By JIMMY BRIGGS, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER

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PETA has issued a scathing public letter to Robert Irwin ahead of his upcoming gig co-hosting the new season of Channel Ten's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

The American animal rights organisation has shared a public plea to the celebrity conservationist, 22, to amend some of the alleged mistreatment of animals on the set of the show.

'We're writing today to appeal to your dedication to wildlife conservation and to ask that, as a show of respect for all species, you urge I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! producers to stop exploiting animals,' the letter begins.

'For a decade, the show has used and abused hundreds of rats, insects, arachnids, and reptiles, who are tossed around, grabbed, and crawled over for touch tank challenges, and eaten during tucker trials.' 

They claimed that the series has regularly 'exploited' small animals and urged Robert to use his celebrity status to prevent future occurrences.

'Small animals might not look like those many Australians share their homes with, but they matter. The show exploits crocodiles, painting them as bloodthirsty human hunters. 

'But you know better than most that they're actually complex, sensitive individuals who care about protecting their families and territory. 

'It also frames spiders as fearsome foes, when we know they’re gentle animals.

'Mammals aren't immune to the show's abuse. In 2016, both a white lion and a leopard cub were used, drawing widespread criticism because cubs used in this way can't be returned to the wild, and are usually sold to be shot by canned hunters.'

Robert replaced celebrity veterinarian Dr Chris Brown in 2024 as co-host of the popular series, and was not involved in the production in 2016. 

They finished by saying Robert had the power to do something about this and urged him to take action.

'If a celebrity, famed for their work protecting dogs, hosted a show where dogs were thrown around or eaten, viewers would surely question the host's dedication to their cause,' they wrote. 

'As someone known for representing wildlife, you have great power – and responsibility – to help animals by steering I'm a Celebrity... in a kinder direction.' 

Daily Mail has approached Channel Ten for comment. 

It follows reports that Robert is in hot demand as his television career continues to skyrocket. 

A new report has revealed the incredible sum that networks will have to pay if they want the Wildlife Warrior fronting their shows. 

The 22-year-old's fee could be as high as $3 million per season, according to New Idea. 

'That's genuinely the ballpark he's playing in now,' an alleged insider told the publication. 

The source claims that American television has come calling, with many keen to ink deals with the handsome star after his winning run on Dancing with the Stars US last year. 

'A lot of American shows approaching him are hovering around that figure,' the insider said. 

Robert has recently been working on the Australian edition of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!