As March 2026 rolls in, the jungle drums are beating once again—this time with a South African accent. Here’s the full rundown on what to expect from the second series of I’m A Celebrity’s all-star spin-off.
When ITV first announced they were taking I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! to South Africa for an all-stars edition back in 2023, I’ll admit I was skeptical. The Australian jungle has been the show’s spiritual home for over two decades, and messing with that formula felt risky. But the first South African series, which aired in early 2023, proved me wrong. The format worked. The setting was fresh. And crucially, viewers loved seeing former campmates return for another crack at jungle life.
Now, as we sit here in March 2026, anticipation is building for the second South African series. Unlike the main show’s annual November slot in Australia, this all-star edition has become ITV’s springtime event — a way to keep the I’m A Celebrity brand alive year-round while giving former contestants a chance at redemption, revenge, or simply reminding people why they were popular in the first place.
I’ve been following this franchise closely since the early 2000s, and I’ve spent the past few weeks digging through announcements, rumors, and the kind of tabloid speculation that tends to surround this show like flies around a rancid crocodile eye. Here’s everything we actually know about Series 2 of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa — and what we can reasonably expect when it hits our screens.
The Confirmed Air Date and Schedule
Let’s start with the basics. ITV has confirmed that I’m A Celebrity… South Africa Series 2 will premiere on Sunday, April 20, 2026. The series will run for approximately three weeks, wrapping up with the final in mid-May. This timing mirrors the first South African series and strategically positions the show during a period when there’s traditionally less competition on British television.
The format remains largely the same: nightly episodes running for about an hour (give or take, depending on what needs padding with flashback montages), airing around 9 PM on ITV1 and ITVX. Joel Dommett returns as host, which is no surprise given how well he’s settled into the role. His presenting style — part cheeky, part genuinely empathetic — has become one of the show’s assets, particularly for a format that relies on nostalgia and fan favorites.
What’s interesting about the scheduling this year is ITV’s decision to launch slightly later in April than originally rumored. Sources close to the production suggested this was partly logistical — getting the South African camp location prepared takes considerable time — and partly strategic, avoiding a clash with some major sporting events that would have split the viewing audience in March.
The Location: Back to Kruger, But With Tweaks
Series 2 returns to the general Kruger National Park area where the first South African edition was filmed. For those unfamiliar, this is a dramatically different setting from the Australian jungle. The landscape is more open bushveld than dense rainforest, the wildlife is different (think elephants and lions rather than pythons and spiders, though there are still plenty of creepy-crawlies), and the climate can swing from baking hot days to surprisingly chilly nights.
What I’ve heard from production insiders — and take this with appropriate skepticism, as much of this comes through the usual media whisper network — is that they’ve made some modifications to the camp itself. The first series faced some criticism for being perhaps too comfortable compared to the Australian jungle’s deliberate discomfort. Apparently, Series 2’s camp has been redesigned to up the survival element slightly. Whether this means less food, worse sleeping arrangements, or just more strategic deprivation remains to be seen, but the producers clearly want to avoid accusations that the all-star edition is “I’m A Celebrity Lite.”
The Bushtucker Trial area has also reportedly been expanded, allowing for more elaborate challenges. One of the limitations of the first South African series was that some trials felt recycled from Australia without being adapted to the new environment. This time around, there’s been a conscious effort to create trials that make use of South Africa’s unique wildlife and terrain — though obviously within the strict animal welfare guidelines that caused some controversy last series when certain planned trials were scrapped.
The Contestant Lineup: Legends, Villains, and Unfinished Business
Here’s where things get properly interesting. Unlike the main Australian series, which features a fresh batch of celebrities each year, the South African all-star edition draws exclusively from previous contestants who want another go. This creates a very different dynamic — these people know what they’re signing up for, they’ve already built relationships (or rivalries) with the British public, and many of them have specific narratives they’re either trying to rewrite or capitalize on.
As of mid-March, ITV hasn’t officially confirmed the full lineup, but several names have been heavily reported and in some cases essentially confirmed through the usual channels — agent slip-ups, social media silence, paparazzi photos at airports, that sort of thing.
The Near-Certainties:
First up, Gillian McKeith is almost definitely returning. Yes, that Gillian McKeith, the nutritionist who famously fainted her way through multiple trials in 2010 and became one of the show’s most memorable contestants for all the wrong (or right, depending on your perspective) reasons. Her participation has been the subject of persistent rumors since late 2025, and recent reports suggest she’s confirmed. If true, this is fascinating because McKeith was so traumatized by her first experience that she’s spent years criticizing the show. Either she’s had a genuine change of heart, needs the money, or has calculated that a redemption arc could rehabilitate her public image. Possibly all three.
