Return of I’m A Celebrity South Africa
Three years since its last broadcast, the South Africa version of I’m A Celebrity is making a triumphant return for its second season. This year’s series promises to be even more exciting, with a brand new line-up of well-known campmates eager to prove themselves as contenders for the title of King or Queen of the Jungle.
The cast this season includes some of the most memorable faces from previous seasons, such as Gemma Collins, Harry Redknapp, and Sir Mo Farah. Fans are already speculating about who might emerge as the frontrunners for the crown. In a teaser released by ITV, former Queen Scarlett Moffatt shared her thoughts on the show: “Doing this show changed my life. I went in there, and I was 25. I’m a mum now, I’m getting married, and to do this, it just feels really full circle.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming season of I’m A Celebrity South Africa.
What You Need to Know About the Show
Is the Show Live?
Unlike the UK version, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, the South African spin-off is mostly pre-recorded. However, one key element will be shown live for the first time. The grand finale, scheduled for Friday, April 24, will be broadcast live and hosted by Ant and Dec on ITV1, STV, and ITVX.
Fans have the chance to attend the final in person in London. Tickets are available through the free ticket website Applause Store. The event promises to be an electrifying experience, with all finalists gathering in the studio for the final reveal.
Who’s in the Cast?
The 2026 South Africa series was filmed in September last year, just a few months before the main show returned in Australia. While this is common knowledge, some fans expressed confusion online, not realising that the show was pre-recorded. Comments like “I’m sorry, how are #ImACeleb gonna have a live final when this was all filmed at the end of last year?” and “How many won’t realise I’m a celebrity is not live tonight then?” highlight the mixed reactions.
Despite being filmed over six months ago, the grand finale will be live, offering a unique blend of pre-recorded content and real-time excitement.
Where Is It Filmed?
I’m A Celebrity South Africa is filmed at the world-renowned Kruger National Park. 
According to the South African National Parks website, the park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including 336 tree species, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 mammals. It also leads in environmental management techniques.
Lonely Planet describes the park as a destination filled with wonders that captivate visitors. “Easy to reach, expertly managed and almost uniquely self-drivable, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s great destinations for wildlife viewing.” The park is also home to the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – along with safari favourites like impala, zebra, giraffe, hippos, and crocs.
Who Won the Last Series?
The first series of I’m A Celebrity South Africa aired in 2023, featuring returning campmates such as Helen Flanagan, Carl Vorderman, and Joe Swash. 
The inaugural season was won by Myleene Klass, with Jordan Banjo finishing in second place and Fatima Whitbread in third. After her win, Myleene said: “You can’t do it alone… I am blown away at the friendships I’ve come away with.”
Fans celebrated Myleene for being a “deserving winner,” with one comment stating, “You are actually superhuman.”
How Long Will the Series Be On For?
With the latest season starting on April 6 and ending on April 24, the series will run for just under three weeks. It will air on weeknights at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with a break during the weekends.
I’m A Celebrity South Africa begins tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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