A SPRINGWATCH star has slammed I'm A Celebrity for continuing to use live animals as part of the show.
BBC presenter Megan McCubbin, who hosts the nature programme alongside her dad Chris Packham, has taken aim at ITV bosses.
She's called on the reality show – presented by Geordie duo Ant and Dec – to stop using animals, insects and bugs in its trials.
Viewers of the format see famous faces get close to Aussie critters like cockroaches, maggots and snakes.
Katie Price and Kim Woodburn famously swallowed kangaroo anus while George Shelley chomped on pig testicles in just some of the gruelling trials.
Speaking about the show's animal welfare, Zoologist Megan said: "They're not strict enough in my opinion.
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"Animals are there to be marvelled at to appreciate and respect but to have them in this capacity in entertainment and a lot of the language used in these trials is quite negative.
"I'm not a fan of the show, I don't watch it and I won't until they drastically change things.
"You can do great trials, you can do adventures things and crazy daredevil experiences without involving animals, especially in a negative way.
"I hope we've gone past that point but we're still working on it, aren't we."
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However, ITV have hit back, insisting they have a "very strict environmental plan" and consult the RSCPA about all their trials.
A spokesperson said in a statement to The Sun: "We are always fully transparent about our protocols and we have a very strict environmental plan in place on the show.
"As a production, we comply with all regional and national laws concerning the use of insects, animals and reptiles.
"Welfare and safety is always the primary priority on any of our programmes, and at any Bushtucker trial that features animals, we have qualified and experienced animal handlers on site at all times.
"We inform the RSPCA NSW of all of our activities on the show and they have an open invitation to attend the site at any time.
"We cannot stress enough that we have rigorous protocols in place to ensure that animals are handled safely at all times, before, during and after any filming has taken place, in compliance with all regional and national laws."
Megan was speaking to promote her brand new podcast called Waterlands.
It sees the star take listeners on an unforgettable journey to discover some of the richest wetlands on earth – ponds.
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