ITV boss Kevin Lygo has ruled out having a politician on I'm A Celebrity in 2026 or seemingly in the near future. The show has faced controversy in the past with the decision to put Nigel Farage on the show in 2023 and ex-health secretary Matt Hancock in 2022.
Asked about the possibility of having a politician or someone like Count Binface in the jungle, Lygo, ITV's Managing Director of media and entertainment, ruled out a politician in the short term.
Lygo's response
He said: "I would say not at the moment, but never say never. It depends on the character and that moment. I wouldn't close the door to anybody." He added: "I don't think Count Binface would be on there, you have to be yourself."
In 2023 the show's hosts Ant and Dec said the show needed a break from politicians after the show regularly featured them. Asked on Instagram whether then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was a potential campmate, Dec said: "I think we do a year without any politicians." Ant added: "Agreed, agreed, agreed."
Past political campmates
Hancock's appearance on I'm A Celebrity caused a public outcry. He was suspended as a Conservative MP for his decision to take part in a reality TV show while Parliament was sitting. He was paid £320,000 for taking part.
Other political figures who have been in the jungle in the past include Robert Kilroy-Silk in 2008, Nadine Dorries in 2012, Edwina Currie in 2014, and Kezia Dugdale and Stanley Johnson in 2017.
Other topics discussed
Lygo was also asked about the prospect of someone like Meghan Markle appearing on the show. He joked: "We have already signed her up for Midsomer Murders."
Lygo also praised Loose Women and the daytime shows which have had to cope with big financial cuts this year. Asked about live daytime TV like Loose Women, he said: "We will continue with it, it has been commissioned forever and ever. We have just been through these changes and the team have done an extraordinary job with what they produce. I do think that, along with producing the soaps, is one of the hardest jobs in television. It really is. Filling hours and hours of stuff. It is important for our audiences. It still has a big volume of people watching for hours and hours each day, it is very cost effective. It is great to have that live connection with the audience on a daily basis."
The ITV boss also said despite some entertainment shows flopping, they would continue to keep trying to find new primetime shows. Lygo added: "We must take risks and if one in eight becomes the next Britain's Got Talent that's a win. It is getting harder and harder. We are continuing to try new shows and as long as they are good in themselves I don't mind the odd one failing. Otherwise you shrink and you are just going to do more episodes of The Chase."
