I'm A Celebrity South Africa 2026: Full All-Stars Lineup Revealed
The highly anticipated all-stars edition of I'm A Celebrity South Africa is set to launch, with ITV revealing the complete lineup of returning celebrities who will face the wilderness once more. Hosted by the dynamic duo Ant and Dec, this special series promises to deliver even more intense challenges, dramatic moments, and unforgettable entertainment as familiar faces from past seasons reunite under the South African sun.
Returning Favorites Ready for Redemption
The 2026 lineup features a diverse mix of celebrities, each with their own unique history in the jungle. Adam Thomas, the Emmerdale and Waterloo Road actor who finished third in 2016, is back for another shot at victory, though he admitted feeling "more pressure" this time around. Joining him is Scarlett Moffatt, the Gogglebox icon who famously beat him in 2016 and has since seen her career flourish, including a win on Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas Special.
Ashley Roberts, the Heart Radio DJ and former Pussycat Doll, returns after narrowly missing the crown in 2012, while David Haye, the former champion boxer, aims to replicate his sporting success in the jungle. Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard, at 68, insists she's "ready for battle" despite the challenging environment.
Notable Comebacks and Personal Journeys
Several celebrities are returning with personal motivations driving their participation. Craig Charles, the radio DJ and Corrie actor, gets a second chance after tragically leaving the 2014 series early due to his brother's death. Gemma Collins, the Towie star known for her dramatic 2014 exit, is back despite previously vowing never to return, acknowledging her first stint was "TV gold."
Sir Mo Farah, the Olympic champion who experienced the pandemic-era castle version, is excited to try the traditional jungle setting. Harry Redknapp, the beloved 2018 winner at 79, returns as the oldest contestant, while comedian Seann Walsh seeks to improve upon his 2022 fifth-place finish without political competition this time.
What to Expect from the New Season
Filmed in late 2025, this all-stars season promises to be "quite a lot harder" than previous editions, according to early teasers. The celebrities will face:
- More grueling Bushtucker Trials
- Heightened stakes in challenges
- Plenty of creepy crawlies and wilderness survival
- Potential personal revelations and camp drama
Pop icon Sinitta returns after her gossip-filled 2011 appearance, while former footballer Jimmy Bullard aims to redeem himself after his controversial 2014 exit. Each celebrity brings their own history and expectations to this unique reunion edition.
Legacy and Motivation
Many contestants cite personal growth and family inspiration as key reasons for returning. Scarlett Moffatt reportedly joined to "show her little boy how brave she can be," while others seek to improve upon previous performances or experience the classic jungle adventure they missed during pandemic restrictions.
The series follows Myleene Klass's 2023 victory in the first all-stars season, where she reflected on the "magical" experience and her desire to make her children proud. This new group of celebrities undoubtedly shares similar aspirations as they prepare to swap luxury for survival in pursuit of the Legend of the Jungle title.
I'm A Celebrity South Africa premieres on April 6, 2026, on ITV1 and ITVX, offering viewers a fresh take on the beloved reality format with familiar faces facing new challenges in an unforgettable setting.
