A SEVERE thunderstorm has hit the I’m A Celebrity jungle just days before stars including Nigel Farage and Josie Gibson check in.
The heavy rainfall and strong winds forced workers to down tools during the worst of the weather as the clock ticks down to move in day.
Nigel Farage has been pictured at Heathrow Airport for his flight to in Australia ahead of the launch next weekend.
The politician was locked in crisis talks with ITV bosses after signing a £1million deal after expressing frustration at the smoking ban.
He posed with fans as he checked in for his flight with Singapore Airline before heading to an airport bar for a quick drink before take off.
Meanwhile I'm a Celeb crew are scrambling to prepare the site for the campmates, including erecting huge new trial areas featuring an Aztec temple and outdoor pool with six sunken cages.
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The weather was so bad, the Aussie Bureau of Meteorology were forced to issue a shock warning for the area around Murwillumbah, where the ITV camp is based.
A source said: “Every minute counts at this stage of production, so even an hour stolen from the schedule is frustrating.
“The rain and wind has been strong – definitely not what people think of for the Gold Coast.”
The weather system did not rival last year’s action, when bosses were forced to shut down the camp for 24 hours. (story went live on Oct 25 if you want to find and link it)
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But the team are currently in the final stage of testing out trials and new areas, so each day the schedule must run like clockwork.
The Sun revealed on Friday that a brand new twist on the Walk The Plank challenge had been trialled by crew members.
On the weather, a show source said: “The production team are the best in the business and are used to working in all weather conditions. There’s contingencies in place for all weather scenarios.
“Thankfully the weather forecast is looking dry and hot for the celebrities' arrivals.”
The cast are due to arrive in Australia any day now, with host Declan Donnelly, 48, already enjoying some down time in Cabarita Beach before work begins.
The show begins on November 19.
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