Huge crane and scaffolding are set up at Gwyrch Castle in Wales
Huge crane and scaffolding are set up at Gwyrch Castle in Wales and Adam and Scott Thomas film on set as I’m A Celebrity crew ‘face race against time’ to renovate the site after Australia U-turn
ITV bosses are facing a scramble against time to renovate the dilapidated building and its surrounding areasThe reality show, which usually films in the Australian jungle, was forced to relocate to the castle yet againIn new pictures, huge scaffolding was being set up and a huge digger and crane were being brought on site Also at the castle were Emmerdale’s Adam Thomas and his Love Island star brother Scott, who were filming An official launch date for the series has yet to be announced but it is expected to kick off mid-November
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The I’m A Celebrity crew are continuing their work on Gwyrch Castle in Wales, with production teams seen setting up scaffolding and filming segments at the site on Monday.
ITV bosses are facing a scramble against time to renovate the dilapidated building – which will close to the public in two days time – and its surrounding areas ahead of the new series expected to begin in November.
The reality show, which usually films in the Australian jungle, was forced to relocate to the dilapidated Grade I listed castle following fears Australia could shut its borders because of the ongoing pandemic.
Exciting: The I’m A Celebrity crew are continuing their work on Gwyrch Castle in Wales, with production teams seen setting up scaffolding and filming segments at the site on Monday
In new pictures, huge scaffolding was being set up on the sides of the buildings as well as other equipment arriving and a huge digger and crane being brought on to the site.
Also seen at the castle were Emmerdale’s Adam Thomas and his Love Island star brother Scott, both 33, who appeared to be filming a segment in front of Cledwyn’s shop which replaced the Outback Shack.
Adam came third on the 2016 series of the show and has since worked as a co-host on I’m A Celebrity: Extra Camp.
ITV has been contacted by MailOnline for a comment as well as representatives for Adam and Scott.
Outside the building on Monday workmen were seen in high vis jackets working on the site and setting up cement mixers while inside wooden floor was being put down.
Work: ITV bosses are facing a scramble against time to renovate the dilapidated building and its surrounding areas ahead of the new series expected to begin in November
Famous faces: Also seen at the castle were Emmerdale’s Adam Thomas (left) and his Love Island star brother Scott, (right) both 33, who appeared to be filming a segment in front of Cledwyn’s shop which replaced the Outback Shack
It comes after last week producers filed an extensive planning application to the authorities in order to make the 19th-century Conwy County country house inhabitable in time for the new series.
The show is seeking approval for retention of the protective temporary roofs over the dining room and the coach house/blacksmith’s shop; Retention/installation of security fencing to ensure the castle and grounds are protected and retention of the new balustrade to the bothy staircase.
Also on the list is re-roofing the dairy; Installation of new doors to the coach house and blacksmith’s shop; Removal of a small section of modern concrete flooring from the wash house and provision of a new electrical supply cabinet adjacent to the drive.
Busy: The reality show, which usually films in the Australian jungle, was forced to relocate to the dilapidated Grade I listed castle following fears Australia could shut its borders because of the ongoing pandemic (pictured are new floors being put down)
Here we go: In new pictures, huge scaffolding was being set up on the sides of the buildings as well as other equipment arriving and a huge digger and crane being brought onto the site
Building: Outside the building on Monday workmen were seen in high vis jackets working on the site and setting up cement mixers while inside wooden floor was being put down
Race against time: It comes after last week producers filed an extensive planning application to the authorities in order to make the 19th-century Conwy County country house inhabitable in time for the new series
The points will be debated at Conwy county council’s planning meeting this week.
According to The Sun, ITV plans to splurge millions on repair works in the castle over three or four months ahead of the show filming in the coming months.
An inside source told the paper of the essential renovation: ‘When it was first announced that I’m A Celebrity was going to be staged in Gwrych Castle the team did a miraculous job of ensuring the building was safe and usable for filming.
Setting it up: According to The Sun, ITV plans to splurge millions on repair works in the castle over three or four months ahead of the show filming in the coming months
Oh dear: The listed property suffered at the hands of freak flash flooding last year that left exposed areas deluged and some rooms without roofs (pictured are the new floors being put down)
‘But these new renovations will ramp up the facilities and provide basic amenities which they had to do without in 2020 due to the speed at which they had to make the shift.’
MailOnline contacted ITV for comment at the time.
The listed property suffered at the hands of freak flash flooding last year that left exposed areas deluged and some rooms without roofs.
In progress: Outside of the castle there were cement mixers set up as well as building supplies
Stars: Seen on the set was Adam Thomas who came third on the 2016 series of the show and since has co-hosted on I’m A Celebrity: Extra Camp
At work: The boys looked deep in concentration as they filmed segments for the mystery project
Formerly the country retreat of aristocrat Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh, the castle was saved from disrepair by Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust in 2018.
The castle is said to be haunted by the Countess of Dundonald who owned the building until her death in 1926.
Known as The Woman in White, she is said to have been angry at her husband for stripping the castle of valuables and selling them. A ghostly white figure has been seen at the windows.
History: Formerly the country retreat of aristocrat Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh, the castle was saved from disrepair by Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust in 2018 (pictured is a digger on site)
Equipment: A huge yellow crane was seen at the site of the castle reaching up into the sky
Taking a break: Several of the workmen were seen having a rest from their work as they sat down on some of the equipment
Meanwhile, tourists have spent the summer flocking to the castle on their holidays ahead of the return of I’m A Celebrity.
ITV announced last month that the show will be returning to Wales for the second year running, over fears that Australia would close its borders.
Tourists have been spotted lining up for ice creams and posing with Ant and Dec cut outs near the castle as excitement builds for the show.
Planning: ITV announced last month that the show will be returning to Wales for the second year running, over fears that Australia would close its borders
Funny: There were cardboard cut outs of presenters Ant and Dec seen in one of the windows of the castle on Monday
Filming: Adam was seen reading what looked like a script as he stood outside the shop on set
Success: The first show of the last series, won by Giovanna Fletcher, 35, was a ratings hit as it got 14.3 million viewers. It ended up being the second most watched series of the long-running show which started in 2002 (pictured are hosts Ant and Dec)
Mayor Alan Hunter, 63, said: ‘Everyone is very excited. I think Ant and Dec mentioned on TV what a warm welcome the people of Abergele gave them and I’m sure we will do again.
‘There was a lot of buzz in the town last year and hopefully we won’t be in lockdown. I would really love us to have a fan zone so we can get people more involved.’
The first show of the last series, won by Giovanna Fletcher, 35, was a ratings hit as it got 14.3 million viewers. It ended up being the second most watched series of the long-running show which started in 2002.
Spooky: The castle is said to be haunted by the Countess of Dundonald who owned the building until her death in 1926
Work in progress: The castle will close to the public in two days time to let the crew make their final preparations
