Get ready for bugs, banter and brutal bush tucker trials – because I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa is roaring back for a sensational second All-Stars series in 2026!

ITV has confirmed the smash-hit spin-off will return next year, swapping the Aussie outback for the scorching South African wilderness once more – and this time, it’s bigger, tougher and more dramatic than ever.

Beloved hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are back at the helm, promising “truly epic” challenges that will push returning campmates to their absolute limits.

The Geordie duo broke the exciting news in a cheeky Instagram video back in September 2025, with Dec joking: “Like all the best events, it only comes around every three years!”

Ant added: “Coming to ITV in 2026 is the return of I’m A Celebrity South Africa! This time there’s a twist because the finale will be coming live from the UK, and you at home will pick the winner.”

Yes, you heard that right – for the first time in the spin-off’s history, the public will have the power to crown the ultimate I’m A Celebrity Legend in a glittering live grand final broadcast direct from London.

No more pre-recorded endings decided purely by trials – viewers will get the final say after weeks of jungle drama, showdowns and survival scraps.

Ant teased: “The campmates really brought their A-game to the first series, so we can’t wait to be back for more trials, challenges and surprises amongst the beautiful South African landscape.”

Dec chipped in: “Having a live final is an exciting addition… and we’ve heard some of the new trials are truly epic, even by I’m A Celeb standards!”

The stunning South African backdrop – think vast savannas teeming with wildlife, scorching sunsets and that infamous camp nestled in the bush – proved a massive hit when the All-Stars format launched in 2023.

That debut series saw iconic former campmates like Carol Vorderman, Amir Khan, Joe Swash, Gillian McKeith and Fatima Whitbread battle it out in gruelling new trials.

But it was pop star turned presenter Myleene Klass who stole the show, finally claiming the crown after finishing runner-up in the classic series way back in 2006.

Myleene, famous for that legendary white bikini shower moment, powered through stomach-churning eating challenges to be named the first-ever I’m A Celebrity Legend, beating Diversity dancer Jordan Banjo in the final head-to-head.

Now, three years on, a fresh batch of memorable stars from past series are set to return for redemption, revenge or just another shot at glory.

While ITV is keeping the official line-up tightly under wraps until closer to transmission (expected around April or May 2026, following the pattern of the first series), rumours are already swirling like flies around a bush tucker trial.

Insiders claim filming wrapped up in the Kruger National Park back in late 2025, with a star-studded cast of fan favourites already putting themselves through hell in the heat.

Top of the rumour mill is Gemma ‘The GC’ Collins, the TOWIE icon who dramatically quit the Aussie jungle after just 72 hours in 2014, famously declaring: “I’m claustrophobic… this place is hell!”

Sources say Gemma, now 44, is desperate for a second chance to prove she’s got what it takes – and her larger-than-life personality would undoubtedly cause fireworks in camp.

Another big name tipped is former football boss Harry Redknapp, who was crowned King of the Jungle in 2018 with his hilarious stories and sandwich obsession.

At 78, Harry could bring the laughs again, but will the tougher South African setting – with its extreme heat and even scarier critters – be too much for the I’m A Celebrity veteran?

Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah, who endured the jungle in 2021, is also heavily rumoured to be returning. The four-time gold medallist famously struggled with trials back then – could he go all the way this time?

Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts (2012), comedian Seann Walsh (2022), Gogglebox queen Scarlett Moffatt (2016 winner), and boxer David Haye (2012) are among the other big names whispered to be heading back.

Soap stars like Adam Thomas (Emmerdale) and even Corrie legend Beverley Callard are said to have signed up, alongside 80s singer Sinitta and Red Dwarf actor Craig Charles.

Former footballer turned pundit Jimmy Bullard, who was controversially voted out early in 2014 amid bullying claims, is reportedly getting a redemption arc.

One source told The Sun: “This line-up is packed with iconic moments from past series. There are winners wanting to defend their crown, early quitters seeking revenge, and underrated stars ready to shine.”

ITV bosses are thrilled with the response to the first South Africa series, which pulled in over five million viewers per episode despite being pre-recorded.

Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s Head of Entertainment Commissioning, said: “We were blown away by the love for the first series. It was a true celebration of the show’s history.”

With the new live vote twist, producers are promising even more tension as campmates scrap for public favour in the final days.

And those trials? Ant and Dec have hinted they’re “a lot harder” than the standard Aussie ones – expect more bugs, heights, confined spaces and stomach-turning eats than ever before.

South Africa’s diverse terrain – from dense bush to open plains dotted with elephants, lions and giraffes – allows for spectacular new challenges.

One rumoured trial involves stars being plunged into underground tunnels teeming with creepy crawlies, while another sees them abseiling down ravines in search of stars.

Camp life won’t be easy either – no luxury Aussie camp here. Expect basic rations, freezing nights and constant wildlife noises to keep everyone on edge.

Fans are already buzzing on social media, with one writing: “South Africa All-Stars was the best thing ITV did – can’t wait for round two!”

Another added: “Live final? Gemma vs Harry? Mo Farah eating bugs again? TAKE MY MONEY!”

A third gushed: “Myleene set the bar high as first Legend – who will top that in 2026?”

The original I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! remains ITV’s biggest ratings juggernaut, regularly pulling 10-12 million viewers for its November run Down Under.

But the South Africa spin-off offers something different – no newbies, just seasoned pros who know exactly what they’re signing up for (or so they think).

After a brief scare in 2024 when reports suggested the format might be shelved, bosses fast-tracked this revival following huge demand.

Filming took place in September 2025, meaning all the drama, rows, romances and meltdowns have already happened – but we’ll have to wait until spring 2026 to see it unfold on ITV1 and ITVX.

In the meantime, speculation will run wild. Will Gemma last longer than three days? Can Harry charm the public vote? And who will scream “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!” first?

One thing’s for sure – this All-Stars showdown is set to be unmissable telly.

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa returns to ITV1 and ITVX in 2026.

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