EXCLUSIVE I’m A Celeb’s Fred Sirieix reveals show’s ‘kidnapping’ methods which sees campmates blindfolded ahead of filming hours long trials: ‘It’s like you’re going to a war zone!’

• READ MORE: Meet the 2023 I’m A Celeb campmates 

Fred Sirieix has revealed the ‘kidnapping’ like methods used by producers on I’m a Celebrity to immerse the contestants into the jungle and prepare them for Trials which take hours to film.

The First Dates star, the third contestant to be voted off this year’s show, told MailOnline: ‘One minute you’re in the hotel then they pick you up, blindfold you, put a towel over your head and then boom, next thing you know you’re in a helicopter.’

Fred’s first challenge was Pole Position, a revamped Walk the Plank, which saw him helicopter in and then crawl out on a plastic pole from the 32-storey Focus building on Australia’s Gold Coast before heading into the Jungle.

He continued: ‘Then the blindfold goes back on again, you’re driven, you have no idea where you are. Suddenly you’re in a tent, told to take off all your clothes and given the outfit. Then the blindfold goes back on and, boom, you’re in the camp.

‘It’s so immersive, they want to get you in that headspace but it’s like you’re going to a warzone or you’re being kidnapped.’

Fred Sirieix has revealed the ‘kidnapping’ like methods used by producers on I’m a Celebrity to immerse the contestants into the jungle and prepare them for Trials which take hours to film

The First Dates star, the third contestant to be voted off this year’s show, told MailOnline: ‘One minute you’re in the hotel then they pick you up, blindfold you, put a towel over your head and then boom, next thing you know you’re in a helicopter’

The 51-year-old revealed the Trials take hours to film and the same disillusioning methods are used to ensure the celebrities have no idea where they are.

The stars are taken from the camp and driven in a blacked-out van with a blindfold on – the radio is not allowed to play in case they hear a hint of news from the outside world.

Explaining how the Trials are filmed, Sirieix said: ‘You are blindfolded again and drive to the site but you have no idea where you are.

‘They film you walking down, then maybe you have to be filmed walking again – that takes about half an hour.’

‘Then you wait from between half an hour to an hour, I don’t know why, maybe for production to get set up.

‘Blindfold is put back on with a towel over your head then you go to a tent where you have to wait for another hour until you can do the Trial.’

It comes after Tony Bellew’s wife Rachael, 40, revealed she was exhausted after a hot day filming in the jungle for the family and friends’ surprise segment on Friday night.

She said the 10-hour day was so exhausting she did not travel to the jungle the next morning and risked missing Tony, 40, being eliminated from the show because she was so wiped out by the intense day of filming.

Fred’s first challenge was Pole Position, a revamped Walk the Plank, which saw him helicopter in and then crawl out on a plastic pole from the 32-storey Focus building on Australia’s Gold Coast before heading into the Jungle

He continued: ‘Then the blindfold goes back on again, you’re driven, you have no idea where you are. Suddenly you’re in a tent, told to take off all your clothes and given the outfit. Then the blindfold goes back on and, boom, you’re in the camp.

It comes after Tony Bellew’s wife Rachael, 40, revealed she was exhausted after a hot day filming in the jungle for the family and friends’ surprise segment on Friday night (pictured) 

Meanwhile  Josie Gibson became the seventh campmate to be eliminated from the jungle in Saturday’s episode.

The This Morning host, 38, narrowly missed out on a place in the much-anticipated final as she was sent packing just one day before the winner will be crowned.

Josie’s exit leaves Sam Thompson, Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage as the three finalists as they will battle it out for the King of the Jungle title on Sunday night.

However, fans were left fuming upon her exit as they shared their disappointment that she didn’t make the final – after she was the last woman standing in the camp.

Many viewers also shared their annoyance that controversial politician Nigel, 59, had not been voted out instead of Josie as they said she deserved to make it through. 

It comes after Josie Gibson became the seventh campmate to be eliminated from the jungle in Saturday’s episod

Taking to X – formerly known as Twitter – one wrote: ‘ How is Josie out and Nigel still in,’ another said: ‘How the f**k is Nigel still in and Josie just left???’

A third tweeted: ‘Noooo!!!!!!! Not Josie. WHY IS NIGEL STILL IN THERE???!!!!’ and another penned: ‘Trying to figure out how Nigel beat Josie.’

A fifth gushed: ‘Aw, Josie has just been the best! I really wanted her to win right from the start, and I’m so happy she got so far. She’s been such good fun!’

And one sweetly added: ‘She was the last woman standing so she’s still the Queen of the jungle, we love you Josie.’

I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates

NIGEL FARAGE

Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party  and leader of the Brexit Party.

Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty. 

Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news. 

Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore. 

Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields 

DANIELLE HAROLD – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.

Phobias: Rats. I hate them! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in. 

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too! 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either. 

Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.

FRED SIRIEIX – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: First Dates star.

Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp. 

Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning. 

Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient! 

Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.

NELLA ROSE – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star. 

Phobias: I am fearful of everything! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book. 

Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it! 

Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele. 

NICK PICKARD – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star. 

Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character. 

Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts. 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop! 

Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock. 

FRANKIE DETTORI – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: Champion Jockey

Phobias: I am not sure as I don’t walk across rooftop planks in the middle of the day nor do I have any snakes or rats in the house!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: None. I’ve lived in the public domain for as long as I can remember so I’d hope everyone knows me well.

Role in camp: To have fun with everyone, I am a happy-go- lucky person.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? Travelling. I have spent my whole life at airports and I’ve got to like it!

Best & worst attributes: I am outgoing and I am a fighter. Worst? I can’t sit still and I am impatient.

Dream camper: Robbie Williams would be fun.

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS – WALKED!

Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.

 Phobias: I am scared of everything.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.

Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone. 

Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed. 

Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot. 

Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.

SAM THOMPSON

Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter. 

Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck. 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!

Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming. 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things. 

Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle! 

JOSIE GIBSON – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.

Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information! 

Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on! 

Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry. 

Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her. 

MARVIN HUMES – VOTED OUT!

Claim to fame: JLS star.

Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me. 

Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too. 

Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food. 

Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.

GRACE DENT – WALKED!

Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic. 

Phobias: Horrible people. 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this. 

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour. 

Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep. 

Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour! 

TONY BELLEW

Claim to fame: Former champion boxer

Phobias: Like most normal people, I am scared of almost everything.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People will portray me as something I am not because of the profession I have had. I am just a normal person.

Role in camp: I’d like to think I am domesticated so hopefully I can help out.

Best & worst attributes: I do get hangry…who doesn’t! But I am easy going and I get on with everyone.

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