In a candid moment that left viewers buzzing, I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin shared more than intended about the forthcoming South Africa spin-off series during Thursday's episode of The One Show. The Geordie presenter, 50, appeared alongside his longtime co-host Declan Donnelly, also 50, to discuss the show with presenters Clara Amfo, 41, and Angellica Bell, 50.
Ant's Revealing Comments Prompt ITV Apology
During the interview, Ant found himself needing to apologise to ITV after revealing too much about what audiences can expect from the upcoming series. "With this South African version, we're looking for a legend, you know?" Ant told the presenters. "You want to become the legend of I'm A Celebrity, we gotta raise the game, the trials have got to be tougher, definitely bigger in scale, scarier..."
He continued with increasing enthusiasm: "This series gives you everything... there is drama, there is arguments..." before suddenly catching himself. "Am I saying too much?! Am I saying too much?! Sorry ITV! It's everything. It's up another level. It's a must watch."
All-Star Cast Returns for Legendary Competition
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa originally aired in 2023, with the second series scheduled to premiere on Monday, April 6. The show features former famous faces from the original series returning to camp to compete for the coveted £100,000 prize and the title of I'm A Celebrity legend.
This year's lineup includes an impressive roster of returning celebrities: Scarlett Moffatt, 35; Seann Walsh, 40; Beverley Callard, 69; David Haye, 45; Sir Mo Farah, 43; Ashley Roberts, 44; Adam Thomas, 37; Gemma Collins, 45; Craig Charles, 61; Harry Redknapp, 79; and Jimmy Bullard, 47.
Live Final and Public Vote Add New Dimension
Dec explained a significant format change for this series: "The final will be live in three weeks time, so at the end of the series we will go live back here in London. We will bring everybody back together, and the public this time will choose who they think has done the best out of the campmates that are remaining, to choose the I'm A Celebrity legend."
He added: "So there will be a live final at the very end. Where everybody has seen everything that has gone on, we get them all back together, for an explosive finale." Ant interjected with a note of uncertainty: "IF we get them all back together!"
Record-Breaking Trials and Behind-the-Scenes Revelations
The series was filmed in September 2025 at Kruger National Park, with hosts Ant and Dec joining the returning stars for what they describe as "the biggest trials in I'm A Celebrity… history." At a recent star-studded launch event, the hosts teased unprecedented challenges.
Ant revealed: "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 starting with "a huge balancing board, hanging off the side of a cliff" where celebrities are strapped together on a board moving backwards and forwards, followed by "a full-size train set that the celebrities are in."
Dec added dramatic details: "There's another one where the celebrities are 140ft in the air where they go head-to-head with another celebrity. There's a 50ft game of Snakes & Ladders. And of course, the regular creepy crawlies, snakes, all sorts of South African critters."
Trailer Hints at Intense Challenges
A three-minute trailer released on Monday offers glimpses of the drama to come. Former TOWIE star Gemma Collins appears sobbing in the Bush Telegraph after a tough day, saying "it feels like you're trying to kill me." David Haye flashes his bum in the shower as Ashley Roberts accidentally walks in, exclaiming: "What a lovely morning surprise!"
The challenges appear particularly grueling this year, with Mo Farah seen screaming as he's dropped into camp from a helicopter. Craig Charles complains he's "going to be sick" while being spun in a trial contraption before vomiting. Harry Redknapp tackles a revolting eating trial where something pops and shoots from his mouth.
Historic Five-Hour Eating Trial
Dec revealed one particularly extreme challenge: "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. 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."
He continued: "It was brilliant, the portion sizes were brilliant, the biggest we have ever had before." This revelation underscores the increased intensity that Ant and Dec have promised for this legendary competition.
With Ant's accidental revelations, the released trailer, and behind-the-scenes details from the hosts, anticipation builds for what promises to be the most dramatic I'm A Celebrity series yet, featuring unprecedented challenges, returning fan favorites, and a live public vote to determine the ultimate legend.
