I'm A Celebrity bosses are reportedly already in talks to secure Gwrych Castle for a third year running due to fears of the coronavirus plunging the hit series into doubt.
Despite hopes that this year's instalment would see the contestants taking to the much-loved Aussie jungle, bosses were forced to abort plans yet again.
Now, it seems the country's lockdown hell may force fans to accept a third year of fun-and-games from the wintery Welsh set.
Preparing: I'm A Celebrity bosses are reportedly in talks to secure Gwrych Castle for a third year running due to fears of the coronavirus plunging the hit series into doubt (pictured in 2020)
A TV insider told The Sun: 'This time last year, the prospect of I'm A Celebrity not returning to Australia and having to return to the castle seemed slim.
'Now the show is going back to Gwrych after ITV had the foresight to reserve is for a second series - and they want to make sure they're equally prepared for the worst in 2022.
'Going back to Oz is still the goal. But this is about bosses taking every step possible to ensure Britain's favourite TV show stays on our screens. So they're likely to approach the castle owners imminently.'
Swapping Australia's New South Wales for Britain's North Wales, the camp had been set at a down-under spot since its 2002 debut.
However, presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, both 45, fronted a revamped show from the new location in 2020 due to Australian travel restrictions.
Something different: Presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, both 45, fronted a revamped show from the new location in 2020 due to Australian travel restrictions (pictured in 2020)
Insiders previously revealed to MailOnline that the show had been thrown into chaos following the last minute change of plans.
However, there is no fear behind the scenes of the show's success after the roaring triumph of last year's Welsh series, won by Giovanna Fletcher.
Sources said: 'It doesn't mean the series will be below par as the last series was the second most popular in show series and that was in Wales.
'Bosses are working hard to get things ready for the launch following Australia's status change.'
The last series was the second most popular series since IAC started. The launch episode got 14.3 million viewers consolidated.
Back then: Last year's series - won by Giovanna Fletcher (pictured in 2020) in the backdrop of the country's Gwrych Castle - was a roaring success despite its move from the jungle amid restrictions in place from the coronavirus pandemic
Australia has tightened the screw on its strict Covid lockdowns - ordering millions in Queensland to stay at home until at least the end of the week as the country struggles to control outbreaks of the highly-infectious Delta variant.
The change in status has led to the overhaul in bosses' plans.
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV Head of Entertainment Commissioning, said: 'We can confirm today that we'll be returning to Wales for the 2021 series of I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!...
'We've always said we have contingencies in place for the series if the covid situation continued to bring uncertainty, and after a highly successful run at the castle last year we're pleased that we can return there...
'I have no doubt the production team will produce another hugely entertaining series.'
Changes: Swapping Australia's New South Wales for Britain's North Wales, the camp has been set at a down-under spot since its 2002 debut (pictured in 2018)
Richard Cowles, Director of Unscripted at Lifted Entertainment said: 'With the continued uncertainty around covid and international travel we have taken the decision not to return to our home in Australia for the 2021 series...
'We're excited to return to Gwrych
