ITV's Kevin Lygo Supports Nigel Farage on Celebrity Show Amid Controversy

ITV's managing director, Kevin Lygo, has publicly defended the decision to feature Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on the reality series *I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!*. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Lygo addressed criticism surrounding Farage's participation, particularly his confrontational exchange with First Dates star Fred Sirieix regarding Brexit and immigration. He emphasized that the show is designed for a broad audience, asserting that viewers are capable of forming their own opinions. Lygo noted that Farage was an elected MP at the time of his appearance, which he believes legitimizes his participation. He also referenced former Tory health secretary Matt Hancock's stint on the show in 2022, where both politicians garnered significant public support, finishing third in the voting. Speculation surrounds potential appearances by other political figures this season, including Jacob Rees-Mogg, Penny Mordaunt, and Liz Truss. In addition to discussing the show's content, Lygo addressed the ongoing job cuts at ITV, highlighting the need for efficiency across the industry, including at the BBC. He pointed out the disparity in team sizes between ITV and the BBC's commissioning team, suggesting that ITV remains mindful of its operational scale. The controversy surrounding Farage's appearance has led to a statement from the show's hosts, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who humorously suggested a future season without politicians, reflecting the mixed reactions from the audience and industry alike.