ITV confirms second series of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa!

ITV has officially announced that I’m A Celebrity… South Africa will return for a second series, following the success of its debut run in 2023.

The all-star spin-off of the hit reality format will air in 2026 on ITV1, STV and ITVX, once again hosted by Ant & Dec.

The show will feature some of the most memorable campmates from past series as they take on a fresh round of gruelling trials, survival challenges and dramatic twists set against the backdrop of the South African wilderness.

Campmates who previously conquered the Australian jungle will now face an even tougher test. Producers promise “epic and extreme trials” alongside unpredictable twists designed to push contestants to their limits.

“This is I’m A Celebrity on a whole new level, it’s where legends are made,” ITV said in a statement.

Public to choose ultimate legend

A new twist for the 2026 series will see the public decide who is crowned the “Ultimate Legend” during a live grand final broadcast from London. For the first time, viewers will be able to cast their votes after weeks of survival and showdowns in South Africa.

Ant McPartlin said:

“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.”

Declan Donnelly added:

“Having a live final is an exciting addition to the new series with the viewers choosing their IAC Legend and we’ve heard some of the new trials are truly epic, even by I’m A Celeb… standards!”

A proven hit

The first series of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa aired in 2023 and featured familiar faces including Amir Khan, Gillian McKeith, Joe Swash and Carol Vorderman. Myleene Klass was ultimately crowned the first-ever I’m A Celebrity Legend.

Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime Commissioning, said:

“We were blown away by the love for the first series of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa. It was a true celebration of the show’s history and viewers loved seeing their favourite campmates return to their screens.

“We can’t wait to do it all again next year with a whole new cohort, and have the audience crown the winner during a live final for the first time.”

Tom Gould, Director of Entertainment & Formats at Lifted Entertainment, added:

“We’re very excited to have some more of the most memorable campmates from previous series returning to take on terrifying trials and face challenging twists and difficult decisions, in the tougher setting of South Africa. It will test them to their limits, and with a live final, this time viewers will get to decide who truly deserves the title of I’m A Celebrity Legend.”

The new series will be produced by Lifted Entertainment, part of ITV Studios, in collaboration with Mitre Studios.