Shaun Ryder is another name that keeps appearing with increasing confidence. The Happy Mondays frontman was a brilliant contestant back in 2010 — funny, completely himself, and utterly unbothered by the whole experience in a way that made for great television. Shaun’s the kind of booking that makes sense: beloved by viewers, unlikely to cause problems, guaranteed entertainment value.
There’s strong speculation around Fatima Whitbread, the former Olympic javelin thrower who came third in the 2011 series. Fatima was genuinely popular during her time in camp, and her athletic background means she’d likely excel at physical trials. She’s also been relatively quiet in the media for the past few years, which often signals someone who’d welcome the exposure and fee that comes with a return to the jungle.
Dean Gaffney is reportedly in talks, though this one seems less certain. The former EastEnders actor has done the show before and fits the profile of “familiar British celebrity who needs a profile boost,” which is essentially the target demographic for this series. Whether negotiations will conclude in time is another matter — these things can fall through right up until filming begins.
The Wildcard Possibilities:
One name that’s generated significant buzz is Katie Price. Price has never actually done the main I’m A Celebrity in Australia — wait, I need to correct myself. She did the show in 2004, where she met Peter Andre, and then returned for the 2009 series. So she’d absolutely qualify as a former contestant. Recent tabloid reports suggest she’s been approached, though whether she’d actually do it is another question. Price has enough going on in her life — legal issues, media projects, personal drama — that committing to three weeks in the South African bush might not be practical, even if she wanted to.
Helen Flanagan has been mentioned repeatedly. The actress and model appeared in the 2012 series and was known for being absolutely terrified of the trials, which made her both sympathetic and frustrating to viewers. She’s remained in the public eye through various reality appearances and tabloid coverage, so a return could work — either as a redemption story if she conquers her fears, or as a repeat of the same entertainment if she doesn’t.
There’s also persistent speculation about Jordan Banjo, the Diversity dancer who appeared in 2016, and Vanessa White from The Saturdays, who did the 2017 series. Both would bring a younger energy to what could otherwise be a very 2010-2012 heavy lineup.
Who’s Definitely Not Coming:
It’s worth noting who’s been ruled out or is highly unlikely. Ant and Dec have joked about doing it themselves but that’s clearly never happening — they are the show. Several former winners have said publicly they have no interest in returning, including Scarlett Moffatt and Georgia Toffolo. And some former contestants simply wouldn’t be asked back due to post-show controversies or because they didn’t make enough impact the first time around.
Format Changes and New Elements
While the core format remains intact — celebrities living in basic camp conditions, doing trials for food, gradual eliminations, public vote determines everything — there are some tweaks for Series 2.
The most significant change is what’s being called the “Legends vs. Villains” theme. Now, this hasn’t been officially confirmed by ITV, but enough people involved in the production have referenced it that it seems likely. The idea is that contestants will be divided into two tribes based on their previous appearance: those who were beloved (Legends) and those who were controversial or divisive (Villains). If Gillian McKeith is indeed returning, you can guess which category she’d fall into.
This tribal division would apparently affect early camp life, trial selection, and possibly even voting dynamics, though it’s unclear exactly how it would work without fundamentally changing the show’s DNA. My suspicion is it’ll be more of a thematic framing device — good for promotional materials and the first few episodes — rather than something that rigidly structures the entire series.
Another reported addition is more elaborate “Letters from Home” content. One of the emotional high points of any jungle series is when contestants receive messages from loved ones, and apparently producers want to expand this element, possibly including video messages or surprise visits. This feels very much like ramping up the emotional manipulation — which, to be clear, has always been part of the show’s appeal, but they’re leaning into it more heavily.
There’s also talk of a new trial category specifically designed to play on contestants’ previous jungle experiences. Imagine making someone who famously couldn’t eat a kangaroo testicle in 2011 confront an even more challenging eating trial in 2026. It’s psychological warfare disguised as entertainment, and it’ll probably make for great television even if it’s slightly cruel.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Logistics
What often gets overlooked in discussions about I’m A Celebrity is the sheer logistical complexity of producing the show. We’re talking about a major television production in a foreign country, dealing with wildlife, extreme weather, and the constant risk that something goes genuinely wrong.
The South African production has required ITV to essentially build a parallel infrastructure to what they have in Australia. This includes medical staff, psychological support, animal handlers, local crew, and all the technical equipment needed for live streaming and nightly broadcasts. The budget for these all-star series is substantial, though likely less than the main Australian show given the shorter run time and smaller casts.
One thing I’ve learned from speaking to people who’ve worked on reality productions (not this specific show, but similar formats) is that contestant welfare has become a much bigger priority in recent years, particularly post-Love Island tragedies and increased scrutiny around duty of care. I’m A Celebrity has always taken this seriously — they have to, given the physical risks — but expect even more emphasis on psychological support, both during filming and in the aftermath.
The South African location brings specific challenges. Medical evacuation routes need to be planned for scenarios involving dangerous wildlife or serious injury. Communication with the UK for voting and production coordination has to be seamless. And unlike Australia, where the show has established relationships with local authorities and communities over twenty years, the South African operation is still relatively new and requires more active management.
