The celebrities look set to take part in the most gruelling series yet as the castle has been given several renovations ahead of Sunday’s launch show
A large curtain appears to lead the way to a dingy dungeon where some of the stars will be forced to sleep on sleeping bags in the freezing cold castle
Five unlucky celebrities who lose out in the show’s first trial will be forced to spend their first few nights at Gwrych Castle in The Clink – a brand new camp
A banner on the A55 bore the slogan aimed at presenters Ant and Dec reading: ‘Ant and Dec, go home!’
Locals voiced their fury that work on Gwrych Castle is impacting their life, after it was revealed that nearby footpaths and a local golf course were closed causing disruption for residents in the area
A local resident told MailOnline: ‘These people are absolutely ridiculous, they are erecting a structure and then think they can stop us locals from walking our dogs where we have been walking for over 40 years’
On Wednesday, images showed vast scaffolding being erected for a ‘Walk The Plank’ challenge

Gwrych Castle in North Wales has been kitted out with a new camp known as The Clink which features dingy sleeping quarters as the stars prepare to move in for the new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

The celebrities look set to take part in the most gruelling series yet as the castle has been given several renovations ahead of Sunday’s launch show.

A large curtain appears to lead the way to a dingy dungeon where some of the stars will be forced to sleep on sleeping bags in the freezing cold castle.

Rough: Gwrych Castle in North Wales has been kitted out with a new camp known as The Clink which features dingy sleeping quarters as the stars prepare to move in for the new series of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!

Fans of last year’s series, the first in the UK, will be pleased to see Kiosk Cledwyn is returning once more as his Kiosk Stand could be seen on the grounds.

The main seating area where housemates have their meals is back where they will be forced to gather round a fire to keep warm.

Five unlucky celebrities who lose out in the show’s first trial will be forced to spend their first few nights at Gwrych Castle in The Clink – a brand new camp with hellish living conditions where stars will have no beds and be made to sleep on the floor, as well as shower in the dark.

The 2021 series of the ITV show, which begins on Sunday, will be the longest duration celebrities have spent in the haunted Welsh castle, as this year’s programme lasts three weeks, with a total of 25 cruel challenges.

Cast: Among those who will be putting up with the gruelling conditions in the castle are Frankie Bridge (left) and Danny Miller (right)

Gwrych Castle: The main camp is located near the back of the castle while The Clink and it’s rough sleeping quarters are completely separate

Yikes: A large curtain appears to lead the way to a dingy dungeon where some of the stars will be forced to sleep on sleeping bags in the freezing cold castle.

He’s back! Fans of last year’s series, the first in the UK, will be pleased to see Kiosk Cledwyn is returning once more as his Kiosk Stand could be seen on the grounds

I’m A Celebrity bosses have angered locals further in Abergele, Wales after residents erected signs instructing hosts Ant and Dec ‘go home’.

Locals voiced their fury that the work on Gwrych Castle, where the show is set, is impacting their day to day life, after it was revealed that nearby footpaths and a local golf course were closed near the historic landmark.

On Wednesday, images showed vast scaffolding being erected for a ‘Walk The Plank’ challenge, which has been at the heart of some of the issues while further images show the extent of closures around the building.

A local resident told MailOnline: ‘These people are absolutely ridiculous, they are erecting a structure and then think they can stop us locals from walking our dogs where we have been walking for over 40 years.’

Grim: The celebrities look set to take part in the most gruelling series yet as the castle has been given several chilling renovations ahead of Sunday’s launch show

Castle Camp: The main seating area where housemates have their meals is back where they will be forced to gather round a fire to keep warm

Grim: Stars in The Clink won’t have the luxury of a bed and will be resting their heads on sleeping bags instead

Gruelling: The 2021 series of the ITV show, which begins on Sunday, will be the longest duration celebrities have spent in the haunted Welsh castle

Challening: This year’s programme lasts three weeks, with a total of 25 cruel challenges to test the celebrities

Her neighbour went on: ‘They have absolutely ruined the area dredging up all that mud, when we asked them if they will put it back afterwards they said as it’s winter it won’t matter but they’ve dug 6 foot holes how dare they’.

Another Abergele resident said: ‘Nothing from this comes back to the town or the people here, they have security everywhere and stopping people going places they normally go, they haven’t even employed any locals here, it is all so unfair.’

MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment. Show chiefs are said to be eager to keep out prying eyes when the celebrities move in later this month and have surrounded the castle with steel fences.

According to The Sun, the fences are eight feet tall and run around the entire castle, interfering with trails frequently used by locals.

Oof: I’m A Celebrity bosses have angered locals further in Abergele, Wales after residents erected signs instructing hosts Ant and Dec ‘go home’

Hard at work: The castle was surrounded by fencing while roads showed blockages

Blocked off: The road signs showed that the area surrounding the castle was no access

Spooky! On Wednesday, images showed vast scaffolding being erected for a ‘Walk The Plank’ challenge, which has been at the heart of some of the issues

Oh dear! The signs hung above the A55

No access! The blocked roads and public access removal were clear to see in new shots

Earlier this year, residents in the area took issue with the council over whether they had a right to walk around the estate. Councillor Delyth MacRae said: ‘Prior to the castle being built, there was an undesignated path from Llanddulas to Abergele and we are talking a long time ago.

‘That was for access to the mines and it was quicker to go down there and go to the market/go shopping.

‘Members of the public are feeling, rightly or wrongly, they are feeling very aggrieved their enjoyment of the land has been taken away due to recent changes of ownership as well as liability and security issues.’

Off you go… Ant and Dec were given stark instructions on the signs

Blocked off: The building for staff was huge and extending beside the venue

Slow down: The area featured fencing and 20 mile an hour speed signs in the surrounding areas

Slow down: Road speeds were reduced to permit the work around the building

A Gwrych Castle spokesperson previously told the Rhyl Journal: ‘We opened the gardens to the public in 2014 and then the castle itself in 2018.

‘Prior to this the entire estate was closed to the public so we enabled access around the restored sections of the castle. We want to have regulated public access given that the castle and grounds are under restoration.

‘The entire estate includes Manorafan Farm, Abergele Golf Club and the surrounding farmland, including the woodland which is leased to NRW and have been since 1951. We will continue to engage with interested parties.’

The Abergele Golf Club is said to be keen to use the scenic backdrop of Gwrych Castle to promote itself to tourists but now pay as you go golfers have been given the boot for a month, with only members permitted to use the club.

Separation: Other signs laid out tow away zones

Not happy: I’m A Celebrity bosses have angered locals in Abergele, Wales after closing off footpaths and a local golf course near Gwrych Castle

Privacy: Show chiefs are said to be eager to keep out prying eyes when the celebrities move in later this month and have surrounded the castle with steel fences

According to The Sun, ITV will compensate the club for any lost revenue while the series airs.

A statement from the £730-a-year club said: ‘As we are neighbours to Gwyrch Castle, where I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! will be based for a second year, our course will be closed to non-members from Wednesday 10th November until Monday 13th December 2021.

‘Members will still be able to play as normal during this period, exactly like last year. The Clubhouse Bistro will still be open to serve their tasty menu during this period.

Closures: There were warnings about entering a ‘caution site’ alongside warnings over lorries

Blocked: According to The Sun, the metal fences are eight feet tall and run around the entire castle, interfering with trails frequently used by locals

‘We are very excited to be a part of the production again this year and look forward to watching it later on this month. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused and look forward to welcoming our guests again from Monday 13th December!’

Despite some complaints, others were more pleased with the return with Cllr. Alan Hunter, Mayor of Abergele launching a shop front competition to welcome the stars.

He said: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled that I’m A Celebrity has come back to our town’s iconic Gwrych Castle…

‘Leading up to the announcement that ITV were coming back, I’d lost count of the amount of times residents and local businesses had asked if I thought IAC would come back. The return has certainly lifted the spirits of the town and there is noticeable excitement across the generations.

‘I have relaunched the shop window display competition. Already the very imaginative window displays and cardboard cutouts of Ant and Dec are being displayed.

Rules: Earlier this year, residents in the area took issue with the council over whether they had a right to walk around the estate (presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly pictured)

Hard at is: The area for crew was close-by with huge temporary structures in place

‘I am really grateful that there is a policy of using local trades to supply and service the show, which will aid the economic recovery for so many.

