I’m A Celebrity’s ruined castle was once considered a dangerous death trap

I’m A Celebrity ‘s ruined castle was once considered a dangerous death trap with officials warning residents to stay away.

Gwrych Castle in North Wales has been chosen as the site for the 2020 series of the hit ITV show after plans to film in Australia were deemed unworkable.

The building has undergone extensive maintenance work in recent years to make it safe after it fell into a terrible state of disrepair.

It had been a public attraction up until the late 1980s, with jousting tournaments and fairs being held there.

There was even a pool filled with dolphins, which attracted many visitors before it was closed in 1987.

The castle was bought by an American businessman in 1990 for £750,000 and was last lived in around 1993-1994, however the building’s assets were later stripped out and it was left to crumble.

The building was marred by vandalism and looting, and in the early 1990s a warning was issued by Conwy County Council after a dramatic incident there.

Emergency services were called to the grounds after a passer-by reported hearing the sound of falling masonry and screaming children.

Rescue workers headed to the scene, and it was later confirmed no youngsters had been trapped by falling rubble as had been reported but it was enough for officials to warn residents to stay away.

Conway’s former assistant director of planning, Peter Detheridge, said at the time: “The incident does reinforce the fact that Gwrych Castle is in a very dangerous condition and should not be approached by the public.

“We urge parents to warn their children of the dangers.”

Speaking at the time, divisional officer Richard Jennings of the region’s fire service added: “We are very concerned about anyone going to the castle.

“Under no circumstances should anyone go inside for any reason whatsoever because of the advanced state of dereliction.”

After spending many years in disrepair, the castle was bought up by a hotel group in 2007 with plans to spend £6 million to turn it into a luxury holiday hotspot.

However, after spending around £500,000 on the site the company went into administration and the castle was saved by a trust set up to rescue the historical site.

The building and its grounds are now run by Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, which was given a grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund to help with repairs.

Gwrych Castle has undergone extensive repairs over the years and is now considered safe, but the trust relies on donations for the building’s upkeep.

It’s hope the deal to film I’m A Celebrity there this autumn will provide the trust with enough cash and a huge publicity boost to keep the historical site open to the public for years to come.

The line-up has yet to be confirmed, but rumoured stars are said to include Caroline Quentin and Tamzin Outhwaite.