The pair were confronted by RSPCA officers moments after filming for the reality series came to a halt and were quizzed about the death of the rat – which Gino had beheaded, with the aid of Stuart, to make a delicious (sort of) risotto for the camp.
Stuart and Gino were then later charged by Australian police and have been ordered to appear in court on February 3rd. The pair potentially face three years in jail if found guilty.
The arrest came amid claims that the rat which was slaughtered was not wild, as viewers were led to believe, but was instead planted by producers to create drama. A show insider commented:
"There were rats used for the Bushtucker Trials and they were as tame as hamsters. They were used to human contact and not afraid like wild ones who would run away. The killing made for dramatic TV. But it's likely the animal was one of the trial rats.
"It raises question marks about the show. What celebrity is going to risk appearing if they face getting nicked at the end of it."
Three years for killing a rat – anyone else think that that seems ever so slightly excessive?!