Chris Packham urges people to stop mowing lawns to protect nature ‘A bizarre habit'

He added: “I’m really disappointed that this year, when they were making it in the UK, they didn’t use the opportunity to rethink about the animal involvement in the programme.

“Because, it is abuse, it is exploitative and it is just there for entertainment and it is cruel and it is reinforcing stereotypes and a lot of people don’t like it, it’s not just me.

“I don’t want to see cockroaches being poured over someone for entertainment, that’s not entertaining, that’s animal abuse.”

The naturalist said he had reached out to show producers for a change on several occasions, but hasn’t received a reply.

An ITV spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “I’m A Celebrity complies with animal welfare law concerning the use of animals and we are proud of our exemplary production practices.”