I'm A Celeb South Africa 2026: All Star Series Kicks Off with Drama
The highly anticipated second series of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here South Africa has premiered on ITV, bringing back a star-studded cast for an All Star edition. Hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly are at the helm once more, guiding the celebrities through challenges in the South African jungle as they compete for the title of Jungle Legend.
Dec Donnelly Reveals Major 'Beef' Between Contestants
In a surprising revelation, Dec Donnelly has disclosed a significant "beef" between two of the show's contestants. Speaking on his Hanging Out podcast alongside Ant McPartlin, Dec highlighted the tension between retired boxer David Haye and soap legend Beverley Callard. "One of my favourite beefs of the whole series was just between David Haye and Beverley Callard," Dec stated, hinting at potential conflicts that will unfold during the series.
Contestants and Challenges in the Opening Episode
The opening episode saw the arrival of the first celebrities, including actor Adam Thomas and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts. They were immediately thrust into the initial trial, Tipped Over The Edge, where they were paired up and strapped back-to-back to collect puzzle pieces from a cliff ledge. The challenge involved a precarious see-saw mechanism that could send contestants over the edge if they moved too far.
Ashley Roberts, who won a gold star, had the advantage of choosing her teammate first, selecting Olympian Mo Farah, while Adam Thomas teamed up with Beverley Callard. The winning team earned the power to send a member of the opposing team to the Savannah Scrub, a more basic and exposed camp.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama and Contestant Backgrounds
The series has already been marked by behind-the-scenes drama. Reports indicate that Sinitta and Gemma Collins threatened to quit after a prank by fellow contestant Harry Redknapp, who fabricated a daunting trial called the House of Hell. Sinitta described the moment, saying, "Gemma was like, 'I'm a celebrity get me out of here'. I have to admit, my hand went up... I'm too exhausted, gotta go."
Other notable contestants include:
- Scarlett Moffatt, reuniting with Ant and Dec after her exit from Saturday Night Takeaway.
- Jimmy Bullard, returning after a 2014 stint marred by accusations of show fixing.
- Beverley Callard, who participated shortly before revealing a breast cancer diagnosis.
Series Format and Voting Details
Unlike the main I'm A Celebrity show filmed live in Australia, this South African spin-off was pre-recorded in September 2025. As a result, viewers will not be able to vote during the initial episodes. However, a live final is scheduled for 24 April 2026 at 9pm on ITV1, where the public will vote for the ultimate Jungle Legend. The winner receives a wooden sceptre and flower crown, following in the footsteps of 2023 champion Myleene Klass.
The full contestant lineup for the series includes:
- Mo Farah
- Scarlett Moffatt
- Seann Walsh
- Adam Thomas
- Craig Charles
- Ashley Roberts
- Harry Redknapp
- Beverley Callard
- Sinitta
- Jimmy Bullard
- Gemma Collins
- David Haye
With a mix of returning favourites and new dynamics, I'm A Celeb South Africa 2026 promises to deliver entertainment, challenges, and the interpersonal tensions that have become a hallmark of the franchise.