What Could Go Wrong (and What Could Go Right)
Let’s be honest: reality television at this level is always a gamble. You can cast brilliantly, plan meticulously, and still end up with a dud series if the chemistry doesn’t work or if external events overshadow your show.
Potential Issues:
The biggest risk is contestant dropouts. The all-star format means everyone’s done this before, which could lead to quicker exits if people aren’t enjoying themselves. Unlike first-timers who might push through discomfort out of shock or confusion, veterans know exactly what they’re signing up for and might pull the plug faster if it’s not working.
There’s also the comparison problem. The first South African series had the advantage of novelty. Series 2 needs to justify its existence beyond “more of the same.” If the lineup isn’t strong or the trials feel repetitive, viewers might tune out.
Weather is an unpredictable factor. The first series dealt with some unusual climate conditions, and if Series 2 faces similar or worse problems, it could affect the show’s quality and even contestant safety.
What Could Make This Series Great:
Conversely, if ITV gets the casting right — and early signs suggest they might — this could be the best all-star series yet. The “Legends vs. Villains” framing, if handled well, could create genuine narrative tension that goes beyond just “watch famous people eat bugs.”
The South African setting still feels fresh enough that there’s room to explore it further without viewer fatigue. New types of trials, different wildlife interactions, and the unique landscape all provide opportunities for innovation within the familiar format.
And honestly, there’s just something compelling about watching people return to something that previously defined a period of their public life. Will Gillian McKeith finally do a trial without fainting? Will other contestants who bottled it first time around redeem themselves? Will someone who was beloved on their first appearance reveal a different side? These are questions that create built-in drama before the series even starts.
The Viewing Experience: What to Expect
For those planning to watch — and if you’ve read this far, you probably are — here’s what the viewing experience will likely look like.
The opening episode on April 20th will be extended, probably running 90 minutes to two hours. This is standard for I’m A Celebrity launches, allowing time to introduce all the contestants, show their arrivals, establish the camp, and probably throw in an opening challenge or trial. Expect lots of flashback footage to their previous appearances, which serves both as nostalgia and as a way to catch up viewers who might not remember everyone.
Subsequent episodes will follow the familiar pattern: recap of previous night, trial selection, trial itself, aftermath, camp dynamics, elimination vote. The show’s editing has become increasingly sophisticated over the years, with more focus on character development and relationship building rather than just the gross-out trial moments. That trend will likely continue.
Social media will, as always, be a massive part of the experience. I’m A Celebrity trends virtually every night it’s on, and ITV has gotten very good at fostering that online conversation while also driving viewers to ITVX for additional content. Expect behind-the-scenes footage, extended interviews, and the ubiquitous “Extra Camp” companion show (or whatever they’re calling it these days).
One thing worth noting: voting will again be done through the ITV app and website rather than premium-rate phone lines, following the shift made across all their reality programming. This is probably more accessible for younger viewers but might affect overall engagement numbers since there’s less financial commitment to voting.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Series Matters
It’s easy to be cynical about reality TV, and God knows I’ve had my moments watching I’m A Celebrity over the years where I’ve questioned what I’m doing with my life. But these shows matter in ways beyond pure entertainment.
For ITV, the South African all-star series is part of a broader strategy to maximize the value of their most successful formats. In an era of fragmented viewing and streaming competition, having a recognizable brand that can deliver reliable ratings twice a year is valuable. The production company, ITV Studios, can also potentially sell this format internationally, which is where serious money gets made.
For contestants, this is a chance at career rehabilitation or revival. Some of these people haven’t had meaningful media exposure in years. Three weeks in the South African bush, if it goes well, can translate into panto bookings, brand partnerships, magazine deals, and future TV work. If it goes badly… well, at least they got paid.
For viewers — and this is what ultimately matters — it’s comfort viewing with just enough novelty to stay interesting. We know these people, we have existing relationships with them (even if those relationships are one-sided and mediated through screens), and watching them navigate controlled suffering is weirdly compelling. That probably says something about us as a society, but I’m not qualified to diagnose exactly what.
Final Thoughts
As we sit here in late March, counting down to the April 20th premiere, my overall feeling is cautious optimism. The first South African series exceeded expectations, ITV seems to have learned from that experience, and if the rumored lineup is accurate, there’s real potential for great television.
Will it revolutionize reality TV? No. Will it provide three weeks of entertaining, occasionally shocking, frequently silly viewing that gives people something to talk about at work the next morning? Almost certainly.
I’ll be watching, probably with the same mix of embarrassment and engagement that’s characterized my relationship with this franchise for years. And if you’re reading this, you probably will be too.
The jungle — or in this case, the South African bushveld — is calling. Again. Let’s see who answers, and more importantly, who survives.