I'm A Celebrity bosses axe key part of ITV show as stars 'terrified' ahead of launch

I'm A Celebrity is set for a significant revamp as the show's organisers have announced the removal of the harrowing Walk the Plank challenge that has traditionally marked the start of the series. In previous seasons, celebrities were tasked with navigating a plank perched atop a towering 314ft building to kickstart their jungle journey; this year, however, they are set to encounter an entirely new trial purported to be equally hair-raising.

Rumoured contestants such as Coleen Rooney, Tulisa and online sensation Grace Keeling are tipped to feature on the show. The nail-biting plank ordeal, usually situated on the Focus building in Surfers' Paradise, made its debut in 2017.

An insider disclosed to The Mirror: "The format needed a freshen up, so producers have decided to kick things off with something a bit special this series so it doesn't feel like it's becoming formulaic. They are dropping the segment in favour of an exciting new 'edge of your seat' challenge for some of the celebs.

"It was time to change things up - but bosses are staying tight-lipped on exactly what they've got lined up to replace the plank. Bosses are pulling out all the stops to ensure the show has a spectacular launch that viewers won't want to miss."

Prior to the celebrities' arrival, the jungle has been teeming with creepy crawlies. The New South Wales camp is said to be infested with an array of nasties, including flesh-eating leeches and giant earthworms that emerge from the ground during heavy rain, reports the Mirror.

In an exclusive revelation, The Mirror has confirmed that boxing legend Barry McGuigan will be joining the jungle after Ally McCoist's withdrawal. A source shared: "Barry is a bona-fide sporting legend and he's a great person to have heading for the jungle. When he rose to fame in the 1980s as the WBA featherweight boxing champ he became a non-sectarian ambassador. He fought for both Ireland and Great Britain and was loved and respected on both sides of the divide. There's not many who can say that."

Other rumoured contestants include McFly's Danny Jones, who may follow in bandmate Dougie Poynter's footsteps after his 2011 win. Love Island's Maura Higgins is also reportedly heading to the jungle, amidst claims that Tommy Fury has pulled out.

Additionally, Coleen Rooney is said to be making a sensational TV comeback following her recent Wagatha Christie drama. A television insider revealed to the Sunday Mirror: "She's in the jungle and she's going to set the record straight on Wagatha. This is a major coup For ITV. The kids are growing up now. The time is right for Coleen. She's got the potential to go all the way and win this."

Others rumoured to be taking part include former Republic of Ireland manager and captain Mick McCarthy, Loose Women's Jane Moore, former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos, The Traitors' Harry Clark, Good Morning Britain's Richard Arnold and retired artistic gymnast Max Whitlock.