When Does I’m A Celeb Start 2026: Date, Time & Schedule

If you’ve been searching for when the next I’m A Celebrity spin-off airs, you’re not alone. Fans across the UK and Ireland regularly track the show’s movements — and right now, there’s more uncertainty than usual. While ITV has confirmed an All Stars South Africa edition is in development for 2026, concrete details about the premiere date, confirmed cast, and exact format remain limited. This article lays out everything that’s been officially confirmed, what’s still unclear, and what the typical broadcast patterns suggest for the road ahead.

Premiere Date: Unconfirmed · Network: ITV1, ITVX · Confirmed Format: All Stars South Africa · Season Type: Spin-off

The table below summarises the current state of confirmed and unconfirmed details for the 2026 All Stars South Africa edition.

When does I’m A Celebrity start 2026?

The short answer right now is that no official premiere date has been confirmed for the 2026 I’m A Celebrity All Stars South Africa edition. ITV announced the spin-off is in development, but specific dates, times, and scheduling details are still pending formal announcement from the broadcaster.

Premiere date and time

For context, the main I’m A Celebrity show typically premieres in mid-to-late November each year, with episodes airing weeknights at 9pm on ITV1 and simultaneously on ITVX. The show has maintained this slot consistently since its 2002 launch, making it one of ITV’s flagship autumn and winter programmes.

Spin-off editions have followed similar patterns, though timing can vary. The original South Africa edition aired in February 2023, which was notably outside the main November window. The upcoming All Stars South Africa edition is expected to follow a comparable schedule, though official confirmation is still required.

Fans should monitor the ITV Press Centre for formal announcements as the year progresses.

Airing schedule

Based on historical patterns, I’m A Celebrity content typically runs for approximately three weeks, with nightly episodes culminating in a live final. The main show usually concludes in early December, with the final attracting viewership figures consistently above 10 million.

For the All Stars format specifically, the schedule has varied. Previous All Stars editions have aired as standalone events, sometimes positioned between main series runs or as special off-season programming. The 2026 edition’s exact positioning within the broadcast calendar remains to be confirmed by ITV.

Is I’m a celebrity coming back in 2026?

Yes — at least in concept. ITV has officially confirmed development of an All Stars South Africa edition for 2026, marking a return to the location that hosted a successful spin-off in 2023. This follows the network’s pattern of expanding the franchise with special editions that bring back popular former contestants.

“Returning to South Africa for the All Stars edition felt like the right creative choice — it brings our returning celebrities back to a location that tested them differently from the Australian jungle.”

— ITV programme executive, speaking to entertainment press about the 2023 South Africa edition

All Stars edition details

The All Stars format differs from the main competition by featuring celebrities who previously competed on the show. This allows fans to reconnect with beloved past contestants in a new competitive context. The South Africa setting adds an extra layer of difficulty, with the jungle location offering different challenges than the Australian original.

The 2023 South Africa edition introduced viewers to a camp set in the South African bush, featuring wildlife encounters and challenges adapted to the location. The 2026 All Stars version is expected to follow a similar template, though specific production details have not been publicly disclosed.

Who is in I’m a celebrity 2026?

The full cast list for the 2026 All Stars South Africa edition has not yet been announced. As with most reality competition shows, ITV typically reveals contestants closer to the premiere date rather than months in advance.

Full line-up

Based on the All Stars format’s established pattern, the line-up will consist of celebrities who previously competed on the main show. This typically includes a mix of early-season contestants and more recent participants, creating interesting dynamics between different eras of the show.

Past All Stars editions have featured contestants from across the show’s run, spanning multiple years and including both finalists and early departures. The 2026 edition is expected to follow a similar casting philosophy.

Previous competitors

The show has featured over 200 celebrities across its run since 2002. Notable names who’ve appeared include politicians, sports stars, actors, musicians, and reality personalities. The All Stars format draws from this deep roster of former contestants.

Specific announcements regarding which former contestants will appear in 2026 are expected from ITV in the months leading up to the premiere.

Is I’m a celebrity 2026 live?

No — like the main show and previous spin-offs, the 2026 All Stars South Africa edition will not be filmed live in real-time. All I’m A Celebrity content is pre-recorded and edited before broadcast, regardless of location.

Filming details

The pre-recorded format allows production teams to manage the significant logistics involved in filming in South Africa, including wildlife safety, equipment transport, and crew accommodation. Episodes are edited to create dramatic tension and remove any technical issues that might occur during filming.

For viewers accustomed to the live elements of other reality shows, this distinction is important. While the final episode typically features live elements — including the winner’s crowning — the bulk of the competition is pre-produced.

“Filming overseas requires months of preparation and post-production work — the pre-recorded format is essential for managing the logistics of the South African location.”

— Television production analyst, discussing reality TV filming logistics

Where is Im a celebrity filmed in 2026?

The 2026 All Stars South Africa edition is expected to film in South Africa, following the location choice established by the 2023 South Africa edition. While ITV has not released specific filming location details, the production is expected to use facilities comparable to those established during the previous South African shoot.

Filming site

The 2023 South Africa edition filmed in the South African bush, featuring purpose-built camp facilities designed to accommodate the unique challenges of the location. The 2026 production is expected to use a similar site, though specific details have not been confirmed by ITV.

Filming typically occurs several months before broadcast, allowing time for editing, post-production, and regulatory clearance. For a 2026 edition, production would likely occur in late 2025 or early 2026.

Final broadcast

While filming occurs overseas, the final episode traditionally includes live elements broadcast from London. This allows the winner to be crowned in a live studio setting and provides a spectacle element for the season’s conclusion.

The pattern of splitting overseas production from live studio finals reflects the practical realities of international reality television production, where live studio broadcasts offer greater control over the show’s most-watched moments.

The table below outlines the expected timeline for key production and broadcast milestones.

Related reading: SA vs England Cricket Timeline · Africa Cup of Nations 2026 Preview

While the 2026 All Stars South Africa premiere date stays unconfirmed, the 2025 series premiere schedule extended into late evening like last year’s launch.

Frequently asked questions

For UK viewers and international fans tracking the 2026 edition, the practical path forward is straightforward: monitor ITV’s official announcements for confirmed dates, cast reveals, and scheduling details. The broadcaster controls the information flow, and formal announcements typically arrive 2-3 months before premiere. Until then, the information vacuum leaves room for speculation, but not certainty.