TV's Chris Packham: I'm a Celebrity 'exploits' animals

Wildlife presenter Chris Packham has called on ITV's Ant and Dec to stop what he terms the "abuse of animals" in reality show "I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here".

In the programme, which returns this weekend, celebrities undertake "bushtucker trials" where they eat live insects, or endure close encounters with rats, snakes, and other creatures.

After writing the open letter in the Radio Times, Mr Packham told Radio 5 live Breakfast he thought animals were being "ridiculed and wasted and exploited" on the programme.

ITV said it took animal welfare "very seriously" and expert handlers were on hand at all times.