Prank on I'm A Celebrity South Africa Nearly Derails Show Before Start
A shocking spoiler from the upcoming I'm A Celebrity... South Africa series reveals that a practical joke orchestrated by former football manager Harry Redknapp nearly caused two contestants to quit the show before filming even properly began. The ITV reality series, which premieres on April 6, 2026, features an all-star cast including reality TV personality Gemma Collins, singer Sinitta, Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, and Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts.
Exhausted Contestants Fall for Elaborate Hoax
During a press roundtable discussion, Sinitta recounted the incident that almost ended their participation prematurely. "We had completed extremely difficult trials throughout the day, leaving us physically exhausted," the 62-year-old actress and singer explained. "We returned to camp relieved, thinking the challenges were over as darkness fell and fatigue set in."
That's when Harry Redknapp entered with what appeared to be an official challenge board. "Harry comes in and says, 'Guys, you're not going to believe this,'" Sinitta continued. "He began reading details about an awful trial called something like the House of Hell or Prison of Hell."
Immediate Reactions to the Fake Challenge
Redknapp described a terrifying scenario involving rats, restraints, and other distressing elements. "Before he could even finish reading the description, Gemma immediately declared, 'I'm a celebrity get me out of here,'" Sinitta revealed. "I have to admit, my hand went up too. I was thinking, 'You know what? Me too, I'm too exhausted, I've got to go.'"
Fortunately, Redknapp quickly revealed the entire situation was an elaborate prank before any formal resignations could be processed. The incident highlights the intense psychological pressure contestants face even before the official competition begins.
Gemma Collins' Redemption Arc
This near-quitting incident carries particular significance for Gemma Collins, who famously lasted only three days during her 2014 appearance on the Australian version of I'm A Celebrity. Former boxer David Haye, another contestant in the South Africa series, admitted he initially had low expectations for the 45-year-old reality star based on her previous performance.
"She was the one that I was told going into it that she kind of flaked out the first time around," Haye acknowledged. "But watching her go through what she went through, she doesn't have an ounce of quit in her at all. Whatever she did the first time round, she obviously looked back, a few years have gone by, and she's like, 'I'm going to give it everything.'"
Star-Studded Cast and New Format
The 2026 South Africa series features an impressive lineup including comedian Seann Walsh, Red Dwarf's Craig Charles, former footballer Jimmy Bullard, Coronation Street star Beverley Callard, and actor Adam Thomas. Hosted by the iconic presenting duo Ant and Dec, this second series introduces a significant format change: viewers will have the power to vote for the winner during a live grand final broadcast directly from London, ultimately crowning the "ultimate legend 2026."
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa begins its broadcast on April 6 at 9pm on ITV1, airing every weeknight from Monday to Friday. The pre-recorded nature of the series allowed this behind-the-scenes spoiler to emerge ahead of the official premiere, generating substantial anticipation among reality television enthusiasts.
