In a massive boost for fans of the jungle chaos, ITV has officially confirmed the return of the all-star spin-off I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! South Africa for 2026 — and the two familiar male hosts are back to guide the celebrities through even tougher trials in the wilds of the Rainbow Nation.

The dynamic duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly — better known as Ant & Dec — will once again helm the show, bringing their trademark banter, cheeky challenges, and unbreakable chemistry to what promises to be the most epic edition yet. The announcement, which dropped in September 2025 and has been building hype ever since, confirms the series will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player sometime in 2026, with filming already wrapped in September 2025 for a polished, pre-recorded run.

‘We’re back in South Africa!’ Ant and Dec teased in a cheeky promo video posted to the official I’m a Celebrity accounts, grinning ear-to-ear as they hyped the return. ‘It’s going to be a lot harder… quite a lot harder actually. Quite a lot harder!’ The playful repetition had fans in stitches, but the message was clear: this isn’t a gentle reunion — it’s an all-out battle for the crown of ‘Ultimate Legend.’

The first series in 2023 was a ratings smash, seeing Myleene Klass crowned the inaugural All Star winner after a fierce competition against big names like Amir Khan, Helen Flanagan, Carol Vorderman, and more. Viewers loved the mix of familiar faces, heightened drama, and the South African setting’s stunning landscapes — from dramatic mountains to lush bushveld — which offered fresh trials far removed from the Australian Outback.

Now, for 2026, ITV is doubling down on the spectacle. The show will feature a fresh batch of returning campmates — ‘memorable’ stars from past regular seasons who proved they could survive the jungle once and are now back for redemption, bragging rights, and the chance to be crowned the ultimate legend. While the full lineup remains under wraps at the time of writing, rumours have been swirling for months. Names like Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah, TOWIE icon Gemma Collins, former boxer David Haye, soap favourite Adam Thomas, singer Ashley Roberts, comedian Seann Walsh, DJ and actor Craig Charles, and even previous winners or runners-up are reportedly in the mix.

One exciting new twist sets this season apart: the public gets the final say. After weeks of shocks, alliances, betrayals, and survival in the bush, viewers will cast votes in a live grand finale broadcast directly from London. Whichever campmate emerges victorious will be decided by the nation in real time — a format change that adds nail-biting tension even to a pre-recorded series.

‘This is huge,’ one ITV insider told us. ‘The first South Africa series was pre-recorded to perfection, but this time they’re adding a live element for the endgame. It keeps the integrity of the vote while delivering blockbuster production values — no filler, just pure jungle drama.’

Ant and Dec’s return is no surprise — the Geordie pair are synonymous with I’m a Celebrity, having hosted the main show since 2002 and the South Africa spin-off from day one. Their chemistry is legendary: Ant’s cheeky mischief paired with Dec’s quick-witted comebacks creates the perfect balance of fun and edge-of-your-seat commentary. Whether they’re laughing at a Bushtucker Trial gone wrong, roasting a celebrity’s fear of heights, or delivering heartfelt post-trial interviews, the duo elevates every moment.

‘They’re irreplaceable,’ a source close to the production added. ‘When ITV greenlit a second series, there was never any question — Ant & Dec are the heart of the brand. They’ve already filmed their bits in South Africa, and the energy was electric. Fans are going to love seeing them back in those iconic khaki outfits, mic packs on, ready to unleash the next terrifying trial.’

The 2023 series proved the spin-off format works brilliantly. Away from the live Australian jungle, producers could go bigger: more elaborate sets, extreme endurance challenges, and wildlife encounters that felt truly immersive. Campmates faced everything from scorpion-infested coffins to stomach-churning eating trials, all while forging bonds — or rivalries — that made for gripping TV.

Expect more of the same in 2026, but ‘harder.’ Promos tease ‘terrifying trials’ and ‘epic showdowns,’ with the South African landscape providing dramatic backdrops: think rappelling down cliffs, navigating crocodile-infested waters, or enduring overnight isolation in the bush. The all-star cast means higher stakes — these celebrities have been there before, so they’re hungrier for redemption, more strategic in camp politics, and ready to clash.

Social media is already ablaze with speculation. ‘If Gemma Collins is back, I’m glued,’ one fan tweeted. ‘Sir Mo Farah in the jungle again? Legend potential!’ Another added: ‘Ant & Dec in South Africa = chaos. Can’t wait for the live final vote — that’s going to be tense!’

The confirmation comes amid a packed I’m a Celebrity calendar. The main UK series continues to dominate winter schedules, while international versions (including Australia’s with Robert Irwin and Julia Morris) thrive. The South Africa spin-off carves its own niche: shorter, more intense, and packed with returning favourites who bring built-in fanbases and unfinished business.

For Ant and Dec, it’s another feather in their cap. The pair, who also host Saturday Night Takeaway and have a string of hit shows, remain one of British TV’s most bankable duos. Their involvement ensures massive viewing figures — and with the live finale twist, 2026 could deliver one of the most talked-about endings in reality TV history.

As the countdown to air begins (likely spring 2026, based on the 2023 April-May window), excitement is building. Will a previous runner-up finally claim the crown? Will old feuds reignite? And can the celebrities handle trials that are ‘quite a lot harder’?

One thing is certain: with Ant & Dec at the helm, the laughs, screams, and drama will be non-stop. The South African wilderness awaits — and the nation will decide who emerges as the ultimate All Star legend.

Get ready to crown your favourites, because I’m a Celebrity… South Africa is back, bigger, bolder, and ready to roar.