I’m A Celebrity is back, but not as we know it.
I’m A Celeb… South Africa will see famous faces swap the Australian outback for the ‘harsher and more unforgiving’ Kruger National Park. Contestants will face challenges ‘even bigger and tougher’ than before, with Ant and Dec returning to front the show.
The contestants taking part have already faced up to the Australian jungle and will this time be battling it out to become an I’m A Celeb ‘legend.’ There will be no public votes and ITV promises that viewers can enjoy ‘lots of unexpected twists and turns’
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Three stars from Greater Manchester are among the celebrities taking part in first ever ‘all stars’ series. Boxer Amir Khan, musician Shaun Ryder and actress Helen Flanagan will all be taking on Bush Tucker trials in a bid to be crowned the ultimate champion.
Here is all you need to know about I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, including when it starts, who will be taking part and how it works.
When does it start?
The first episode of I’m A Celebrity…South Africa will be on for 90 minutes, airing on Monday, April 21 on ITV1 from 9pm. The series will run for two weeks, a slightly shorter run than usual.
It will also be available to stream on ITVX.
What is the line-up?
The following celebrities have been confirmed for the launch episode – with more stars to follow.
- Amir Khan – The boxing champion, from Bolton, placed fifth in the 2017 series of I’m A Celeb.
Shaun Ryder – The Happy Mondays star, from Salford, came second in the 2010 series of I’m A Celeb.
Helen Flanagan – The former Coronation Street star, from Bury, previously entered the Australian jungle in 2012, finishing in seventh place.
- Jordan Banjo – The Diversity dancer finished in ninth place in the 2016 series of I’m A Celeb.
- Carol Vorderman – TV presenter and former Count Down co-host Carol took part in I’m A Celeb in 2016, finishing in eighth place.
- Fatima Whitbread – The retired Olympic athlete took part in the 2011 series of I’m A Celeb, finishing in third place.
- Paul Burrell -Former royal butler Paul last took part in I’m A Celeb in 2004. He also took part in the Australian version in 2018.
- Phil Tufnell – Ex-England cricketer Phil won the second series of I’m A Celeb back in 2003.
- Janice Dickinson – The American supermodel placed runner-up in seventh series of I’m a Celeb in 2007.
Myleene Klass, Georgia Toffolo, Dean Gaffney, Joe Swash, Andy Whyment and Gillian McKeith are all reportedly set to head into the jungle as late arrivals.
How will I’m A Celebrity… South Africa work?
Contestants from previous I’m a Celeb series compete to become the first ‘I’m a Celebrity Legend’. There is no public vote in the South Africa series and it was pre-recorded last year.
As with previous series of I’m a Celeb, the South Africa contestants will face bush tucker trials and other challenges. The programme’s makers say the challenges will be the toughest yet seen on I’m a Celeb, in a harsher and more difficult environment than previously.
The Mirror reported last year that I’m a Celebrity… South Africa would be filmed as a backup in case plans to return the series to Australia fell through due to Covid restrictions. ITV bosses reportedly intended to show it last November if they had been unable to film in Australia, otherwise it would be aired early in 2023.
I’m a Celebrity did indeed return to Australia in 2022, with England footballer Jill Scott crowned as Queen of the Jungle. Because of coronavirus restrictions, the 2020 and 2021 series were filmed at Gwrych Castle in Abergele, north Wales.
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