The stars usually do the task atop a 314ft high building before they are whisked into camp

Ant and Dec are mixing things up (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

 

I’m A Celebrity is dropping one of its most routine features – and fans say it was about time. Bosses have decided to ditch the terrifying Walk the Plank challenge for this year’s opening show.

It has become a regular feature with stars helicoptering here and there and walking out to grab stars. However, fans of the ITV show on social media seem to think it is not before time.

They say it has become a tired part of the format and was overdue a change. On X, formerly Twitter, Oliver Eaton said: “Good. I hope there is alot of new things as the show needs a refresh. Become too stale last few years.”

Elsewhere, Mark Marriott posted: “So ITV do know how to change a format.”

Khia added: “This felt like such a chore to watch.”

However, producers have opted for a change this year and are introducing a new challenge – which they promise is just as frightening. Details of the new challenge are being kept secret, leaving celebs including Wag Coleen Rooney and N-Dubz singer Tulisa in suspense upon their arrival in Australia.

The plank, attached to the roof of the Focus building in Surfers Paradise, was first introduced to the show’s curtain-raiser episodes in 2017. A show insider revealed: “Bosses are staying tight-lipped on exactly what they’ve got lined up to replace the plank, but rest assured it will be equally as terrifying and exhilarating. It won’t be an easy ride into camp for the celebrities this year. Bosses are pulling out all the stops to ensure the show has a spectacular launch that viewers won’t want to miss.”

Last year, the plank was transformed into a metal pole for the celebs to crawl to the end of.