Fans of I'm A Celebrity... South Africa are facing a brief hiatus, as the popular ITV reality show will not air this weekend. The series, which has already broadcast five episodes, is set to return on Monday, April 13, at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Weekend Break and New Arrivals
The pre-recorded All Stars spin-off, filmed in September 2025, features returning celebrities competing for the title of I'm A Celebrity Legend. The latest episode ended on a cliffhanger, with hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly teasing the arrival of two new campmates: former King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp and ex-contestant Jimmy Bullard.
In a dramatic moment, the existing campmates were led to a new jungle area to meet the newcomers, prompting reactions like former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas exclaiming, "Oh my God! What is going on?" This addition follows a lineup of fan favourites, including Gemma Collins, Sir Mo Farah, Scarlett Moffatt, and Sinitta, all vying to emulate series one winner Myleene Klass.
Tensions and Drama in Camp
Camp dynamics have already been volatile, with Coronation Street icon Beverley Callard clashing with former professional boxer David Haye. After Haye sent her to Savannah Scrub in the first episode, Callard threatened "to chin him" and continued to voice her displeasure upon their reunion, highlighting the competitive spirit of the show.
Controversial Finale Scheduling
The live finale, scheduled for Friday, April 24, will be split into two parts, a move that has divided viewers. The first segment will air from 7:30pm to 9pm, followed by Graham Norton’s new reality show The Neighbourhood from 9pm to 10pm, and then the winners' announcement from 10pm to 10:30pm.
This scheduling decision has sparked criticism on social media, with one fan commenting, "Seems kinda pointless imo, why not start I'm A Celebrity at half 8 and put Graham on before or end I’m a Celebrity 9.30." Another added, "They might want to rethink that… I'm A Celeb won’t add any viewers with its current figures."
Mixed Fan Reactions
Despite the backlash, some viewers expressed nostalgia for the split format. One said, "Seems odd nowadays, but a part of me misses when some live shows used to be split into two parts with another programme airing in the middle. Never see it now with the likes of BGT and Big Brother. Made it feel more like an event."
As the series approaches its conclusion, with just two weeks remaining, fans are eagerly anticipating the return on Monday and the unfolding drama in the jungle, set against the backdrop of this scheduling controversy.
