ITV is reportedly delaying the launch of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2026 to Monday, November 16, after securing the rights to the UEFA Nations League, which caused a scheduling clash with the show's traditional Sunday night slot.
Scheduling clash forces change
The Sun reports that the broadcaster has been forced to rethink its usual Sunday night launch. The international tournament begins on September 24 and runs for several months, with England due to face World Cup winners Spain on Sunday, November 15.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8.45pm at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid – just 15 minutes before ITV had planned to begin this year's I'm A Celeb. The clash means the broadcaster has had to move away from its traditional Sunday night launch slot.
New launch date and lineup speculation
According to The Sun, I'm A Celebrity is now expected to begin on Monday, November 16, 2026, with the launch show getting underway at 9pm. A source said: "I'm A Celeb has always benefited from the Sunday night prime-time slot, but this year it's all change."
"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 source added: "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 contacted for comment.
Meanwhile, speculation around this year's celebrity line-up is already gathering pace. Earlier this week, The Sun reported that YouTube star Sharky, whose real name is Sharmarke Mohamud, is in talks to enter the jungle. The social media star is a member of Beta Squad, which boasts a huge following online, and ITV is reportedly hoping his involvement could help attract a younger audience.
Sharky could follow in the footsteps of Angry Ginge, who won the series last winter after becoming a hit with younger viewers. A source said: "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 and expected impact
Other names linked with the upcoming series, which will once again be hosted by Ant and Dec, include Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page, presenter Ade Adepitan and Olympic ice-skating legend Christopher Dean.
With the launch date now expected to move to Monday night, ITV will be hoping its latest batch of celebrity contestants can deliver another huge ratings hit when they eventually enter the Australian jungle.