‘The return is a real boost for the economy of the town, the coast, and North Wales in general. It is also a massive boost to the restoration of the castle.

‘Last year the show went on during an almost full lockdown and l hope that this year we will not be restricted, so long as people are sensible and keep safe, we will welcome visitors. It will be fantastic to welcome the production team and crew into town this year.’

He adds: ‘We have the beautiful Pensarn promenade with free parking for over 200 cars where the best and safest views of Gwrych Castle can be enjoyed in all its glory nestled in the hillside.’

Unimpressed: Councillor Delyth MacRae said: Members of the public are feeling very aggrieved their enjoyment of the land has been taken away’

EXCLUSIVE: I’m A Celeb 2021 will be the toughest series yet with the greatest number of trials EVER after producers schedule one PER DAY while five unlucky stars will endure The Clink and be forced to sleep on the floor

This year’s I’m A Celeb will be the toughest series yet with the greatest number of trials the show has ever had after bosses schedule one terrifying challenge per day.

Back in action: This year’s I’m A Celeb will be the toughest series yet with the greatest number of trials the show has ever had after bosses schedule one terrifying challenge per day (hosts Ant and Dec pictured)

I’m A Celeb executive producer Tom Gould told MailOnline: ‘We needed to make this year tougher. We need to keep on pushing the celebrities.

‘Last year we were quite anxious because we didn’t know what we were going to face, we didn’t know how cold it was going to be or if the celebrities would be able to stick it out.

‘They survived, just, so now we’re going to push them even further every series and make sure we keep them on their toes, so they don’t know what is coming.

‘The show has been running for so long now that there are people that know it really, really well so we need to keep the surprise element. It means we have upped our game.’

The Clink is Gwrych Castle’s new separate living quarters – but no celebrity will want to stay there.

Life will be tougher for five stars who begin their I’m A Celeb journey at The Clink.

Difficult: I’m A Celeb executive producer Tom Gould told MailOnline: ‘We needed to make this year tougher. We need to keep on pushing the celebrities’

Forced to compete against the main camp, those living in The Clink will already find themselves at a disadvantage.

Stars such as singer Frankie Bridge, 32, could be faced with having no bed, sleeping on the cold, hard floor, and showering in the dark while having to continually keep hold of a chain to release water.

They will spend most of their day-to-day life in camp attempting to keep sheltered from the blistering cold temperatures in the outdoor courtyard, where they will be forced to brush their teeth in a grubby sink and relieve themselves in a cramped privy.

Tom continued: ‘Our celebrities on their journey into the castle will be facing a series of head-to-head battles and the result of those will determine which five celebrities win access to the main camp and which five celebrities will spend their first few days of castle life in The Click, which is not somewhere you would want to end up. Being in The Clink is not how you would want to start your castle experience.

‘It is a much smaller living space; they do get to sleep inside at least but there will be no beds for them – they will sleep on the floor.

‘There’s a very primitive shower camp but most of their daily lives will be within a cramped and claustrophobic courtyard, all their cooking, eating, washing up, and the chores they do will all happen outside. They are really going to be on top of each other for the first few days.’

He added: ‘Last year we were quite anxious because we didn’t know what we were going to face, we didn’t know how cold it was going to be or if the celebrities would be able to stick it out’

Meanwhile, celebrities living in the main camp will enjoy a luxury experience compared to those in The Clink.

The lucky campmates will sleep on beds and in hammocks but like last year, will have to shower in twos, as one person is needed to run the water.

Whether they’re enjoying the high life in the main camp or slumming it in The Clink, no celebrity will avoid the trials, which determines how much food they eat each day.

Producers have ‘upped their game’ and made the challenges ‘bigger and better’ this year – while making the most of the vast open space surrounding the Welsh castle.

Tom said: ‘It’s great to be able to have another go in Wales and take things we learned last year and make it bigger, tougher, it’s a different canvas that we work with here and to be able to explore that more, we’re thankful to the castle.

‘In terms of scale the challenges are bigger than anything we did last year and will be more difficult because of that. As part of that search for scale we have tried to have more trials outside as opposed to in the castle – they will be outside more and at night.’

He said: ‘They survived, just, so now we’re going to push them even further every series and make sure we keep them on their toes, so they don’t know what is coming’

The trials will be filmed late at night, after the live show on ITV.

