In a stunning move that sent shockwaves through the camp, I'm A Celebrity 2025 hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly delivered a game-changing announcement during Tuesday's episode of the hit ITV jungle series.
Jungle Shake-Up: The 'Rivals' Revelation
During the live broadcast on November 25, the beloved presenting duo made an unexpected visit to the celebrity camp, revealing a brand new format called 'Rivals' that left the stars visibly stunned. As Ant and Dec entered the camp while still on air, they dropped the bombshell that would completely transform the competition.
The revolutionary twist introduces a series of one-to-one trials and challenges where celebrities will compete head-to-head in predetermined pairs. The public had already been given the opportunity to vote for these pairings earlier in the show, though the campmates remained completely unaware of the dramatic change heading their way.
Campmates React with Shock and Anxiety
The camera captured genuine reactions of surprise and nervousness among the celebrities as the hosts made their announcement. Some campmates were seen gasping in disbelief, while others hid their faces in their hands, clearly apprehensive about what the new format might entail.
Dec Donnelly set the stage with his dramatic declaration: 'We have some big news for you, big news, you are all about to become rivals.' A chorus of anxious 'oohs' echoed through the camp as the celebrities processed this unexpected development.
Model and television personality Kelly Brook screamed out in reaction to the news, while many of her fellow campmates wore expressions of pure concern about the challenges that lay ahead.
Following Monday's Mysterious Changes
This dramatic format change comes after the hosts sparked confusion among viewers during Monday's episode when they unexpectedly did not enter the camp as is their usual routine. Ant McPartlin had told viewers: 'We're not going into camp today but we will be opening the vote for the trial later in the show.'
The programme continued without explanation for this deviation from normal proceedings, with Dec later adding: 'We won't be opening the vote until later. But don't worry, we will still let you choose a celebrity to torture.' It wasn't until the very end of the show that they briefly revisited the topic, though they still offered no clear reason for the change in routine.
Fans took to social media to express their confusion, with one asking: 'Ant & Dec not going into camp today?' while another commented: 'It did seem a bit rushed and weird they didn't go into camp but maybe cause of the storm or the evening trial?' Some viewers speculated that severe weather conditions that had affected the camp might have been responsible for the unusual scheduling.
As the hosts departed from the camp after delivering their 'Rivals' announcement, they confirmed that all celebrities would gather at the trial area later that day, where the first pairing would be revealed, setting the stage for a dramatic new chapter in I'm A Celebrity 2025.
I'm A Celebrity 2025 continues nightly at 9PM on ITV1 and ITVX, with the new 'Rivals' format promising to deliver unprecedented drama and competition in the jungle.
