Ant and Dec Unveil Grueling Five-Hour Eating Trial on I'm A Celebrity All Stars
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a record-breaking five-hour eating trial featured in the upcoming I'm A Celebrity All Stars series. The dynamic hosting duo, both aged 50, shared tantalizing details at the star-studded launch event for the ITV show, promising unprecedented drama and physical challenges.
Returning Celebrities Face Tougher Trials
Twelve familiar faces are returning to the jungle for a second chance at the crown in this spin-off series, which first aired in 2023. Unlike the main I'm A Celebrity show filmed in Springbrook National Park, Australia, this edition was shot in South Africa's Kruger National Park. The celebrity lineup includes boxer David Haye, actor Adam Thomas, singer Sinitta, Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, and Coronation Street actress Beverley Callard.
Ant explained the heightened intensity: 'The trials are physically bigger, and they are tougher than we have seen before because we have to really test them... we have made it tougher than ever.' He described one challenge involving celebrities strapped together on a balancing board hanging off a cliff, followed by a full-size train set.
Record-Breaking Eating Trial Details
Dec revealed the extraordinary eating trial that lasted approximately five hours, setting a new record for the longest trial in the show's history. 'One trial took so long - an eating trial - I think it is now on record as the longest trial ever. It was about five hours long,' he said. 'Two of the campmates were sitting in the bleachers at the back who weren't involved in the trial, but they were watching, and they were falling asleep.'
The portion sizes were described as 'the biggest we have ever had before,' with Dec adding that the trial featured 'regular creepy crawlies, snakes, all sorts of South African critters. We do have penises, anus, and lots of genitalia from other animals.'
Additional Challenges and Format Changes
Other trials mentioned include celebrities competing 140 feet in the air and a 50-foot game of Snakes & Ladders. Dec emphasized the unexpected difficulty: 'They didn't realise what was about to hit them, definitely not... It all dawns on them pretty quickly that it was a different level.'
A significant format change for this series is the introduction of a live final in the UK, allowing public voting for the first time in the All Stars version. Dec explained: 'Last time round it was all on tape but this time round we are doing a live final here. The public didn't get a chance to have a say but this time they do.' Ant added: 'We'll bring the whole cast back and have the finalists live in the studio and it'll be a live vote like we do in Australia and the public will decide their legend!'
Confirmed Lineup and Production Details
ITV has confirmed the series two lineup, which also includes Olympian Mo Farah, Pussycat Doll star Ashley Roberts, comedian Seann Walsh, former football manager Harry Redknapp, reality star Gemma Collins, actor Craig Charles, and former footballer Jimmy Bullard. The show is scheduled to return in Spring 2026, following ITV's confirmation of a second season in September 2025.
The program's synopsis describes it as a 'brand new show set in South Africa, featuring memorable campmates from previous shows. Expect tough challenges, twists ‘n’ turns, NO public vote - and only one winner!' The first season in 2023 consisted of 16 episodes between April and May, with Myleene Klass crowned winner, followed by Jordan Banjo and Fatima Whitbread.
Dec promised heightened drama: 'There's a lot of drama - without giving too much away. It's up and down and you will witness arguments and things that we haven't seen on I'm A Celeb Australia for a little while. It's a must watch!' The main I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! series continues independently, having aired since 2002 with 484 episodes across 25 series filmed in Dungay Creek, Australia.
