What is a Bushtucker Trial on I’m A Celebrity and how did it get its name?
The highlight of any edition of I’m A Celebrity, Bushtucker Trials prove that the nation has an insatiable appetite for watching famous faces put themselves through hell in the name of entertainment – and to win a few precious morsels of food.
After being chosen by a public vote, celebrities are called upon to complete – or more accurately, endure – a physical, mental or ‘food’-based challenge in order to win stars which can they be exchanged for food and treats.
As they struggle through their task, I’m A Celeb presenters Ant and Dec are on hand to offer helpful advice, usually through barely-stifled giggles.
Previous years’ trials have provided some truly memorable in moments, for better or worse.
Read everything you need to know about tonight's Bushtucker Trial
In 2011, Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder was bitten by a snake during a challenge, remaining remarkably unconcerned as medics rushed to treat his wounds.
Fatima Whitbread had to have a cockroach flushed out of her nose during the same series, while Joe Swash wretched his way through a tempting meal of silk worms, cockroaches and crocodile penis during his 2008 appearance.
The Bushtucker Trials take their name from ‘bush tucker’ – the moniker given to any native Australian food eaten by the nation’s Aboriginal population.
While some of these morsels, such as witchetty grubs, look more at home in an I’m A Celeb food challenge, others, such as kangaroo meat, are still widely sold in supermarkets.
Given that the celebrities are being put through their various terrifying ordeals to secure some precious meals for the camp, which are usually of Australian origin, the terminology is particularly apt.
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