‘I’ve Tried To Be Polite’: Chris Packham Slams Ant And Dec Over ‘I’m A Celeb’ Animal Use

Chris Packham has written an open letter to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, expressing his disgust for the show's use of animals in tasks. He criticizes the show for its exploitation of animals, calling it an "anachronistic embarrassment" and a "grotesque blot" on both ITV and the hosts themselves. Packham highlights the disconnect between the show's treatment of animals and the current environmental crisis, gaining support on social media with his letter receiving over 20,000 likes in 24 hours.

For over 20 years, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has been criticized for its mistreatment of animals, with tasks involving creatures being eaten alive, crushed, or confined to small spaces. Despite previous attempts to raise awareness about the issue, including a ban on eating live insects, concerns have continued to be ignored. Packham urges Ant and Dec to stop promoting animal abuse and use the show's popularity to support wildlife conservation instead of perpetuating exploitation for entertainment.