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
