The chaotic live finale of the latest I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here All Stars spin-off on Friday night had viewers glued to their screens as Adam Thomas was crowned Jungle Legend. While it made for uncomfortable viewing at points as David Haye heckled Adam, claiming he wasn't a 'worthy winner', and Jimmy Bullard suggested he had been the victim of Adam's 'abusive, aggressive and intimidating' behaviour, it also reminded fans of the unpredictable power of live TV.
A reported 2.8 million people tuned in live to watch everything unfold, with voting percentages revealing that Adam commanded 58 per cent of the final vote, with Sir Mo Farah not far behind on 32 per cent, and Harry Redknapp in third place with 10 per cent. Other star contestants like Gemma Collins, Sinitta and Coronation Street icon Beverley Callard also kept the show engaging throughout its run.
However, it seems that ITV won't be capitalising on this with a swift return of the series just yet. According to a source, the spin-off is unlikely to return for several years, following its previous broadcasting pattern. The celebrity spin-off – hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly – debuted in 2023 and returned to TV earlier this month.
Will there be an I'm A Celeb South Africa series three?
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa is unlikely to return to TV for several years. Some have suggested it's because it was marred by the massive bust-up between Adam and Jimmy during the show – which the footballer returned to in the live finale after Adam flew into a rage at him when Jimmy quit a trial – as well as several stars also storming off set on Friday. However, it's likely that it's also just following the previous broadcasting pattern.
A source told The Sun: 'The aim was never for it [I'm A Celebrity... South Africa] to be made or be on air in 2027, even though there may be an appetite for that right now. The aim was to deliver something as a special show that was on from time to time, not an annual revisit like the main I'm A Celebrity show.'
Who has won the previous two series?
Soap star Adam was this second season's victor, triumphing on a tumultuous night. Following his victory, where he took 'full responsibility' in the final for what happened during their fight and had 'nothing but love for Jimmy,' he reflected on the experience on Instagram, saying he had 'walked through this journey with my heart first'.
'It was not always easy, there were moments that could have broken me, but I stayed true to myself and that is something I will always be proud of,' he wrote. 'I have realised that when people try to dim your light, it says more about them than it ever will about you. This experience has shown me my strength in ways I never imagined. Not because of any title or recognition, but because I stayed kind, I stayed grounded and I stayed real.'
The first I'm A Celebrity South Africa edition in 2023 was won by Hear'Say singer and presenter Myleene Klass, with Diversity star and radio host Jordan Banjo in second and former Olympian Fatima Whitbread in third place.
Will the regular series be back in 2026?
Yes, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! is expected to return later in 2026, matching with the annual end of year broadcast spot. The reigning King of the Jungle is social media star Angryginge, who won over Celebs Go Dating star Tom Read Wilson, with McFly musician Danny Jones the victor in 2024. The show first debuted in August 2022 and has run for 25 series so far.
It comes after pop star Sinitta reflected on the All Stars series and finale, after she stood up and told the audience that the fight in South Africa between Adam and Jimmy had left her uncomfortable. She then walked off stage, with Gemma following her. The 62-year-old said she was happy that Waterloo Road star Adam won, but 'really wishes' everyone could have spoken at the finale, rather than the 'hectic' way it unfolded.
'Before I walked out, all I wanted to say was this: I hate that people are being called bullies and that there's bad blood between us. I had a wonderful time with everyone, despite one difficult incident, and I truly hope we can hold on to the life lessons and the incredible experience we shared together. I adore them all,' she wrote.
She added: 'I also feel that the word 'bully' is a very serious accusation. It's something I don't believe should be used lightly. There are too many truly bad people in the world already, and it's dangerous to label good people in that way. Adam apologised, and I thought that was a very grown-up thing to do. I also believe friendships and banter can sometimes be misunderstood when viewed from the outside. I simply ask people to try and see both sides.'
Sinitta also insisted that she was 'not a bully either', after saying she had received 'a lot' of abuse on social media. 'The experience is finished now. We all survived the African jungle and the trials, and we have a new King Adam Thomas. I wish him well. I always have,' she concluded.