Campmates, therefore, will not eat their evening meal – if they win any food at all – until the early hours of the morning.

Tom said: ‘Trials always happen after the live show because obviously you have the votes within the live show and dinner is a direct result of the trial so depending on the number of stars they win if any… they will be eating dinner late.’

Kisok Cledwyn, the Welsh castle’s answer to Australia’s Kiosk Keith, will return to Ye Olde Shoppe – and he’s as grumpy as ever.

Celebrities will have to impress him by guessing the correct answer during the Castle Coin Challenge to win edible treats for camp.

The I’m A Celeb cast this year will complete a 14-day quarantine before their arrival at the castle on Thursday, when they begin filming ahead of Sunday’s launch.

Celebrities will form a ‘bubble’ in camp and be regularly tested for Covid-19.

What’s in store: ‘The show has been running for so long now that there are people that know it really, really well so we need to keep the surprise element. It means we have upped our game’

Tom confirmed: ‘Once they go into the castle, celebrities are essentially in a bubble and we will be following all industry regulations and guidance, as additional mitigation the cast have been quarantining for 14 days ahead of going in and they will be on a regular testing regime while they’re in quarantine.

‘They will create a bubble while they’re in camp, which puts us in a very different situation to Strictly, which is a weekly live show.’

This year’s I’m A Celeb line-up includes The Saturdays star and Loose Women panellist Frankie Bridge, 32, Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley, 65, and choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips, 78.

They will be joined in camp by former BBC breakfast star Louise Minchin, 53, music producer Naughty Boy, 36, Emmerdale actor Danny Miller, 30, and former Newcastle and Spurs footballer David Ginola, 54.

Olympic gold medallist Matty Lee, 23, Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox, 30, and Radio 1Xtra DJ Snoochie Shy, 29, complete the initial line-up, while two rival soap stars wait in the wings.

EastEnders veteran Adam Woodyatt, 53, famed for playing Ian Beale, and Coronation Street actor Simon Gregson, 47, aka Steve McDonald will enter the series as wildcards and no doubt compete against each other during one of the show’s first trials.

I’m A Celeb, which is usually held in the Australian jungle, will be filmed in North Wales for a second time in the show’s history because of on-going Covid-19 restrictions.

Return: I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! starts 9pm this Sunday on ITV and ITV Hub

The 21st series hosted by Ant & Dec will see celebrity contestants endure freezing temperatures while camping on the hard floors at Gwrych Castle, which is rumoured to be haunted by a floating woman in white.

Shane Ritchie, who competed in last year’s series, told MailOnline last month the hardest part of his I’m A Celeb experience was the cold weather and being forced to sit on backless stone chairs.

He said: ‘The worst part was getting used to the cold that was the hard part. The eating was okay because after a couple of days you programmed yourself, you knew when you were going to eat but it was just the cold. It was hard having to sit in seats with no backs on so you’re just sitting on cold stones.

‘I think the show will be just as big; we set a precedent last year. It feels like a lifetime ago, it was this time last year I was in isolation before I went into the castle. The whole thing was about six weeks from being in isolation to finally going into the castle.’

Giovanna Fletcher, 36, was crowned the first ever Queen of the Castle last year after beating Radio 1 DJ Jordan North, 31, in the final.

The mother-of-three, who’s married to Strictly star Tom Fletcher, 36, fought off competition from the likes of Vernon Kay, 47, and Coronation Street actress Beverley Callard, 64.

I’m A Celeb’s iconic character Kiosk Keith was replaced by his Welsh counterpart Kiosk Cledwyn as part of the show’s big move to Wales.

It was reported last year that Kisok Cledwyn, who was the face of the Castle Coin Challenge, was named after the late, legendary local politician Cledwyn Hughes.

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! starts 9pm this Sunday on ITV and ITV Hub.

I’m A Celebrity 2021 Line-up

LOUISE MINCHIN

AGE: 53

CLAIM TO FAME: Broadcaster & ex BBC Breakfast Host

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: It’s nice to be able to show the fun side of me rather than the serious news presenter.

PHOBIAS: The idea of small, enclosed spaces with cockroaches and spiders is horrific!

ROLE IN THE CAMP: I will give out hugs and make the food more edible!

