I'm A Celebrity medic on shocking reason why the campmates wear red socks
The red socks aren't just a uniform for the celebrities...
I’m A Celebrity contestants always have one piece of clothing in common: red socks, which have a surprising purpose.
The iconic reality TV show has returned to our screens, with this year’s batch of celebs officially cut off from the outside world and their usual luxuries.
That means rice and beans for dinner (unless they win Bushtucker Trials), and clothes like khaki shirts and shorts, body warmers, blue shirts, hats, and sturdy boots.
Red has been a constant of the I’m A Celebrity aesthetic since it began, but it’s not just a uniform. According to a medic, it’s a benefit to the contestants – and the viewers.
Why I’m A Celebrity contestants wear red socks
I’m A Celebrity contestants wear red socks to disguise any bloodstains from insect bites, as per Bob McCarron, the show’s former on-set medic.
The celebrities may be safe in the jungle, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be affected by all sorts of creepy crawlies. Contestants have been bitten by plenty of insects (as well as leeches), leaving bloody marks on their skin.
McCarron previously told Woman’s Own that the red socks “stop the blood from insect bites showing up”. This means it’s harder for the viewers to see any of the wounds.
Bug bites aren’t the only thing the celebs need to worry about. McCarron also appeared on Extra Camp in an earlier series, revealing: “Most people think of fungus as mushrooms but we have problems with the cast every year – especially women growing fungus on certain body parts.
“I’ve been instructing them to use the shower and personal hygiene a little bit more often.”
I’m a Celebrity medic worried about the celebs’ cooking
The medic also had a concern going into each series: what if the celebs can’t cook?
“My main worry for this series – and it’s a bit of a laugh really – is when I interview all the celebrities and talk about their medicals to them, I try to find out a little bit more without them knowing,” he earlier said. “But I haven’t found one that can cook. There’s normally a chef among the group.
“If no one can cook, then you’re in a lot of trouble… the food we send in is specifically to be used, every part of it. If we send something in with a thick skin, it’s amazing how many celebrities throw that skin away. It makes us cry because that skin can be used.”
This quickly became a problem in the first episode. Jack Osbourne cooked steak for himself, Aitch, Angry Ginge, and Eddie Kadi. However, the other contestants were left to (reluctantly) cook emu necks.
