Gemma Collins is re-entering I'm A Celebrity after quitting after three days in 2014, marking a significant comeback for the reality star. She walked out of her first appearance of the main series after just three days in 2014, breaking down because she was convinced she had malaria, and later stated she left because she couldn't hack the living conditions and stayed the minimum time for her payout. During this return, Gemma Collins realized she needed hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause, though the specific health issues behind this need remain unclear. She cried for about an hour on the plane to South Africa because she was scared, and according to Daily Mirror - 3am Showbiz, Gemma Collins described having 'never lived down' her 2014 exit. She lost 1 stone 4 pounds (8 kg) during the show and briefly took Mounjaro injections ahead of the show but was forced to stop due to a gallbladder attack.
The show returns for its 'All Stars South Africa' edition with former campmates, as part of the ITV reality TV series that is an all-star edition featuring campmates from previous series. I'm a Celebrity... South Africa has aired since 24 April 2023, with the first series airing from 24 April to 12 May 2023 and Myleene Klass winning that inaugural run. ITV commissioned the spin-off in April 2022, confirmed it in September 2022, and filmed it before the 22nd regular series, though reports in April 2024 indicated the spin-off was shelved before ITV confirmed in 2025 it would return for a second series in 2026. The series is presented by Ant & Dec and is pre-recorded instead of live, with Ant and Dec revealing on 8 September that the series is due to return in 2026 with filming in September 2025 and a live final with viewer vote. The line-up for the second series was officially announced by ITV on 9 March 2026, and it is the second season of I'm a Celeb South Africa, swapping the Australian jungle for Kruger National Park. The pre-recorded series begins on Monday, April 6 and airs on ITV1, STV, and ITVX, with ITV saying the new run will feature fresh trials and challenges in South Africa, though details of these fresh trials are not specified. The second series introduces a new element giving viewers the final say over the 2026 winner, and the public will decide who is crowned the ultimate legend in a live grand final broadcast from London, though how the public vote determined the winner is unknown.
We were nearly crying over here missing our kids, I’m on top of the world now.
Gemma Collins is a reality TV legend in the UK, having built an extensive career across multiple platforms. She first appeared on ITV's The Only Way is Essex in 2011, which launched her into the public eye. Since then, she has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing on Ice, and Celebs Go Dating, showcasing her versatility in reality formats. She has her own reality series Diva Forever and is working on Gemma Collins: Four Weddings and a Baby for Sky, indicating her ongoing presence in the entertainment industry. Her appearance in the 14th season of I'm A Celeb... in November 2014 lasted only three days in the Australian jungle, a brief stint that has become a defining part of her public persona.
Ahead of the South Africa edition, Gemma Collins took extensive preparations to overcome her fears. She arranged for exotic animal handlers to bring snakes and creepy crawlies to her home to help her acclimatize before filming, a measure to combat her anxieties about the show's challenges. She was reportedly offered £100,000 for I'm A Celebrity: South Africa, a fee that contrasts with Noel Edmonds' payment of £600,000 for a nine-day stay on I'm A Celebrity in 2018. According to www.cosmopolitan.com, Gemma Collins described being 'bricking it' but going in strong for the South Africa edition, reflecting her mixed emotions. Despite this, viewers are convinced Gemma Collins will walk out of I'm A Celebrity South Africa shortly after the launch, based on her past behavior and current apprehensions.
I have 'never lived down' my 2014 exit.
Camp dynamics have been a focal point, with emotional moments and interpersonal connections emerging among the celebrities. Adam Thomas and Scarlett Moffatt became emotional discussing their families, adding a heartfelt layer to the camp interactions. According to Daily Mail - Home, Scarlett Moffatt described nearly crying over missing her kids, stating she was on top of the world now. David Haye and Gemma Collins connected well after initial friction, with multiple reports indicating their relationship improved over time. Scarlett Moffatt was Queen of the Jungle in 2016, Harry Redknapp won in 2018, and David Haye made the final in 2012, while Jimmy Bullard was the first campmate voted off in 2014, highlighting the diverse past performances of the campmates. Gemma Collins complained about comedian Seann Walsh's loud snoring, a minor but relatable camp annoyance that added to the daily struggles.
