I'm a Celeb fans plead 'we want the old show back' as spin off sparks mixed reactions

The latest instalment of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! premiered on Sunday, November 17, from 9pm to 10.30pm, and it's set to be a thrilling few weeks ahead. Since its debut in 2002, the reality series has become a staple on ITV, now in its 23rd season.

The dynamic duo Ant and Dec are back to host, introducing ten brave celebrities into the jungle to face the notorious Bushtucker Trials and the jungle's array of critters. This year, however, fans have been teased with a fresh twist that has garnered mixed reactions.

A new spin-off show, I'm a Celebrity... Unpacked, is joining the franchise. Offering behind-the-scenes glimpses from the camp, the show was previously cancelled in 2020 after an 18-year run but has now returned under a new name and format.

Comedian Joel Dommett takes the helm alongside Made In Chelsea's 2023 King of the Jungle, Sam Thompson, and Capital Radio's Kemi Rogers, reports the Mirror.

Fan reception has been varied, with some criticising the production for lacking entertainment value, while others suggest the aftershow "needs work". Despite the critiques, there's a buzz around the return of the aftershow, especially with Joel and Sam teaming up.

Viewer Beth expressed her thoughts on X, commenting: "this new aftershow needs work like why are they sitting so far apart from each other and i don't think there needs to be 3 people #imaceleb #unpacked."

Ben Dawson wasn't too impressed either, pointing out, "The #ImACelebrity #Unpacked crew need to laugh and cheer more like they do on the main show, otherwise all they have is literal crickets after punchlines! #ImACeleb."

A less patient viewer didn't mince words, simply posting: "This is so boring #ImACeleb #Unpacked."

Ryan took a more humorous approach, sharing a gif of a woman having tomatoes thrown at her alongside his harsh critique: "This abysmal show... #ImACeleb #Unpacked."

Adam Khan expressed disappointment as well, commenting, "Tuned into #Unpacked and what a dire show this is... especially after such a great first episode of #ImACeleb. We're only a few minutes in and the vibes are rough. It's so awkward. God, just bring Jungle Club forward because this is just bland bland bland..." But not everyone was disheartened; Taylor Gallagher thought the hosts were doing a fantastic job, saying, "So glad to have an after show back and Joel and Sam at the helm is a brilliant pair! #imaceleb #unpacked" And Zoe chimed in with a positive note, adding, "having the absolute joy that is sam thompson back on my screen #Unpacked."

I'm A Celebrity... Unpacked airs at 10.45 pm on ITV, following the main show from 9 pm - 10.30 pm.