I'm A Celebrity... on a shoestring
Wednesday, 7th October 2009. By Dave Harland
The new series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! is set to be the cheapest yet.
ITV1's hit reality show is due to begin in November, but it appears the programme is facing cutbacks due to the current economic climate.
The grip of the credit crunch has reportedly led to a reduction in the casting purse - funds used to entice big-name stars to ditch their showbiz lifestlyes for up to three weeks in the Australian jungle.
Last year, former Star trek star George Takei was allegedly paid a whopping £200,000 to slum it with a host of other B, C and Z List celebs.
Up for the chop
The expensive helecopter stunts and elaborate bushtucker trials that have become the programme's hallmark over the years also face the chop as bosses try to cut costs.
Celebrities chosen to appear in this year's show should also expect to fly Down Under in economy class in contrast to the First Class seats offered in previous series.
ITV's director of television Peter Fincham said: "I'm A Celebrity... will be as rich as ever but there is pressure on our budgets."
All we ask is please don't get rid of Ant and Dec!
Photos: ITV
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