There are fears that the jungle environment could be bad for certain contestants’ health
Medics on I’m A Celebrity are said to be on high alert due to hazardous conditions in the camp. The ITV reality show has just begun, with a star-studded cast including Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley, Loose Women’s Kelly Brook, Aitch, Jack Osbourne, AngryGinge, and Alex Scott venturing into the jungle.
Campmates are preparing themselves for Ant and Dec’s gruelling bushtucker trials, aiming to bag stars and secure their spot on the show, with producers hinting that this year is set to be the “toughest” yet. However, mere hours after the show’s launch, it’s reported that the camp is grappling with soaring humidity levels.
There are particular concerns for Jack Obsourne, as the sweltering conditions could exacerbate his multiple sclerosis symptoms. The NHS describes multiple sclerosis as an incurable condition impacting the brain and spinal cord, leading to extreme fatigue, muscle cramps, numbness, and vision issues, reports the Daily Star.
Humidity in the area has apparently risen at a rate of 20 percent higher than average for this time of year, while temperatures are exceeding 30 degrees. A source told The Sun: “The celebs have been hit with some of the worst Australia has to offer this year from the word go. They’ve been taken from lovely air-conditioned hotels to the humidity of the Aussie jungle with no time to adjust to the humidity.”
The source added: “When it’s like this, it’s seriously uncomfortable just to breathe in – let alone do any form of physical activity like they’ll have to do to keep camp moving. It’s been a baptism of fire.”
The publication added that the medical team has measures in place to protect the celebrities as much as possible, such as special water-activated cooling towels that are said to prevent fainting.
Another source also said, “they are well prepared for situations like this”. Reach PLC has approached ITV for comment.
Father-of-four Jack received his multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2012 following episodes of numbness in his legs and sight loss in one eye. The following year, he took part in Dancing with the Stars, reaching the final whilst championing awareness about staying active with his condition.
He said at the time: “One of the first questions I was asked was ‘How will having MS affect your ability to perform throughout the season?’ The truthful answer is… I had no idea.”
He added before the final: “Although since being diagnosed in May of 2012 with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) I’ve been able to maintain a very active, and somewhat healthy lifestyle, I hadn’t had the opportunity to really figure out my limitations.”
Medical concerns also forced him to pull out of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, the American equivalent of SAS: Who Dares Wins, in 2023 when his elevated heart rate caused alarm. At the time, he revealed to Entertainment Weekly: “The show’s doctors were more concerned than I was. I’m pretty healthy considering I’m living with MS, but it doesn’t present itself daily for me. I’ve been, touch wood, going pretty strong, and I don’t have any issues with it right now. So that wasn’t a concern.”
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