In the wild, bug-infested world of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, the celebrities are used to facing down creepy crawlies, slimy surprises, and stomach-churning trials. But this year’s twist has sparked a backlash that’s buzzing louder than any jungle critter—and it’s not the snakes, spiders, or even the infamous Bushtucker challenges stealing the spotlight as the ultimate ‘villain.’ No, fans are pointing fingers at something far more modern and controversial: artificial intelligence.
Gone are the days when campmates could simply snag luxury items like cozy pillows or cherished family photos without breaking a sweat. This season, the stars must earn those heartfelt mementos through grueling, critter-packed mini-challenges that feel straight out of a horror movie. On day three, the drama unfolded as Lisa Riley, Jack Osbourne, Shona McGarty, and Eddie Kadi teamed up for a nerve-wracking task. Shona and Jack found themselves in a dimly lit bunker, their arms plunged into boxes teeming with bugs, staring at a wall of framed images they had to describe. Meanwhile, Lisa and Eddie rummaged through piles of pictures in another room, racing against time to find matches amid the chaos.
The team pulled it off, leading to touching moments as fellow campmates unwrapped photos of their loved ones. But beneath the triumph, eagle-eyed viewers spotted something off about those images. One standout? A eerie room draped in cobwebs, dotted with birthday balloons and a cake that looked… well, a little too perfect. Or perhaps too artificial. Social media erupted with accusations that these visuals were whipped up by generative AI, not human hands—and the outrage was real.
While AI is creeping into everyday life (think that fully AI-generated Coca-Cola ad that’s making waves), it’s facing fierce resistance. Critics argue it threatens livelihoods, especially for artists, photographers, and creators who could lose gigs to algorithms that churn out content in seconds. On X (formerly Twitter), the backlash was swift and savage. One viewer fumed, “Considering the amount of money that goes into trials, you think they would hire artists rather than using this AI slop.” Another piled on: “I’m a celeb using AI generated photos? Can we be so serious? You have the budget to hire a photographer or artist.”
Embed X: https://twitter.com/JazminAnscomb/status/1990904316928954675
The fury spilled over to TikTok, where users vented their frustration in viral clips. “ITV using AI imagery for I’m A Celeb has sent me over the edge,” declared one. Another echoed the sentiment: “I’m A Celeb using AI generated images?? Couldn’t afford artists with their massive budget?”
Embed X: https://twitter.com/Normanthephish/status/1990903058436424109
ITV, the network behind the show, has stayed tight-lipped. According to Lad Bible, they declined to comment, leaving fans to speculate whether AI really infiltrated the jungle. Until they spill the beans, the debate rages on: Is this a clever cost-cutting move, or a betrayal of creativity in one of TV’s most beloved reality spectacles?
One thing’s for sure—in a show full of villains from the animal kingdom, AI might just be the sneakiest intruder yet. What do you think: Innovation or invasion? The jungle just got a whole lot more complicated.