There have been a number of theories put forward as to why the much-loved hosts cover their watch faces on the show – but the real reason is designed to heighten the campmates’ experience
I’m A Celebrity has revealed the real reason the hosts cover up their watches(Image: ITV)
Reality TV fans have been glued to their TV screens since the launch of this year’s I’m A Celebrity. And they have once again noticed something unusual about the show’s hosts, Ant and Dec.
Over the years, eagle-eyed viewers have spotted that the pair’s watches are permanently covered with tape while they’re on set. Several theories have been put forward on why the iconic duo hide their watchfaces, including the suggestion it is to prevent light from reflecting onto the cameras.
But it is actually a carefully planned tactic to keep contestants completely unaware of time. This has been confirmed on the official I’m A Celeb X account, in the message that read: “Ant & Dec’s watches are covered to stop the celebs finding out what time it is. They have no idea, as no clocks in camp.”
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Viewers have noticed Ant and Dec’s watches are covered up on I’m A Celeb(Image: ITV)
It’s a small but key detail to heighten the celebs’ jungle experience by completely disconnecting them from the outside world. It can make them feel all the more disorientated and lead to unfiltered and raw reactions – perfect for reality TV.
It’s not just Ant and Dec who adhere to the watch rule. Former contestants Scarlett Moffatt and Joel Dommett explained on I’m A Celebrity: Extra Camp in 2017 that everyone who interacts with the campmates has to follow the same protocol.
Scarlett said: “It’s so the campmates don’t know the time, so all the watches are covered for the people that see the campmates all the time, like Ant, Dec and Medic Bob.”
The pair have been hosting I’m A Celebrity since 2002(Image: ITV)
It’s not the only behind-the-scenes jungle secret. The camp setup includes a canopy to keep sleeping areas relatively dry during storms – although sideways rain can still cause major discomfort. Contestants endure the elements with no special treatment, as hosts Ant and Dec have confirmed.
The celebs are also watched 24/7 with crew on hand to handle emergencies and wildlife encounters. Former campmate Dean McCullough previously recalled being pulled away from a fire by a vigilant staff member while half-asleep.
It comes after Kemi Rodgers – back for her second series of I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked alongside Joel Dommett – opened up about what Ant and Dec are really like when the cameras are off.
She told the Mirror: “It’s like a dream come true because you watch them on TV all your life, like you grow up with them and you’re like ‘These guys are absolutely hilarious!’ In my opinion, they are like half of the show. Do you know what I mean? Like you obviously want to see your celebrities doing awful things and being put in like uncomfortable situations, but their reactions to things like have us howling on the floor.
Kemi Rodgers has revealed what Ant and Dec are like behind the scenes(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
“And so being able to actually join the show and work with them I was like ‘Oh my goodness, what are they gonna be like in real life? ‘Their TV personas are just hilarious. They are exactly the same off-screen as they are on, which is just absolutely incredible!”
She added: “And I think it’s a testament to their success. Like, they are as nice, as jokey, as funny with each other and everyone else as they all. And so it was really lovely having those moments where kind of I’m on the sofa with them.
“Just to get to chat and get their thoughts on everything because it’s nice for them to come on our show to just like give a deep dive into how they actually feel because obviously they’re kind of getting the show moving.
“They’ve only got a certain amount of time but they can really give their deep opinions. And so that I think is a really great insight into the minds of like two of the best loved presenters in Britain.”