Gemma Collins' on-camp experiences included several mishaps and challenges that tested her resilience. She fell out of a hammock on I'm A Celebrity: South Africa, with other campmates laughing at her hammock mishap, creating a light-hearted moment amid the tension. She complained about the 'torture' camp during Wednesday's episode, and according to Daily Mirror - Main, Gemma Collins described regretting her comeback, calling the camp 'hell' and 'rancid', though the exact conditions or incidents that led to this description are unknown. She lost the gruelling eating trial to actor Craig Charles, a setback that added to her frustrations. According to Daily Mirror - Main, David Haye described there being 'a few tears' after losing a trial on I'm A Celebrity South Africa, suggesting emotional reactions were common among campmates.
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The show format introduced new elements to heighten competition and viewer engagement. Ant and Dec revealed that the celebrities will be split into two kingdoms: The Lions and The Rhinos, adding a team dynamic to the series. The trials in South Africa are even tougher than in the jungle, according to research, though ITV has not detailed the specific fresh trials and challenges. The public will decide who is crowned the ultimate legend in a live grand final broadcast from London, with the second series introducing a new element giving viewers the final say over the 2026 winner, though the mechanics of this vote remain unspecified.
Fan reactions have included both enthusiasm and criticism, with some controversies emerging around the show's production. ITV was accused of 'ruining' a trial cliffhanger by showing Gemma Collins in the disadvantaged camp in a teaser, according to fans. Fans complained about a cliffhanger ending in a pre-recorded episode, calling for the format to be axed, reflecting dissatisfaction with the non-live aspect. According to Rebecca Nicholson, a journalist for The Guardian, the show is missing a spark due to the pre-recorded format and lack of public vote, though this has been addressed with the new viewer vote element.
I didn't have high hopes when hearing Gemma Collins would be joining me in camp.
Ashley Roberts' participation adds another layer of star power, given her history with the franchise. She initially rejected appearing on I'm A Celebrity All Stars but later accepted, showing a change of heart. She finished in second place on I'm A Celebrity in 2012, making her a strong contender in this all-star lineup. Her return suggests a desire to reclaim or improve upon her past performance, adding to the competitive atmosphere.
The arrival of new campmates and the unique setting have shaped the early episodes. Two new campmates, Jimmy Bullard and Harry Redknapp, arrived in camp, expanding the roster of celebrities. The show is set in South Africa's Kruger National Park, providing a dramatic backdrop different from the Australian jungle. The premiere of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa is tonight, as reported by research, aligning with the April 6 start date.
There was 'a bit of friction' between myself and Gemma Collins initially.
The pre-recorded format has significant implications for production and viewer experience. The series is pre-recorded, filmed in September 2025, which allows for editing and scheduling but reduces live interaction. This format contrasts with the main series' live broadcasts, potentially affecting the spontaneity and urgency of the show. According to Anita Singh, a journalist for The Daily Telegraph, the show is a reliable ratings winner but with a 'steady' lineup, suggesting consistency over innovation.
Several unknowns persist regarding Gemma Collins' experience and the show's outcomes. The specific health issues behind Gemma Collins' need for hormone replacement therapy during the show have not been disclosed, leaving questions about her medical journey. Details of the fresh trials in South Africa as mentioned by ITV remain unspecified, as does the resolution of initial friction between David Haye and Gemma Collins into a connection. How the public vote in the live grand final determined the winner is also unknown, though it is a central feature of the series.
There were 'a few tears' after losing a trial on I'm A Celebrity South Africa.
Further unknowns include the exact conditions or incidents that caused Gemma Collins to describe the camp as 'hell' and 'rancid', which could relate to challenges or interpersonal issues not fully shown. The timeline of the series production involves a contradiction, with Wikipedia reporting a shelving and revival, while other sources present a straightforward return, indicating uncertainty about the show's development history. This contradiction suggests confusion about whether the spin-off was shelved in April 2024 but confirmed for return in 2026, or if it is airing in April 2026 without mention of shelving, which could affect viewer understanding of the show's background.
The personality of a proper ugly bird.
I regret my comeback, calling the camp 'hell' and 'rancid'.
Call my agent.
It haunted me.
I was 'bricking it' but went in strong for the South Africa edition.
A reliable ratings winner but with a 'steady' lineup.