ITV bosses went to extraordinary lengths to keep this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! lineup under wraps, assigning secret codenames to all contestants before they headed to the Australian jungle.
The Code Name Strategy
In a meticulous operation designed to prevent leaks, producers discussed the celebrities using completely different personas during pre-production meetings and communications. This covert approach has become an annual tradition for the hit reality show, ensuring the element of surprise remains intact until the official reveal.
YouTuber Angry Ginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle, was reportedly given the codename 'Spicy' in a playful reference to his distinctive ginger hair. The 24-year-old internet sensation, who boasts over five million followers across social media platforms, is said to be earning one of the largest pay packets this series at approximately £100,000.
Celebrity Alter Egos Exposed
An insider revealed to The Sun: "They have come up with some great ones over the years, which always keep people guessing. Ginge's codename is particularly fitting — as he's ITV's secret ingredient to spice things up and bring in new viewers this year."
Meanwhile, Kelly Brook was allegedly assigned the codename 'River', a clever nod to her surname which also describes a small stream. The television personality and model's jungle identity remained closely guarded until after the series launched.
Former Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp received the codename 'Barre', referencing the rail that ballet dancers use for training. The musical icon's involvement was another carefully protected secret until cameras began rolling in the Australian outback.
Jungle Dominance and Family Insights
Angry Ginge has emerged as the current bookmakers' favourite to be crowned King of the Jungle, with his family revealing he's channeling his inner Ben Stokes for a 'redhead takeover' of Australia. His uncle Sam told the Mirror: "It's perhaps no coincidence that two British Ginges are taking over Australia – one smashing sixes and the other smashing trials."
The YouTube star has already demonstrated impressive performance in early challenges, winning four out of four stars in the Rotten Removals Bushtucker trial and securing ten stars alongside Ruby Wax in The Divey eating challenge. A production source noted: "He is fast becoming a force of nature in the trials, rather like Ben at cricket. And there should be plenty more to endure as his fan base are extremely loyal and are voting in their droves."
Ginge's preparation for the jungle experience included seeking advice from previous contestant Coleen Rooney and studying old episodes of SAS: Who Dares Wins. His social media accounts fell silent in the lead-up to the show's launch, maintaining the secrecy surrounding his participation until the first episode aired on November 21, 2025.
