The 26th edition of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! will kick off on Monday, 16 November, when Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly welcome eleven newcomers to the infamous Australian jungle camp. The broadcast will be split between ITV1 and the streaming platform ITVX, keeping the tradition of a prime-time slot at nine p.m. This year’s production team has tweaked the camp infrastructure to accommodate a historic participant, signalling both logistical ambition and a push for greater inclusivity in one of Britain’s longest-running reality-tv formats.
Historic first: Paralympian Ade Adepitan joins the jungle
Former Team GB basketball player and TV presenter Ade Adepitan will become the inaugural wheelchair user to set foot in the jungle arena. The 53-year-old, who lost the use of his left leg after childhood polio, described the opportunity as “overwhelming” and highlighted the symbolic weight of his appearance. He added, “It’s never been done before, and it never crossed my mind I would be the first. It’s the biggest show on TV and this is a huge opportunity.” Production crews are installing ramps and adaptable fixtures, ensuring Adepitan can navigate the camp safely while still facing the same food-challenges as his peers.
Star-studded roster mixes veterans and fresh faces
The confirmed cast blends household names with digital influencers. Leading the pack are AJ Odudu, fresh from the contentious Big Brother finale, and soap veteran Claire Sweeney, who recently wrapped a three-year stint in theatre. Both expressed excitement about swapping studio lights for jungle heat. Odudu said, “I want to enjoy all the experiences and do all the things, but it is definitely going to be my scariest TV project I’ve ever taken on.” Sweeney added, “My life is about theatre right now, so meeting people I normally wouldn’t cross paths with will be great.”
Joining them are former England striker Wayne Rooney, who aims to eclipse his wife Coleen’s runner-up finish in 2024, and Ricky Wilson, front-man of the Kaiser Chiefs. Rooney confessed his biggest dread is “jumping out of a helicopter”, yet he insists, “If I do that, I will have conquered that fear.” Other participants include Love Island alum Chloe Burrows, comedian Jack Skipper, model-presenter Leomie Anderson, broadcaster Mariella Frostrup and YouTube personality Sharky, whose Beta Squad channel boasts 12 million subscribers.
Personal motivations and expectations
Many contestants framed their involvement as a test of character rather than a publicity stunt. Burrows, now a Kiss Radio breakfast host, remarked, “I’m so excited to do a show where it’s just about coming together, getting through it and making loads of friends. No dating, no bikinis – just massive rats, spiders, and snakes.” Meanwhile, Adepitan reflected on legacy: “Even if I go out in the first week, I will always be remembered as the person in a wheelchair.” The collective sentiment underscores a shared desire to push personal limits and generate memorable television moments.
With Ant and Dec back at the helm, ITV anticipates that the blend of historic firsts, celebrity rivalries, and classic jungle trials will sustain audience interest throughout the season. As the countdown to 16 November ticks down, buzz across social media suggests the upcoming series could be one of the most talked-about chapters in the show’s 26-year history.
