First of all, what a bizarre concept for a show! The chosen few celebrities could be crawling through a tunnel of bugs or eating the rear-end of a sheep (or my personal favourite Celebrity Cyclone), and we still want to watch these so-called celebrities (because let’s face it, no one knows who they are half the time) suffer to get food. We even laugh along with everyone’s favourite presenting duo, our local lads, Ant and Dec.
The singers, politicians, actors, sport stars etc., know exactly what they’re getting themselves into, and still have the cheek to complain! But as a viewer, the complaining just makes it all the more entertaining. Perhaps it's that when we see them in a more natural setting; having to live with other celebrities, their true personalities shine. And when big, somewhat overbearing personalities clash, that’s when arguments start, and so we all start shouting at the TV, also getting annoyed (don’t get me started on this year’s annoyance, Naughty Boy). But even after 20 years, no one has learnt that the more you annoy the public, the more you get voted to do the infamous Bush Tucker Trials!
Being in the TV universe, maybe we know we can laugh at them without consequence. As a viewer, we hold the power that decides the fate of these celebrities, on a pathetic little app on our phones. The likelihood of us meeting these B list celebrities is very slim and it has been suggested by many (including my flatmates who watch it with me every night) that this is one reason we enjoy watching them suffer to survive.
Perhaps, in the weirdest way possible, we’re jealous of them! Not jealous of having to collect yellow, star-shaped pieces of plastic in return for meals, but of their status in society overall. In the news and on social media, celebrities fill the headlines, with new accomplishments or even just in the gossip columns. Although most are becoming more progressive with their use of social media, such as sharing body positive images or doing an ‘Instagram vs. Reality’ post, in our heart of hearts, we still get enjoyment seeing them make fools of themselves for our entertainment.
Who knows what makes this show so addictive. For now I will be enjoying it from the comfort of my own home with a cuppa tea, just grateful its not me in there!
10/10 very good
Go bestie!!!