I'm a Celebrity. Extra Camp

I'm a Celebrity...Extra Camp is a companion show to the popular British reality series I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! It acts as both a supplement and a behind-the-scenes peek into the goings-on of its parent show, which strands a group of celebrities in an Australian jungle (or in later seasons, a castle in Wales) and puts them through a series of challenges and trials to test their survival skills and to entertain a television audience.

The show typically airs on the ITV network and is broadcast alongside the main series. Set in a location close to the I'm a Celebrity jungle camp (or castle in more recent series), Extra Camp offers a lighter, more comedic look into the reality competition. The show is known for its informal atmosphere, where hosts and viewers alike can digest the day’s events with a sense of humor and a more relaxed attitude compared to the main series.

Extra Camp originally premiered as I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW! and was typically aired late night. Over the years, it had a number of different name changes and presenters, with the most recent title being I'm a Celebrity...Extra Camp before its cancellation.

Throughout its run, Extra Camp was hosted by a rotating cast of former contestants and notable television personalities. The hosts provide commentary and insights into the experiences of the celebrities dealing with the jungle environment. They unpack the latest dramas, challenges completed and discuss the dynamics between the campmates.

The format of I'm a Celebrity...Extra Camp included several segments that were a hit with fans. One of the mainstays was the discussion and analysis of the main show's events. Interactive elements allowed viewers from home to engage with the show – this included voting on certain aspects and submitting questions or comments to be discussed on-air.

One of the tenets of Extra Camp was exclusivity; viewers were treated to content not seen on the main show. This could include unaired footage from the camp, extended versions of trials, and interviews with celebrities who had just been voted out. The additional content provided a more comprehensive picture of the campmates’ experiences and personalities.

Furthermore, Extra Camp delved into the mechanics of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!; it took viewers behind the scenes to look at how trials were created and tested. There were often humorous segments featuring the hosts taking on mini versions of the trials themselves, providing a taste of what the celebrities endure, albeit in a more lighthearted setting.

In addition to analysis and behind-the-scenes content, Extra Camp frequently included comedic skits and parodies of the main show. These segments were a platform for the hosts' personalities to shine, as they often poked fun at the main show's tropes and the contestants' quirks. There were also regular segments featuring input from celebrity guests or experts who might put the events in the camp into context or predict future developments.

Though it was rife with humor and laughs, Extra Camp could also be a source of thoughtful commentary, with hosts and guests discussing the psychological and physical toll the competition took on celebrities. This mix of entertainment and analysis helped flesh out the viewer's understanding of the main show.

The atmosphere of camaraderie was one of the selling points of Extra Camp. The hosts, often being former campmates themselves, shared a unique bond with the current season's celebrities and with one another. This led to empathetic interviews with evicted campmates, where fresh eliminees could express their feelings, reflect on their journey, and give viewers insider information on camp life.

I'm a Celebrity...Extra Camp was not just a recap show; it was an interactive, all-encompassing companion piece that added depth to the main series. It provided an arena for fans to further connect with the stars and events of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, encouraging a sense of community among viewers and participants alike.

Regrettably, after 17 years on the air, Extra Camp was cancelled in January 2020. While it ran, though, the show offered fans an extended look into the celebrity camp, providing laughter, exclusive content, and a deeper connection to the trials and triumphs of the celebrities braving the elements for viewer entertainment and charity. Extra Camp was a beloved part of the I'm a Celebrity experience, and although it is no longer running, it remains a fond memory in the hearts of many viewers of the series.