Celebrity Bear Hunt is unlikely to return to Costa Rica for its second season due to safety concerns linked to local drug gangs, according to a new report.
The reality series, hosted by Holly Willoughby, premiered on Netflix earlier this month and follows celebrities as they navigate the Central American jungle.
While Netflix has yet to officially confirm a second season, it has been reported that a renewal is likely due to the show’s popularity.
However, if greenlit, filming is expected to shift away from Costa Rica.
According to The Sun, South Africa and Australia are being considered as alternative locations to ensure the safety of the cast and crew.
A TV insider told the outlet: “There's a huge amount of planning involved in producing such a huge show.
“That's not to mention the logistics and safety measures that have to be put in place to look after the welfare of Holly, Bear and the dozen celebrities who take part.
“Plus they have to think about the safety of the huge crew required to make the programme — and South Africa and Australia are far more stable than Costa Rica.”
The Standard has contacted Netflix for comment.
Willoughby made Netflix hosting debut on Bear Hunt after stepping down from This Morning in 2023 and previously spoke about how she felt “safe” filming in the remote jungle.
The 44-year-old shared: “It was just quite nice to be immersed in that and being away from everything, being that much in the jungle, in nature, where your phone doesn't work and being disconnected from stuff.
“And actually, in some ways, it felt safer being there than it did being back here.”
Willoughby spent a month filming Celebrity Bear Hunt in Costa Rica without her husband, TV producer Dan Baldwin, 50, or their children—Harry, 16, Belle, 13, and Chester, 10.
The show follows 12 celebrities as they are put through the ultimate test in a jungle-bound survival challenge. Dropped off in the Costa Rican jungle, the 12 stars become prey for adventurer and survival expert, Bear Grylls.
Filming turned dangerous when Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, 59, nearly drowned during a freak raft accident. He became trapped underwater after getting tangled in a bungee rope but was eventually pulled to safety.
The star-studded cast also featured Spice Girl Mel B, Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, chef Big Zuu, tennis legend Boris Becker, actor Joe Thomas, and rugby star Danny Cipriani.
Joining them were actor Kola Bokinni, presenter Steph McGovern, model Leomie Anderson, and The Saturdays singer Una Healy in the eight-part series.
