EXCLUSIVE: I’m a Celebrity superfan scrambles up tree overlooking the Welsh castle to ‘film contestants’ on hit ITV show, sparking security fears
- EXCLUSIVE: I’m A Celebrity fans claimed to have filmed some of the contestants
- Video was posted to TikTok appearing to show the celebrities in Gwrych Castle
- Locals Charles Dykes and Alex Hicks said they did not trespass on private land
Superfans of I’m A Celebrity claim to have filmed contestants by scrambling into a tree overlooking the castle in a potential security breach for the ITV hit show.
Security was being stepped up after footage emerged online claiming to show some of the 12 celebrities who have been holed up in Gwrych Castle in North Wales.
Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, locals Charles Dykes and Alex Hicks said they managed to film the celebrities without trespassing on private land.
The film, posted on TikTok, appears to show two of the celebrities walking in the grounds of the castle which is surrounded by security officials.
The cameraman films his feet as he claims he is walking in the grounds before the footage then focuses in on the contestants.
Security was being stepped up after footage emerged online claiming to show some of the 12 celebrities who have been holed up in Gwrych Castle in North Wales
The celebrities are currently holed up in Gwrych Castle, North Wales for I’m A Celebrity
He is heard saying: ‘Oh my God that’s thingy! I recognise her’ and points towards a contestant with her number on her back.
The caption to the video – posted by @babangrist, Alexander’s account – reads: ‘We heard that ‘I’m a Celebrity’ was better in person, soooo.’
He also hashtags Jordan North and Jessica Plummer who are among the celebrities hoping to be crowned King or Queen of the castle next Friday.
Security are further taunted by another TikTok member @charl.dykes who re-posted the video and got more than 45,000 likes.
His message says: ‘I’m a Celebrity 2020. The Castle. I challenge anyone to get a better vantage point than this.’
Scores of security officials have thrown a cordon around the castle as well as the two houses used by Ant & Dec, around 10 miles away.
But the apparent breach of security will worry ITV as well as lead to an enforcing of measures to keep intruders out.
The film, posted on TikTok, appears to show two of the celebrities walking in the grounds of the castle which is surrounded by security officials
This is the set for the Cyclone challenge in the grounds of Gwrych Castle
Charles Dykes and Alex Hicks said they filmed the celebs without trespassing on private land
One observer said: ‘Security has been so tight around the castle, the locals have given up bothering even standing outside trying to get a glimpse of anybody.
‘Ant and Dec are driven every day in a vehicle with blacked out windows and nobody has hardly seen them as they go straight into the castle.
‘It’s not just the safety of the celebrities, but if a fan was to get close enough to hug one of them or attempt a selfie that could be a huge breach in the anti-Covid measures and could even lead to the show being closed down.’
Charles, speaking exclusively to MailOnline, said: ‘We did not trespass at all. We know the area quite well and often walk around there.
‘There are fences everywhere and private land signs, but from where we filmed there wasn’t anything to stop us. We were on public areas.
‘I was amazed that we could get so close I couldn’t believe that we saw two of the stars. I feel that we’ve done I’m a celebrity a favour.
‘We’ve shown them a spot where people can see part of the show, right over the fire pit and close to where people go to the toilet.
‘I expect they will have a good look at the spot which is on the southern side of the castle.’
An ITV spokeswoman said: ‘These trespassers were quickly spotted and safely escorted off site.’