ANT McPartlin has said he would be “very happy” for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! to return to Wales.

The last series of the ITV programme was filmed in the UK for the first time after the coronavirus pandemic forced producers to abandon plans to make the programme in its usual base in Australia.

McPartlin told Digital Spy that, although they would be happy to stay in the UK, he would miss the Australian weather.

“If during coronavirus we have to stay put and do it in Wales again, I’d be very happy,” said McPartlin, who hosts the programme alongside Declan Donnelly.

He said they were “welcomed” in Wales, adding: “There were cardboard cutouts of me and Dec in the butcher’s, and the local school did a tribute.

“We’d happily go back there. We’d miss the sunshine, mind.”

Donnelly added: “The people in Wales were lovely. They made us feel very welcome.

“I had a lovely time. I will miss the sunshine, but I will not miss the jetlag of coming back from Australia.

“I’d love to go back to Oz. But if we had to go back to Wales, I wouldn’t be disappointed.”

The last series of the programme, which was filmed in Gwrych Castle near Abergele, was won by podcast host Giovanna Fletcher.

The Journal has been told that ITV have secured the 200-year-folly and its grounds for a second year in case the site is needed for the popular show.

ITV would not confirm the agreement but there has already been much speculation in the national press that a return to North Wales is being considered.

The show drew in 11.2 million viewers across the series (12.1m viewers watched the final) and a fundraiser - to improve facilities at Gwrych Castle - has received a major boost.

Speaking on behalf of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, Jamie Bolton said: "Fundraising has been crucial for Gwrych Castle.

"As the estate is privately owned, we don’t receive public funding meaning we usually rely on ticket sales and events. So the arrival of I’m A Celebrity has helped significantly and brought a boost to the area as a whole."

A full interview with Ant and Dec can be read in issue six of Digital Spy magazine, available on Apple News+.