I’M A Celebrity’s reigning champion Giovanna Fletcher will play no part in Sunday’s final.
The show usually has the previous year’s winner back to crown their successor.
But bosses have banned author Giovanna, 36 — the first Queen of the Castle — from visiting camp due to Covid fears.
Whoever wins is likely to be crowned by a fellow celebrity.
A source said: “ITV would have loved to have Giovanna back, she was a hugely popular winner last year.
"But due to Covid rules — even with the show coming to an end on Sunday — it was decided they couldn’t take the risk without her isolating, which is a lot to ask for a one-minute cameo.”
Producers on the ITV show faced a similar dilemma last year with EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa.
Jacqueline, 29 — the 2019 winner when it was held in Australia — was initially invited to Gwrych Castle, North Wales. But plans were binned as a Christmas lockdown loomed.
Vernon Kay, who came third, stepped in to crown mum-of-three Giovanna.
🔵 Read our I'm A Celeb 2021 live blog for the latest updates
I’m A Celebrity 2021 – here’s everything you need to know
- Where is I'm A Celebrity 2021 filmed?
- How to vote on I'm A Celebrity
- Where are Ant and Dec staying in Wales?
- I'm A Celebrity full line up – meet all the contestants below:
- Who is Frankie Bridge?
- Who is Arlene Phillips?
- Who is Matty Lee?
- Who is Naughty Boy?
- Who is David Ginola?
- Who is Richard Madeley?
- Who is Adam Woodyatt?
- Who is Simon Gregson?
- Who is Kadeena Cox?
- Who is Snoochie Shy?
- Who is Louise Minchin?
READ MORE I'M A CELEB
GET THEM IN THERE! 
I'm A Celeb FULL line-up – including soap icons, Prem legend & TV star
Ant & Dec give a glimpse of creepy Gwrych Castle in new I'm A Celeb trailer
I'm A Celebrity 2021 start date REVEALED and it's only in a matter of DAYS
Inside I'm A Celeb's quarantine accommodation as stars reveal cosy cottage
Giovanna Fletcher reveals surprising reason Tom’s Strictly partner Amy Dowden moved in with them after hospital dash
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?
Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too.
Click here to upload yours.
Click here to get The Sun newspaper delivered for FREE for the next six weeks.
Source: Read Full Article