Evolution of ‘I’m a Celebrity’: How the UK Show Has Changed Over the Years

“I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” is a TV show that has become a global phenomenon. There have been several spinoffs due to its popularity, however none have been as popular as the original UK hit.

The show can be rather divisive for audiences due to its content. It’s a show that is a little like Marmite: you either love it or you hate it. The show can feature everything from comedic moments featuring celebs in a vulnerable environment to witnessing them complete bushtucker trials that feature eating challenges of unsavoury items to completing activities with some of the world’s most fearsome or creepiest creatures.

Of course, the biggest appeal for many is the fact that they get to see certain celebrities enter the Australian jungle and become subject to these tasks, with some often being picked more often than not due to their reputation in the real world. You only have to look at the most recent seasons to see this happen, with controversial politicians having entered camp and being chosen to do almost everything.

How has “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” evolved over the years?

Having recently completed its 23rd season in December 2023, it’s hardly a surprise that there have been various changes to the format of the show. This has helped to keep the show relevant and keep it enjoyable for viewers, as it has stopped it from becoming too mundane and familiar.

Changes have included the location of the camp, the type of activities that are completed, and the way in which they are. For instance, all camp members would have been competing for each other in the first five seasons. Since then, they have been divided into teams. In addition, more tasks and daily activities have been added, as series one didn’t feature anything other than the Bushtucker trials. Since then, things like Dingo Dollar challenges and brain teasers have been added to keep celebs sane.

Other subtle changes have been made to help “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” evolve, with more privacy and a nicer environment available to the participants to live in. They no longer have to live with the barest of essentials, although they can still earn luxuries for completing their tasks.

How has “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” evolved outside of TV?

As stated, there have been many spin offs of the TV show since its first release in 2002, however it has also evolved in many other ways due to its success and popularity.

Several pieces of merchandise emblazoned with the show’s logo have been created, with everything from mugs to clothing. There have even been games made playable based on the themes of the hit TV Show. For instance, you can find a slot game that uses the jungle as a theme and symbols that represent many of the creatures that can be found when browsing the 32Red online slots UK site; being the only place where it’s possible to play due to its exclusivity.

Alternative media has also been able to benefit from the success of the show and its popularity, with podcasts having been released that can talk about everything and anything that the jungle and camp has to offer.

Could “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” get even bigger?

Although each season of “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” draws millions of viewers, one could argue that the show is beginning to get a little old. Even though the reality TV show’s viewing ratings are still good, they are diminishing in terms of its past seasons.

However, this might be attributed to the chosen cast. The celebs that will sign up will pack a lot of power and influence as far as viewing figures are concerned, and with ITV having been known to spend to try and get who they want in the jungle, it wouldn’t shock anyone if they are to keep doing this for as long as there is a demand for it.

The format is somewhat formulaic in parts, but the ability to get celebs from all walks of life to do things that the general public would never even think of doing is a great format that works and can provide viewers with plenty of entertainment over a couple of weeks in the depths of winter.