ITV has announced a schedule adjustment for tonight's programming, with I'm A Celebrity... South Africa being pushed back to accommodate a crucial football match. The reality show will now air at a slightly later time due to the England women's team's World Cup qualifier against Spain.
Revised Broadcast Time for I'm A Celebrity
Fans of I'm A Celebrity... South Africa need not worry about a lengthy wait, as the show is only delayed by 10 minutes. Instead of its usual 9pm slot, the episode will commence at 9.10pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player. The broadcast is set to run for one hour, concluding at 10.10pm, ensuring viewers still get their fix of jungle drama without significant disruption.
Football Takes Priority on ITV
The schedule shake-up is a direct result of ITV's commitment to broadcasting live sports. The England women's football team's World Cup qualifier against Spain has been given priority, leading to the temporary rescheduling of the popular reality series. This move highlights the growing prominence of women's football in mainstream television scheduling.
Latest Developments in the Jungle Camp
In the most recent episode, which aired on Monday, April 13, two football personalities made their debut in the camp. Former King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard arrived late and were immediately appointed as team captains. Harry, aged 79 and the winner in 2018, and Jimmy, aged 47 from the 2014 series, divided the camp into rival teams named the Lions and the Rhinos.
Intense Challenge and Unresolved Outcome
The teams engaged in the Wicked Watering Hole challenge, which involved wading into a large mud pit to collect rocks and race them back to their bowls. The Red team featured former professional boxer David Haye and Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts, while the Green team included actor Adam Thomas and TV legend Craig Charles. However, the episode ended on a cliffhanger, with the result of the challenge set to be revealed in tonight's delayed broadcast.
Reflections from Returning Contestants
Harry Redknapp shared his thoughts on returning to the show he won eight years ago, stating, "I loved it all. When I came out from the jungle the first time, I didn’t realise how big a show it was and the amount of people everywhere who watched it. Suddenly instead of men talking about football all the time, there were children asking about the show. Doing the programme didn’t change me as a person, but it did change my life."
Jimmy Bullard also commented on his post-show experiences, saying, "It's weird because ever since I did the programme, a lot of families have come up to tell me they watched it. In the past, it was always lads as I obviously used to play football. I don’t think I would have had some of the gigs I have had were it not for I’m A Celebrity. My life has definitely changed (for the better) post-I’m A Celebrity."
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa returns tonight at 9.10pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player, following the football match.
