A psychologist has explained where every series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here starts the same way - with a terrifying shared challenge. While you might think the producers are simply be looking for a thrilling first episode, the science suggests their scary opening challenges could be doing far more than entertaining.
Experts suggest it may also be a clever way of jump-starting trust and friendship among total strangers. Dr George Sik, Chartered Psychologist at eras, the rush from a "safe scare" actively brings people closer, which explains why shared thrills like horror movies, escape rooms, and I'm A Celeb's opening trials are so effective.
"When we experience fear in a safe setting, our brains and bodies react as though the threat is real; our heart rate spikes and adrenaline floods the system. Once the danger passes, the body converts that fear into relief and connection by releasing dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. These are the same 'bonding' hormone produced during sex and childbirth, and is why you often see people laughing after a scare", said Dr George.
That explains why, after the show's nerve-wracking opening stunts, you often see contestants hugging, laughing or crying together. "The fear quickly turns into relief and connection".
He said: "Humans are hard-wired for belonging. Shared adrenaline experiences activate that instinct. This tend-and-befriend response (the natural impulse to seek safety and connection during stress) helps explain why we instinctively reach for one another during frightening moments."
Jak Kennedy, adventure specialist at MadMax Adventures, said: "When people are thrown into a challenge that takes them out of their comfort zone, whether that's stepping off a platform or facing a fear head-on, you can see trust being built in real time," says Jak. "The fear is brief, but the after-effects last, with people leaving feeling closer and more open."
He said that I'm A Celeb's opening trials mirror this perfectly. "The contestants go from complete strangers to teammates within minutes. They've shared something intense and a bit terrifying in a shared experience that breaks the ice faster than anything else could."