ITV bosses have confirmed that I’m A Celebrity… South Africa will be back for a second run in 2026 – with a brand new line-up of returning campmates, bigger trials than ever before and, for the first time, a live public vote to crown the winner.
The spin-off of the hit jungle series, which debuted in 2023, will once again see some of the most memorable contestants from previous years battle it out in the South African wilderness.
While the celebrities have already proved they can survive the Australian jungle, producers promise that this tougher setting will push them to their limits.
The award-winning duo Ant and Dec are returning as hosts, teasing a fresh round of shocking twists and ‘truly epic’ challenges.
Ant said: ‘The campmates really brought their A-game to the first series so we can’t wait to be back for more trials, challenges and surprises amongst the beautiful South African landscape.’
Dec added: ‘Having a live final is an exciting addition to the new series with the viewers choosing their IAC Legend and we’ve heard some of the new trials are truly epic, even by I’m A Celeb… standards!’
ITV bosses have confirmed that I’m A Celebrity… South Africa will be back for a second run in 2026 – with a brand new line-up of returning campmates
The award-winning duo Ant and Dec are returning as hosts, teasing a fresh round of shocking twists and ‘truly epic’ challenges
The pair also took to social media with the announcement, sharing a video with their millions of followers.
Ant began: ‘It’s us with some big news. Coming to ITV in 2026 is the return of I’m A Celebrity South Africa!
‘This time, there’s a twist because the finale will be coming to you live from the UK and you at home will pick the winner who will become an I’m A Celebrity legend.’
Dec then chimed in with mock disbelief: ‘Hang on a minute, so the viewers will pick the winner? Where do we get these mad ideas from?’
Ant couldn’t resist adding a final teaser, promising: ‘Take it from me, everything is bigger here, the challenges are bigger, and the trials are definitely bigger.’
The 2026 run will feature a major new twist, as for the first time, the public will have the final say on who takes home the title of ‘ultimate legend’.
After weeks of shocks, showdowns and survival in camp, fans will cast their votes during a live grand final broadcast direct from London.
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s entertainment director, said: ‘We were blown away by the love for the first series of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa.
The pair also took to social media with the announcement, sharing a video with their millions of followers
Ant began: ‘It’s us with some big news – coming to ITV in 2026 is the return of I’m A Celebrity South Africa!
‘It was a true celebration of the show’s history and viewers loved seeing their favourite campmates return to their screens.
‘We can’t wait to do it all again next year with a whole new cohort, and have the audience crown the winner during a live final for the first time.’
Tom Gould of Lifted Entertainment, added: ‘We’re very excited to have some more of the most memorable campmates from previous series returning to take on terrifying trials and face challenging twists and difficult decisions, in the tougher setting of South Africa.
‘It will test them to their limits, and with a live final, this time viewers will get to decide who truly deserves the title of I’m A Celebrity Legend.’
The first series of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa saw famous faces including Amir Khan, Gillian McKeith, Joe Swash and Carol Vorderman put through their paces.
The stars endured stomach-churning trials and gruelling challenges, with Myleene Klass ultimately emerging victorious as the show’s first ‘I’m A Celebrity… Legend.’
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa will air in 2026 on ITV1, STV & ITVX
