Honestly - yes there is, millions of them.
For some bizarre reason, there is a massive amount of viewers who derive entertainment from watching nominally famous people ill-treating live animals, and in turn being ill-treated themselves.
Personally, I think animal cruelty for entertainment is immoral, and the unprepossessing nature of the animals involved does not negate their right not to be eaten alive so that watching adults can view through their fingers.
But there are millions who do, and who tune in, and that's all that's needed to create and sustain interest in a TV show - hence the rumours and then the announcement.