I'm A Celebrity South Africa 2026 Cast Officially Confirmed with First Look
The highly anticipated lineup for I'm A Celebrity South Africa 2026 has been officially revealed, giving fans their first glimpse of returning celebrities preparing for the legendary jungle experience. The all-stars version of the hit ITV reality series returns this April, featuring a host of familiar faces dropped into the rugged South African wilderness to battle for the title of Legend of the Jungle.
Returning Celebrities Face Tougher Challenges
Hosted by the dynamic duo Ant and Dec, this new series was filmed towards the end of last year and promises to deliver scandals, jaw-dropping challenges, and plenty of creepy crawlies. The first teaser for this second season of the popular spinoff indicates it will be "quite a lot harder" than its Australian counterpart, with stakes higher than ever before. The inaugural season in 2023 saw Myleene Klass leap to victory, setting a high bar for this year's contestants.
An official first look shows the complete lineup in full camouflage gear against the dramatic mountain landscape of South Africa. The cast represents a diverse mix of entertainment, sports, and reality television personalities, all returning for another shot at jungle glory.
Complete 2026 Lineup Breakdown
Adam Thomas
Emmerdale and Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas returns exactly ten years after his first jungle appearance in 2016. The 37-year-old soap favorite finished third in series 16 and is determined to improve on that performance. In the first-look trailer, Thomas questions his decision early on, asking "What have I got myself into?" during his helicopter ride to camp. He proudly declared himself "Mr Bushtucker Trial" during his first stint and admits to feeling more pressure this time around.
Ashley Roberts
Heart Radio DJ and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, 44, came agonizingly close to being crowned Queen of the Jungle in 2012, ultimately losing to Charlie Brooks in the final. The pop star predicts this season will be "harder, tougher, and dirtier" than previous iterations, noting that producers are "levelling everything up" for the South African edition.
Scarlett Moffatt
Gogglebox icon Scarlett Moffatt reunites with former campmate Adam Thomas, having beaten him in 2016 to become one of the show's most popular winners. Since her TV debut as a sofa critic on Channel 4, Moffatt's career has skyrocketed with appearances on Saturday Night Takeaway and victory in last year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. The 35-year-old, who became a mother in June 2023, is reportedly participating to show her son how brave she can be.
David Haye
Former champion boxer David Haye secured a bronze medal in 2012 and aims to replicate his ring success in the jungle. The 45-year-old athlete was "delighted to get the call from ITV" to participate and is expected to share details about his personal life, including his polyamorous relationships. Haye has been famously public about his "throuple" with The Saturdays' Una Healy and girlfriend Sian Osborne.
Beverley Callard
Coronation Street icon Beverley Callard, 68, insists she's "ready for battle" despite her age. The Liz McDonald actress finished ninth in the 2020 pandemic series filmed at Gwrych Castle in Wales. Heading to South Africa will be dramatically different from her previous experience, but sources say she "jumped at the chance" for a second opportunity.
Seann Walsh
Comedian Seann Walsh participated in 2022's series following his infamous Strictly kissing scandal. That season featured former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who finished third with a £400,000 fee. Walsh finished fifth and remains somewhat dissatisfied with his placement. A TV insider quipped that "part of the reason why he came across comparatively well was because he went into I'm A Celebrity with an even bigger love rat." No politicians appear in this year's lineup.
Sinitta
Pop icon Sinitta, 62, predicted things would be "easier" the second time around but may be in for a surprise. The 80s music star endured her first jungle stint in 2011 at the height of her fame as a guest judge on The X Factor alongside Simon Cowell. Her appearance was filled with gossip as she shared details about ex-boyfriends Simon Cowell and Brad Pitt. Viewers can expect more revelations this season.
Sir Mo Farah
Long-distance running champion Sir Mo Farah isn't accustomed to finishing without a medal, but he placed fifth in 2020's pandemic series. The athlete never experienced the classic Australian jungle environment during his previous appearance. According to sources, he's "excited to experience a different side of I'm A Celeb" given how dramatically different the castle setting was from Down Under.
Gemma Collins
Towie icon Gemma Collins returns despite previously declaring she'd never go back. The self-proclaimed diva had a disastrous first run in 2014, suffering a panic attack during her helicopter ride to camp that spawned enduring internet memes. Collins acknowledges that despite "hating it," her appearance was "TV gold," prompting her to give audiences what they want with a second attempt.
Craig Charles
Radio DJ and Coronation Street actor Craig Charles, 61, had a tragically short first outing in 2014 when he learned his brother had died from a heart attack at age 50. Charles left camp after just four days to return home. Now, over a decade later, he's determined to complete the full jungle experience.
Jimmy Bullard
Former football star Jimmy Bullard, 47, was the first campmate voted out of his 2014 series after rubbing viewers the wrong way with his antics. Despite entering as a favorite, the former footballer shocked audiences with his "banter" with former X Factor contestant Jake Quickenden, which some interpreted as bullying. Bullard insists it was all in good fun and will likely work harder to maintain positive public perception this time.
Harry Redknapp
Beloved football manager Harry Redknapp, 79, returns as this year's oldest contestant. "King Harry is back!" declared the star, who was reportedly top of ITV's list for comebacks. Redknapp won in 2018, receiving more votes than fellow finalists Emily Atack and John Barrowman while charming viewers with sweet stories about his wife Sandra. After his previous appearance, he admitted thinking "there'd be a caravan behind the show with a mug of tea."
What to Expect from the New Season
The South African edition promises to be more challenging than previous iterations, with producers ramping up the difficulty of trials and environmental conditions. The diverse cast brings together personalities from various entertainment sectors, ensuring dynamic interactions and potential conflicts. With no politicians in the lineup this year, the focus returns squarely to celebrity dynamics and survival challenges.
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa returns to ITV in April, offering viewers an extended look at how these returning celebrities handle the pressures of jungle life in a new, more demanding environment. The series continues to evolve while maintaining the core elements that have made it a television phenomenon for decades.
