An I’m A Celebrity spin-off helmed by a well-loved jungle duo has reportedly been axed after only the pilot episode.
Influencer GK Barry, 26, and man of faith Reverend Richard Coles both appeared on theITV reality series in 2024 and made it pretty far into the process.
During their time together, facing insect-filled trial after insect-filled trial, they fostered a sweet friendship, bonding over being part of the LGBTQ+ community and reflecting on life with one another.
As such, it’s understood that the channel wanted to take full advantage of the unconventional pairing by launching their own I’m A Celebrity spin-off show in which they spar as they explore topics around life and death.
According to insiders, however, the show will remain a pipe dream after getting the axe following the filming of the pilot episode last year.
Get personalised updates on I’m A Celeb
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
‘There were high hopes for the project because producers were excited by the dynamic between GK and Richard, not least because it seemed to amuse viewers.
‘They enjoyed the idea of the wise older man interacting with the streetwise millennial as they explored some pretty deep subjects.
‘But after provisional filming took place, it was decided not to proceed with it as a series – much to the disappointment of everyone involved,’ a source told The Sun.
GK herself has even previously discussed the ill-fated show, saying in October: ‘We are exploring walks of life from two different generations — one from a gay godly man and a gay ungodly woman.
‘There are some depressing bits in there, but one thing about me is that I will make a joke about it,’ she told Attitude magazine. And even joked that, if the show made it to the full series, she would wrangle her girlfriend, Ella Rutherford, into it.
In an Instagram post after they filmed the pilot, the content creator shared: ‘Working with you has opened my eyes to worlds I’d never heard of or dreamt of before.
‘Some of them have been nightmares, but some of them have been dreams – and today has been a dream.’
Meanwhile, the Reverend also seemed optimistic about the strength of their bond. He said: ‘Me and GK struck up the best of friendships in the jungle, and I’m happy to say we’ve taken that with us out of the jungle into the wider world.’
Later, teasing about the show: ‘Expect something surprising with coffins.’
It’s unclear exactly what put execs off pursuing the idea, but we won’t be seeing their deep conversations about coffins anytime soon, it seems.
During their time on I’m A Celebrity, viewers were especially tickled by GK’s attempt to offer an eye-opening sex education lesson for Richard.
She said in the Bush Telegraph: ‘I came into this jungle maybe not knowing who I would gel with or who I would be close with in here, and never in a million years if you told me that I would be getting on best with a reverend would I have believed you.
‘But, he is honestly… I think he might be my favourite person in here.’
Meto has reached out to ITV, GK Barry and Reverend Richard Coles’ representatives for comment.