A warning over fire ants has reportedly been placed near a property expected to be used on the new series of I'm A Celebrity ahead of the ITV show's return later this week.
A host of celebrities have arrived in Australia already for the new series, which launches over the weekend. This year's line-up of campmates, which was unveiled on Monday, includes a Coleen Rooney, Oti Mabuse and Danny Jones.
It has now been reported, just days before the launch airs, that fire ants have been identified in two states. They are described as "invasive pests" and are said to have the potential to lead to fatal allergic reactions in "rare cases".
According to the Sun, fire ants have been found near the Diamond Head estate in Palm Beach, Queensland. It's been reported that the villa is being used for filming, with it previously suggested that it will house the celebrities at some point. The outlet states that it's believed the property will be used for filming scenes for the upcoming launch episode. The outlet also reports that five nests have been discovered elsewhere in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, which is thought to be where the camp is.
It adds that a warning has been put up near the Diamond Head estate after the insects were identified. A photo of the warning sign, published by the Sun, includes photos showing large swarmps of the insects. It reads: "WARNING. Fire ants have been detected in this area."
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Getty Images/EyeEm)Australia has its own government-funded National Fire Ant Eradication Program. It states that stings from fire ants can cause a "painful, burning, itching sensation" and multiple stings "give a sensation [that] the body is on fire".
Its website adds that blisters may form after being stung, which can become "itchy" and take up to 10 days to heal. It further warns that in "rare cases" fire ant stings can lead to the "severe" and occasionally fatal allergic reaction anaphylaxis.
A source told the Sun: "This is just another one of the horrible things that the celebs are going to have to get used to during their time in Australia. But health and safety remains the top priority for bosses and they are always in the best hands if an emergency does ever occur."
ITV unveiled the line-up for the new series of I'm A Celebrity earlier this week. It includes TV personality Coleen, former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti and McFly member Danny. They will be joined in camp by the likes of Coronation Street cast member Alan Halsall, N-Dubz member Tulisa Contostavlos, presenter Melvin Odoom and podcast host GK Barry. Former professional boxer Barry McGuigan, Loose Women panelist Jane Moore and BBC Radio 1 host Dean McCullough are also campmates.
The new series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here starts on ITV on Sunday at 9pm.
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