I'm A Celebrity... South Africa, an ITV reality TV series that is an all-star edition featuring former campmates, returns tonight for its second season, according to reports. The pre-recorded series begins on Monday, April 6 and airs on ITV1, STV, and ITVX, presented by Ant & Dec who return as hosts for the second series, as confirmed by ITV. This spin-off show is set in Kruger National Park with returning celebrities, marking the first time since 2023 that the format has aired, though ITV confirmed in September 2022 that I'm a Celebrity... South Africa would return for a second series in 2026, with filming in September 2025, according to official statements. The line-up for I'm a Celebrity... South Africa was officially announced by ITV on 9 March 2026, and the first series aired from 24 April to 12 May 2023 and was won by Myleene Klass, research shows.
Gemma Collins is participating in I'm A Celebrity: South Africa to redeem herself. According to www.cosmopolitan.com, Gemma Collins described leaving I'm A Celeb in 2014 because she couldn't handle the living conditions and stayed the minimum time for her payout. She has also expressed regret about quitting the show in 2014, according to the same source, framing her return as a personal challenge to overcome past failures.
I couldn't handle the living conditions and stayed the minimum time for my payout.
Gemma Collins complained about the camp conditions, calling it 'torture', 'rancid', and 'hell', and said she regretted coming back, according to her own statements. According to Daily Mail - Home, Gemma Collins described the situation as so dire that she asked someone to call her agent because the camp conditions were not acceptable. Viewers predict Gemma Collins might quit early again, based on her past behavior and current reactions, adding tension to her redemption narrative.
Gemma Collins lost 1st 4lb (8kg) during the show, she reported, highlighting the physical toll of the experience. She briefly took Mounjaro injections ahead of the show but stopped due to a gallbladder attack, according to multiple reports, though the specific medical condition that led to the attack remains unknown. During her time on the show, Gemma Collins had an epiphany about family life and realized she needed hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause, she said, connecting her health journey to broader personal insights.
I have expressed regret about quitting the show in 2014.
Gemma Collins cried before the show due to fear and past trauma, she revealed, indicating emotional vulnerability. She arranged for exotic animal handlers to bring snakes and creepy crawlies to her home to acclimatize before the show, according to multiple reports, showing extensive preparation despite her anxieties. This emotional and practical groundwork underscores her determination to face challenges that previously overwhelmed her.
Gemma Collins fell out of a hammock on I'm A Celebrity: South Africa, with David Haye helping her up, according to major media sources. David Haye initially had friction with Gemma Collins but later connected with her, according to Daily Mirror - Main, which described their evolving relationship. David Haye made a comment about Gemma Collins' hair not being thin, which offended her, according to multiple reports, adding to camp tensions. Gemma Collins also complained about Seann Walsh's loud snoring in camp, according to multiple reports, highlighting the everyday irritations of communal living.
It's torture, it's rancid, it's hell. I regret coming back.
Gemma Collins and Sinitta have had a feud, including social media swipes, according to multiple reports, though the specific incidents or comments that fueled it are not detailed. Sinitta discussed her on-off romance with Simon Cowell in camp, according to multiple reports, adding another layer of celebrity drama to the interactions. These conflicts and discussions contribute to the show's dynamic, with past rivalries resurfacing in the confined environment.
The show is pre-recorded, with a live grand final broadcast from London, as confirmed by research. The winner will be decided by a public vote during a live grand final from London on Friday, April 24, ITV stated, though how the vote ultimately decided the winner remains to be seen. Ant and Dec noted that the second series of I'm a Celebrity... South Africa will feature a live final broadcast from London and a viewer vote to decide the winner, blending pre-recorded episodes with a live conclusion. This format allows for edited storytelling while maintaining audience engagement through the final decision.
Call my agent, this is not acceptable.
The cast includes Adam Thomas, Ashley Roberts, Scarlett Moffatt, David Haye, Beverley Callard, Seann Walsh, Sinitta, Sir Mo Farah, Craig Charles, Jimmy Bullard, and Harry Redknapp. Two new campmates, Jimmy Bullard and Harry Redknapp, arrive in camp, and celebrities are split into two kingdoms: The Lions and The Rhinos, according to multiple reports. Scarlett Moffatt won I'm a Celeb in 2016, Harry Redknapp won in 2018, and David Haye was a finalist in 2012, research shows. Jimmy Bullard was the first campmate voted off in 2014, according to research, adding a redemption angle for him as well.
Ashley Roberts initially rejected appearing on I'm A Celebrity: South Africa but later accepted, she said, though the exact terms or reasons for her change of heart are unclear. Gemma Collins lost an eating trial to Craig Charles, sending her to the basic Savannah Scrub camp, according to multiple reports. Trials in South Africa are even tougher than in the Australian jungle, research indicates, raising the stakes for all participants, including Roberts who faces these heightened challenges.
We initially had friction but later connected.
ITV confirmed in September 2022 that I'm a Celebrity... South Africa would return for a second series in 2026, with filming in September 2025. The line-up for I'm a Celebrity... South Africa was officially announced by ITV on 9 March 2026. The first series of I'm a Celebrity... South Africa aired from 24 April to 12 May 2023 and was won by Myleene Klass, according to research. These production details provide context for the show's scheduling and continuity, though the premiere date confusion between 'tonight' and April 6 may affect viewer expectations.
Gemma Collins was reportedly offered £100,000 for the show, while other celebrities like Noel Edmonds received £600,000, according to multiple reports. However, how much Gemma Collins actually got paid for participating remains unconfirmed, leaving financial aspects partially speculative. This reported disparity in payments highlights the varying negotiations and star power involved in casting the all-star lineup.
Fans complained about ITV revealing trial outcomes in teasers, ruining suspense, according to fan feedback. This controversy over spoilers reflects broader audience concerns about the pre-recorded format's impact on viewing experience, as edited previews can diminish surprise. Such reactions may influence how ITV handles promotional materials for future episodes or series.
The show's history includes one prior series in 2023, with this 2026 edition marking the second, though some references to 'the first time since 2023' imply only one prior series, creating a discrepancy in understanding its continuity. Future plans involve the live final and potential further series, as ITV has committed to the format's return. This context helps frame the show's evolution and its place within the broader I'm A Celebrity franchise.
The pre-recorded format allows for polished editing and controlled narratives, while the live final introduces real-time unpredictability through viewer voting. This hybrid approach aims to balance production efficiency with audience interaction, though it may alter the spontaneous feel of fully live broadcasts. The implications include potential spoilers from teasers and a different pacing compared to traditional daily live episodes.
Unresolved questions include the specific medical condition behind Gemma Collins' gallbladder attack from Mounjaro injections and the exact reasons for Ashley Roberts' initial rejection and later acceptance of the show. Additionally, how the public vote in the live grand final ultimately decided the winner will only be revealed during the broadcast. These unknowns add layers of intrigue to the series, keeping audiences engaged with both personal and competitive elements.