I’m a Celebrity South Africa is back for 2026 and this year’s returning cast might be the most iconic mix ITV has ever brought together. Only in its second South Africa legend edition, the series has been rebuilt with tougher challenges, higher stakes and an even fiercer fight for the title of Legend of the Jungle. Hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly have confirmed that the trials are bigger, more extreme and designed to push returning campmates far beyond anythinggggg they dealt with the first time around.
What to expect | Line-up | Where to watch
What to expect from I’m a Celebrity South Africa
Think your classic I’m a Celeb but bigger, better and more excitingggg! I’m a Celebrity South Africa is the all-star version of the show, whisking us away from the usual Aussie sun (and rain), and taking us to South Africa where celebs head to the Kruger National Park, leaving the Australian bush behind!
At the exclusive launch, Ant and Dec let slip that one of the eating trials dragged on for a jaw-dropping five hours (yepppp you heard that right!), officially the longest trial the show has ever recorded. Campmates watching on the sidelines were apparently nodding off between bursts of cheering!
And that’s just the start! This series is going biggggg: think cliff-edge balancing acts and a head-to-head race suspended ridiculously high in the air! Basically, if it looks super scary, it’s probably right on cue. Every trial has been upgraded to push even the toughest I’m a Celebrity graduates out of their comfort zone!
Meanwhile, Unpacked will be back every night on ITV2 and ITVX, serving up behind-the-scenes reactions, extra gossip and the kind of chaos you don’t see in the main show.
Normally I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! is filmed live in Australia and viewers get to vote for their favourite camp mate, however the first season of the South Africa all-stars show was entirely pre-recorded which meant no voting! Butttt Ant & Dec confirmed that for this version of the series: the 2026 final will be broadcast live from the UK, with the public deciding who takes the crown as this year's I'm a Celebrity Legend. No pressure!
The full line up for I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! South Africa 2026:
This is certainly a line-up you will not be forgetting any time soon! Read on to discover the contestants competing to be the next I'm a Celebrity Legend!
Adam Thomas
The proclaimed bushtucker trial king returns to the jungle a decade after first appearing in 2016, where he finished in third place and became known for taking on the most Bushtucker trials of the series (12!) The Waterloo Road and former Emmerdale star admitted he expected the experience to feel familiar – but quickly realised things had changed.
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“It’s been 10 years, but I went into there thinking it was going to be like the first time… and it was completely different,” he said. “Compared to the last series that I did, this was so much tougher.”
Ashley Roberts
Singer and presenter Ashley Roberts originally competed in the 2012 series, finishing runner-up to Charlie Brooks. Reflecting on her return, she said the show has had a lasting impact on her life in the UK. “This show changed my life,” she said. “The reason I’m in the UK, the reason I feel like I’m an adopted Brit, is because of the show.”
Ashley admitted the experience brought both joy and nerves. “I’m so happy I did it… bonding and getting to know some fabulous, fun people,” she said, before adding with a laugh: “In other ways, I think I might still be a little traumatised.”
Beverley Callard
Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard first took part in the unusual 2020 series filmed at Gwrych Castle in Wales during the pandemic, finishing ninth.
This time she was keen to experience the traditional jungle setting. “Because the castle was so different, when they said would I do this, I just thought, I can’t say no,” she said. “I truly loved it.”
Scarlett Moffatt
The hilarious and sweet Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt returns after winning the 2016 series and being crowned Queen of the Jungle. Since then, she has gone on to co-host the show’s companion programmes, and has become a mum.
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Even as a long-time fan of the show, she said the latest version still caught the cast off guard. “We thought we knew what we were getting ourselves in for… but everything was just bigger and scarier and crazier.”
Scarlett also joked about the practical reasons many stars say yes to the show. “We love it with every bone in our body,” she said. “But we also need to pay our mortgage somehow - and if we can do that by eating a few kangaroo testes, why not.”
Sinitta
Singer Sinitta first appeared in the 2011 series and became known for being terrified of almost every challenge the jungle threw at her.
Despite her fears, Sinitta said returning gave her a different experience of camp life this time around. She described it as “a magical, epiphany kind of experience” while still admitting the jungle remains “really terrifying”.
Seann Walsh
Comedian Seann Walsh first entered the jungle in 2022, finishing in fifth place and winning over viewers after a difficult period in his public life.
He said returning was an easy decision. “I had so much fun the first time round. I really, really loved it,” he said. “When I got the call asking if I wanted to go back, I didn’t really hesitate.”
According to Seann, one of the biggest highlights is the friendships formed inside camp. “You genuinely make new friends,” he said.
David Haye
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After coming third in 2012, David Haye, the man known primarily for THAT shower scene is heading to South Africa, in a bid to finallyyyy claim that crown!
Sir Mo Farah
Four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah also returns after finishing fifth in Wales during the lockdown 2020 competition.
Gemma Collins
Joining as late arrival, Gemma Collins is backkkkk! After her abrupt departure from I’m a Celeb in 2014, she famously said “I certainly won’t be coming back for me. Ever!” However, she said the experience has stayed with her ever since. “The jungle has haunted me for years,” she admitted. “This is redemption.”
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Gemma added that she’s entering camp determined to show a different side of herself. “I’m going in this jungle as Gemma Collins, not the GC,” she said.
Jimmy Bullard
The third late arrival is none other than former footballer Jimmy Bullard, who originally competed in the 2014 series, finishing in 10th place and becoming known for his laddish humour and clashes in camp.
Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp returns to the jungle as the fourth late arrival after winning the 2018 series and becoming one of the show’s most popular champions (I mean you can’t help but love him right?!)
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The former football manager, affectionately dubbed “King Harry”, said he remembers the jungle more fondly than many contestants. “Once you get in there and you sort of find out your bearings… it’s quite relaxing in a way,” he said.
He’ll also be reunited with former player Jimmy Bullard, whom he once signed during his football management career – adding an extra layer of history to camp life.
Craig Charles
Craig Charles joins the series as a late arrival. The Red Dwarf and Coronation Street star originally appeared in the 2014 series but had to leave early, ultimately finishing 11th.
Reflecting on his return, he said he feels he has unfinished business. “Last time I had to leave before it was all over. This time I’m here to finish the job!”
Where to watch I’m A Celebrity South Africa 2026
The new series airs on ITV1 and STV throughout April with Unpacked nightly on ITV2 and ITVX. ITV has confirmed that I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! South Africa will begin in April, with the final airing live from London, allowing viewers to cast the final vote!
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