I'm A Celebrity South Africa Returns with a Divided Camp on Day One
The highly anticipated second series of I'm A Celebrity... South Africa is set to premiere on Monday, bringing back a stellar lineup of former campmates for another shot at jungle life. This spin-off of the long-running ITV reality show, which first aired in 2023 with Hear'Say singer Myleene Klass crowned as the inaugural Jungle Legend, returns with an all-stars format hosted by Ant and Dec.
All-Star Cast and Team Division
This series features a host of familiar faces, including TOWIE legend Gemma Collins, former Queen of the Jungle Scarlett Moffatt, and Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah. In a twist, the campmates are divided into two teams from the very first episode, setting the stage for head-to-head challenges. For the first time, despite the series being pre-recorded, the public will have the power to vote in a grand final to crown the ultimate Jungle Legend, which will be broadcast live.
The episode kicks off with Adam Thomas, known for his roles in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, and Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts entering camp. They are quickly joined by Sir Mo Farah and Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard, who previously appeared in the 2020 series held in a Welsh castle due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Intense Challenges and Terrifying Trials
Ant and Dec immediately inform the celebrities that they will compete in a series of challenges to gain power over the opposing team. The first challenge, Tipped Over The Edge, requires teams to build a star while balanced on a cliff ledge, with the winner declared based on speed. Ashley Roberts, 44, appears visibly terrified during the task, as Dec warns that it will only get harder.
Subsequent challenges include David Haye and Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt searching for one correct key out of 50 in a lodge filled with creepy crawlies, and So Macho singer Sinitta and comedian Seann Walsh facing a terrifying head-to-head trial 140 feet above ground. In this trial, they must jump across wooden platforms over a ravine to grab a suspended star, with Seann seen strapped into a wooden barrel and looking queasy in a helicopter beforehand.
Returning Favorites and Series Highlights
Later in the episode, Gemma Collins makes her much-anticipated return alongside Red Dwarf star Craig Charles. Collins, who infamously lasted just three days in the Australian jungle over a decade ago, exclaims, "This is a far cry from Essex… I’m ready for you!" while Craig Charles, also known for his role as Lloyd Mullaney on Coronation Street, remarks, "I can’t believe I’m back after 11 years."
ITV announced the new series, stating, "The all-star version of the iconic I’m A Celebrity… format will once again bring together some of the most memorable campmates from series gone by, as they return to test themselves in brand new trials and challenges in the South African wilderness." The series promises spectacular locations and some of the most extreme trials in the show's history, with Ant and Dec returning as hosts.
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa airs weeknights at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, offering viewers a thrilling blend of nostalgia and new adventures in the jungle.
