ITV's I'm A Celebrity has faced criticism over allegations of "staged scenes", but a former participant has clarified the situation.

Audiences watching the opening episode of the 2025 series on Sunday (November 16) evening saw 10 famous faces enter the Australian jungle.

Upon arriving at their destination, the 10 participants found Geordie presenting duo Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly awaiting them.

Five contestants were flown in by helicopter and were promptly told the sole method of reaching ground level was to leap out.

The celebrities each expressed their utter astonishment at having to complete the jump from 12,000 feet, reports The Mirror.

Yet this didn't convince viewers, as it represents a staple element of the programme.

I'm A Celebrity has been broadcast on ITV for 25 years and audiences have grown familiar with watching participants make a spectacular arrival by parachute.

Viewers at home were swift to voice their opinions. One individual commenting on social media wrote: "Why do they act shocked when this happens every season?".

Another posted a GIF of someone with the text 'pretends to be shocked' and remarked: "The celebs when they are told they have to jump out the helicopter even though it happens every year."

Whilst a third observed: "You're in a helicopter and DIDN'T expect to have to jump out! ? The guy crouching in the corner with two parachutes didn't give it away."

Former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

contestant Nicola McLean, who appeared in the 2008 series, has weighed in on allegations that cast members were "pretending" to be shocked.

Speaking as a representative for WhichBingo, the ex-glamour model explained: "I think what you've got to understand is you can prepare yourself for the jungle.

"I went to London Zoo and touched reptiles because I was like 'right, I'm terrified of this s**t' so I need to prepare but then you get in there and you're in a helicopter and they're like swooping around because they want to get the title scene and it's hell.

"So I don't think it's like pretending to be shocked or pretending to be scared. I genuinely think once you're in there you're like 'Oh my God' like it's beyond your wildest dreams and it's really scary."

Offering her opinion on the current line-up, Nicola said: "They've done so well on getting Aitch and Angry Ginge because my 15 year old is watching it with me for the first time ever. He doesn't usually watch because he says he doesn't know anyone but this year he's sitting down with me and I'm making hot chocolate so it's lovely.

"You've also got Martin Kemp for the older ladies, who's gorgeous, and I absolutely love Ruby Wax."

I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! airs at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX