ITV executives are reportedly delaying the start of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2026 due to a significant scheduling conflict. The Sun reports that the network has been compelled to reconsider its traditional Sunday evening debut after obtaining broadcasting rights to the UEFA Nations League, potentially postponing the show's launch.
Nations League clash forces change
The international competition begins on September 24 and spans several months, with England set to face World Cup champions Spain on Sunday, November 15. That fixture is scheduled to start at 8.45pm at Madrid's Riyadh Air Metropolitano – just 15 minutes before ITV intended to premiere this year's I'm A Celeb. This overlap has forced the broadcaster to abandon its customary Sunday evening launch slot.
According to The Sun, I'm A Celebrity is now expected to begin on Monday, November 16, 2026, with the opening episode starting at 9pm. An insider revealed: "I'm A Celeb has always benefited from the Sunday night prime-time slot, but this year it's all change."
New start date confirmed
The insider added: "Now ITV has the rights to the UEFA Nations League bosses have had to go back to the drawing board. The show will now start on Monday, November 16 at 9pm." A second insider said: "Bosses have pulled out all the stops to ensure this year's IAC launch show is must-see TV. Following the huge success of this year's World Cup, bosses are overjoyed to have such a stellar lineup of entertainment and sport this autumn on ITV."
ITV has been approached for comment. Meanwhile, speculation about this year's celebrity contestants is already building. Earlier this week, The Sun claimed that YouTube personality Sharky, whose real name is Sharmarke Mohamud, is in discussions to join the jungle.
Contestant rumours swirl
The online content creator is part of Beta Squad, which has amassed a huge following on the internet, and ITV is said to be hoping his participation might help attract a younger demographic. Sharky could follow the path of Angry Ginge, who won last winter's series after proving popular with younger audiences. An insider stated: "Sharky is absolutely massive with young people and ITV thinks he could be ideal to bring younger viewers to I'm A Celebrity. Beta Squad commands tens of millions of followers and they know those fans will engage with I'm A Celeb if he goes into the jungle."
Other names linked to the forthcoming series, which will again be hosted by Ant and Dec, include Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page, broadcaster Ade Adepitan, and Olympic ice-skating legend Christopher Dean. With the launch date now expected to shift to Monday evening, ITV will be hoping its new lineup of famous faces can deliver another ratings success when they enter the Australian jungle. I'm A Celebrity is available to watch on ITVX.