MISS MOST: My comfortable bed and lovely bath.

DREAM CAMPER: Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig – we wouldn’t have a problem getting stars if he were in the Castle.

MATTY LEE

AGE: 23

CLAIM TO FAME: Olympic Gold Medallist

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People always see me as very composed and serious on the diving board. This will be a nice opportunity to let people get to know me better.

PHOBIAS: I don’t like rats.

ROLE IN THE CAMP: I don’t mind helping out with cleaning.

MISS MOST: My bed!

DREAM CAMPER: Ed Sheeran and Will Smith

SNOOCHIE SHY

AGE: 29

CLAIM TO FAME: Radio 1Xtra DJ

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People know me as a very bubbly person but when I am outside of my comfort zone, I can be shy.

PHOBIAS: Bugs, heights and I’m claustrophobic.

ROLE IN THE CAMP: I love twerking on a Friday night and I’m going to teach everyone how to do it in the Castle!

MISS MOST: My cat and lip gloss.

DREAM CAMPER: Jim Carrey and Big Narstie.

RICHARD MADELEY

AGE: 65

CLAIM TO FAME: TV presenter and journalist

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: Nothing. I don’t worry about what people think.

PHOBIAS: Heights. I’m not sure how I will feel if I have to walk across a plank very high up!

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Cook and interviewer. I love finding out about people’s lives.

MISS MOST: Aside from Judy and my family, not knowing what is happening in the news. I am a news junkie.

DREAM CAMPER: The late Jimmy Greaves. I would have loved to chat about goal scoring in the Castle with him.

DAME ARLENE PHILLIPS, DBE

AGE: 78

CLAIM TO FAME: Choreographer

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People don’t really know the real me at home and I’d like to show people the motherly side, the side my family sees.

PHOBIAS: I am hoping I will overcome my fears to take part in the Trials!

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Mum and to organise some fun dance routines!

MISS MOST: My notepad and pencil –I am known for always having to write down ideas.

DREAM CAMPER: Giovanna Fletcher –she is such a lovely, warm person.

NAUGHTY BOY

AGE: 36

CLAIM TO FAME: Producer

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People don’t know the real me and I want everyone to get to know me.

PHOBIAS: Confined spaces and heights but I want to give the Trials a go to bring back some stars.

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Castle chef and someone who everyone can confide in.

MISS MOST: My mum. I live with her and it’s going to be hard being away from her.

DREAM CAMPER: Sir Elton John would be amazing.

KADEENA COX, MBE

AGE: 30

CLAIM TO FAME: Paralympic Gold Medallist

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: Great to be able to show people with all disabilities they can try different things in life.

PHOBIAS: Snakes, rats, spiders, heights – everything!

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Chef – so long as there isn’t too much pressure to make the food interesting!

MISS MOST: TikTok, my mum and dog.

DREAM CAMPER: Thierry Henry –I love watching Arsenal play.

DAVID GINOLA

AGE: 54

CLAIM TO FAME: Football legend

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: None because I never hide behind a false image. What you see is what you get.

PHOBIAS: I am going to tell you when I am in the Castle!

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Chef. I enjoy cooking at home and I will be hoping to add some garlic and rosemary to the food.

MISS MOST: My partner and my little girl. It’s going to be tough.

FRANKIE BRIDGE

AGE: 32

CLAIM TO FAME: The Saturdays star

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People think if you are in a pop group, you lead a glamorous lifestyle and won’t get stuck in, but I’m determined to muck in with all the chores.

PHOBIAS: Spiders, rats and confined spaces scare me.

ROLE IN THE CAMP: The serial hugger.

MISS MOST: Wayne and my boys.

DREAM CAMPER: Larry Lamb or a father figure type.

DANNY MILLER

AGE: 30

CLAIM TO FAME: Emmerdale actor

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: None but I would like to show everyone what I am like in real life rather than my soap character, Aaron Dingle.

PHOBIAS: I am absolutely dreading the eating Trials! I fear I will gag!

ROLE IN THE CAMP: A shoulder to cry on and a person everyone can come to if they have a problem.

MISS MOST: My fiancée, Steph, and our new baby.

DREAM CAMPER: Fred Sirieix or any ex football player. I won’t be able to leave them alone asking lots of questions!

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