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ITV apologises for ‘I'm a Celebrity' rat killing

By Lucy Halfhead on Tuesday 8 December 2009

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Gino D'Acampo - News - Marie Claire

 ITV have publicly apologised for the alleged killing and eating of a pet rat by contestants on the latest ‘I'm A Celebrity' series.

They have admitted that it was the production team who let the rat loose into the camp, and that they told the contestants it was fine to kill and cook it. The broadcaster said that this was an oversight of the production team, as they failed to check if it was legal or not to kill a rat. They added that they will review their procedures.

The apology comes after authorities in Australia decided to prosecute chef Gino D'Acampo, who was crowned King of the Jungle on Friday for winning the competition, as well as fellow contestant and former 'Hollyoaks' star Stuart Manny are being charged with animal cruelty. There is a court date set for February 3 in New South Wales to hear their case.

The killing and eating of the rat came after the group of contestants were split into two camps, with one of them in exile and given meager rations. The contestants were only trying to add some meat to their pathetic rice and beans diet.

Before jetting out of Australia, Gino, 33 - who could face three years' jail - insisted: ‘I don't regret one single thing I did in the jungle to feed my campmates.'

One I'm A Celebrity... source said last night: ‘The production team was unaware that killing a rat could be an offence.' The show bosses have vowed to support Gino and Stuart in any way they can.

Who do you think is to blame in this scenario?

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Tuesday 8 December 2009

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I think it is ridiculous that Gino and Stuart should be put on trial for trying to feed themselves even if it is by killing and eating a rat!!In jungle circumstances where food is scarce I think we would all do the same to stay alive, the World has gone politically correct mad!!They only did what they thought was right at the time to stay healthy and potentially alive.
Comment by Fay Fitzpatrick on December 21 13:26