I’m A Celebrity in ‘weather chaos’ as freak heatwave and storms batter campmates including Nigel Farage
I’M A Celebrity has been plunged into chaos after both mammoth storms and blazing heat blasted Australia as an extreme weather front moved in.
Nigel Farage and Josie Gibson baked in 40 degree heat during the first high-octane trial based in the red desert outback of Alice Springs.
Then 2,000 miles away back at the jungle camp, thunderstorms lashed down with lightning and rain as a huge 869 mile stretch of land across the east coast was hit by lightning storms overnight.
A source said: “The changing weather across the dual centres has the team in overdrive – one minute the celebs are boiled and the next they’re soaking wet.
“This is the most extreme weather in years and it’s making logistics a nightmare.
“Plans keep changing with each hour that passes as they tick down to launch.”
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Nigel, 59, and Josie, 38, were the first two stars tested by the extreme weather – after temperatures soared during their first trial in the Aussie outback.
The duo, along with YouTube star Nella Rose, were cooled down with specialist towels after being pushed to their limits during the first day of filming.
The mercury topped 40 degrees centigrade (104 f) at Alice Springs, some 15 degrees above the average for November and just 0.9 degrees off the hottest day of the entire year.
A source said: “You don’t film in the Australian Outback and not come prepared but these temperatures were truly sweltering.
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“They don’t call it the red desert for nothing.
“But the Alice Springs region hasn’t seen temps like this in November for years.
“The celebrities are all used to the London chill so this was a fiery blast of Aussie reality.
“They were all set to work wearing their regular clothing - which for Nigel meant his chinos and a pink shirt, Josie was in a denim jumpsuit and Nella in a silky two piece.
“The crew rapidly turned around scientific, water-activated cooling towels which Nigel, Josie and Nella could grab to bring down their body temperature.
“The high-tech gear uses specially-engineered fabric to absorb heat from the skin and conduct it away from the body into the air through evaporation.
“And they mobilised umbrellas to offer the whole team shade when the cameras weren’t rolling, plus lots of water and sun cream on hand of course.
“Obviously with 22 series under their belts, the I’m A Celebrity team have handled almost all weather so swung into action to safely support the celebs.”
It was the first time ITV has taken its epic entry trials outside of Queensland in the show’s 21-year history.
The Northern Territory, which is home to Uluru - formerly Ayers Rock - is known for its unforgiving terrain and was considered the ideal dramatic backdrop for the amazing opener, when the trio were tasked with a string of challenges to help their new campmates back on the Gold Coast in a bid to win food.
The source added: “The celebs were total troopers.
“Nigel probably wished he’d worn a shirt that showed a little less sweat but they battled on in the sweltering heat.
“It’s fair to say this series is hotting up before it’s even begun.”
The heatwave means seasonal storms have ramped up across the region of Queensland where filming at the original site takes place.
ITV told this week how the deluge of rain in recent days had led to an influx of venomous snakes and leeches in camp.
And with more bad weather on the horizon, the celebs are in for a rough ride.
Yesterday night storms rolled into the east side of the country – with forecasts that almost 900 miles of land would be battered by bad conditions.
The storms have arrived in time for the filming of the Walk The Plank task today – where the celebs are suspended 100 metres up in the air.
Insiders said the show’s crew weren’t taking any risks and would be implementing extra safety measures to ensure the welfare of the stars.
They added: “The best team work on the show and they’re used to being tested by the Aussie weather.
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“They are across the forecasts and will be putting every precaution in place to make sure everyone is safe – no matter what.”
A show spokesman said: “The production team are the best in the business and are used to working in all weather conditions.”