When does I’m A Celebrity start? Channel, time, date schedule and cast news

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is officially returning to our screens this November, with ITV confirming the start date for the 2026 series. And with Wayne Rooney, a Gavin & Stacey favourite and a Kaiser Chiefs star among the names reportedly heading Down Under, there’s plenty to get excited about!

It’s nearly time to swap the sofa for the jungle as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! prepares to return for another series of terrifying Bushtucker Trials, campfire conversations and unforgettable celebrity moments.

ITV has officially confirmed that the hugely popular reality show will launch on Monday 16th November 2026 at 9pm, with Ant and Dec returning to Australia to host the action.

As always, viewers can expect famous faces to face their biggest fears, take on stomach-churning challenges and compete to be crowned the next King or Queen of the Jungle.

And while ITV is keeping the official contestant announcements under wraps, reports suggest this year’s line-up could include some seriously big names.

When does I’m A Celebrity 2026 start?

The new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! starts on:

• Date: Monday 16th November 2026
• Time: 9pm
• Channel: ITV1 and STV
• Streaming: ITVX and STV Player

The programme will air every night, bringing viewers all the latest jungle drama, challenges and celebrity antics.

If you can’t wait to find out what happens, you’ll be able to catch up through ITVX and STV Player.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! starts Monday 16th November at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX & STV Player.

Who is presenting I’m A Celebrity 2026?

There’s some familiar company waiting for the celebrities when they arrive in Australia, as BAFTA award-winning presenting duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are back.

The Geordie favourites will once again host the main show, bringing viewers all the big stories live from the Australian jungle every night.

Whether it’s watching the celebrities tackle terrifying trials, dealing with camp arguments or revealing who has been voted out, Ant and Dec are an essential part of the I’m A Celebrity experience.

Meanwhile, the popular spin-off show I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked is also returning.

Hosted by former jungle winner Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers, the ITV2 show will air live, offering even more behind-the-scenes gossip, celebrity reactions and discussion about everything happening in camp.

Who is in the I’m A Celebrity 2026 line-up?

ITV has yet to officially confirm the full list of celebrities entering the jungle. However, reports published ahead of the launch have suggested that a dozen famous faces could be taking part.

Here are the names currently being tipped for the 2026 series.

Wayne Rooney – Football legend

One of the biggest names reportedly heading into the jungle is former England and Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney.

The footballing legend would certainly be a major signing for ITV, particularly following the success of his wife Coleen Rooney, who finished as runner-up in the 2024 series.

Could Wayne follow in her footsteps and become the next King of the Jungle?

Joanna Page – Gavin & Stacey star

Fans of Gavin & Stacey could be in for a treat, with actress Joanna Page reportedly among the celebrities tipped to take part.

Best known for playing Stacey Shipman in the hugely popular BBC sitcom, Joanna has been a familiar face on British television for years.

It would be fascinating to see how the actress copes with jungle life.

Claire Sweeney – Coronation Street actress

Coronation Street favourite Claire Sweeney is another name reportedly linked to the 2026 series.

The actress, singer and television personality has plenty of experience entertaining audiences, but facing creepy crawlies and eating some of the jungle’s more unusual delicacies could be a very different challenge.

Ricky Wilson – Kaiser Chiefs frontman

Music fans could be represented by Ricky Wilson, the lead singer of Kaiser Chiefs.

The musician is also well known for his television appearances, particularly as a coach on The Voice UK.

With his energetic personality and sense of humour, Ricky could be an entertaining campmate.

Ade Adepitan – Paralympian and TV presenter

Paralympic basketball star and television presenter Ade Adepitan is also reportedly on the list.

Ade has enjoyed a hugely successful career in sport and broadcasting, and his positive outlook and determination could make him a popular addition to camp.

Chloe Burrows – Love Island star

Reality television fans may recognise Chloe Burrows from Love Island, where she became a popular contestant in the 2021 series.

Since leaving the villa, Chloe has continued to build her television and presenting career.

Could she bring some of that Love Island personality to the Australian jungle?

AJ Odudu – Television presenter

Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu is another name being linked to the show.

Known for her bubbly personality and presenting skills, AJ is no stranger to live television.

However, facing a Bushtucker Trial could be an entirely different experience!

Leomie Anderson – Model

International model Leomie Anderson is also reportedly heading Down Under.

Having walked the runway for some of the biggest fashion brands in the world, Leomie is used to high-pressure situations, but the jungle’s creepy crawlies could prove a different kind of challenge.

Mariella Frostrup – Broadcaster

Veteran broadcaster Mariella Frostrup is another reported contestant.

Known for her journalism, presenting and television appearances, Mariella would bring a wealth of experience and a different perspective to the camp.

Leigh Francis – Comedian and Keith Lemon star

Could Keith Lemon be heading into the jungle?

Comedian Leigh Francis, best known for creating his outrageous television character Keith Lemon, is reportedly among the names linked to this year’s series.

His larger-than-life personality could make for some hilarious campfire moments.

Sharky – YouTube star

Online personality Sharky, whose real name is Sharmarke Mohamud, is another name reportedly in the mix.

The YouTube content creator has built a huge following online and would bring a younger generation of viewers to the ITV show.

Jack Skipper – Stand-up comedian

The final name reportedly linked to the series is comedian Jack Skipper.

Known for his observational stand-up comedy, Jack could be a welcome source of humour when camp life gets difficult.

Important: These names have been reported in the press but have not all been officially confirmed by ITV. The confirmed line-up will be revealed by the broadcaster.

What happens on I’m A Celebrity?

For anyone unfamiliar with the format, I’m A Celebrity takes a group of famous faces away from their usual glamorous lifestyles and puts them in the Australian jungle.

The celebrities must live together in camp, with basic facilities, limited food and plenty of unexpected wildlife encounters.

They also face the infamous Bushtucker Trials, which can involve anything from creepy crawlies and unusual food challenges to heights, underwater tasks and endurance tests.

The aim is to win stars for camp, with each star representing a meal for the group.

As the series progresses, viewers vote for their favourite celebrities, with contestants gradually eliminated until the final few remain.

Ultimately, one celebrity is crowned King or Queen of the Jungle.

When is I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked on TV?

The fun doesn’t stop when the main show finishes.

I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked is also returning, with Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers hosting the live ITV2 spin-off.

The show will give fans an additional opportunity to discuss the biggest moments from camp, hear celebrity opinions and get involved in all the jungle gossip.

Sam knows exactly what life in the jungle is like, having won the 2023 series, so viewers can expect plenty of insight from someone who has experienced the trials first-hand.

How to watch I’m A Celebrity 2026

The main series will air on ITV1 and STV, with episodes also available to stream on ITVX and STV Player.

The spin-off I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked will air live on ITV2 and ITVX.

So, whether you’re watching Ant and Dec introduce the celebrities, cheering on your favourite campmate or catching up with Sam and Kemi afterwards, there’s plenty of jungle entertainment to look forward to.

With the countdown now officially on, the question is: who will be crowned King or Queen of the Jungle in 2026?

We’ll find out when I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! returns on Monday 16th November at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.

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