I'm a stick insect, get me out of here

If you thought it was cruel to shove beetles down John Fashanu's pants, then spare a thought for the insects. I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!, the reality television show, has fallen foul of regulators for its cruelty to the creatures used to terrorise contestants.

If you thought it was cruel to shove beetles down John Fashanu's pants, then spare a thought for the insects. I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!, the reality television show, has fallen foul of regulators for its cruelty to the creatures used to terrorise contestants.

The RSPCA and the Animal Filming and Training Commission which monitors the use of animals in film and television are drafting guidelines for programme-makers. Beth Richardson, the RSPCA's TV liaison officer, said: "Producers are always looking for fresh ideas. They often look to animals to provide what they need."

Last week, 68 viewers complained about the treatment of animals on the show.

Its producers said: "We have worked closely with RSPCA Australia and the Animal Welfare League for the programme's bushtucker trials, and use an animal wrangler on site for each task."