It is almost that time of the year when a fresh batch of twelve brave celebrities pack their bags, wave goodbye to luxury, and head down under to see if they truly have what it takes to survive the trials and tribulations of the Australian jungle.
ITV has officially confirmed that I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! is returning to television screens this month, with the new series officially kicking off on Monday, November 16th at 9pm. Viewers across the country are already eagerly anticipating the drama, Bushtucker trials, and campmate friction that have made the reality competition a staple of British television for nearly a quarter of a century.
According to reports, footballing icon Wayne Rooney is leading the star-studded line-up, alongside Gavin & Stacey beloved actress Joanna Page. They are reportedly joined by comedy favourite Leigh Francis, Victoria’s Secret Angel Leomie Anderson, and Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, among a diverse mix of broadcasters, social media stars, and soap actors all battling it out to be crowned the next king or queen of the jungle.
Wayne Rooney
Following closely in the footsteps of his wife Coleen, who famously appeared on the hit reality show two years ago, football legend Wayne Rooney has reportedly bagged the largest appearance fee in the show’s entire 24-year history.
Show bosses have allegedly offered the former England and Manchester United striker a sum that surpasses Coleen’s record-breaking £1.5 million stint in the jungle camp. Speculation about Wayne’s potential participation has been swirling for some time, particularly after he openly discussed the possibility of taking part during interviews last year.
Reflecting on the prospect of heading into the jungle, Wayne previously admitted that it was an opportunity he would never turn down. He noted that after watching Coleen’s journey on the show, they both agreed it was the one program they would realistically consider doing themselves. While he acknowledged that he had other professional commitments occupying his time, it appears the right offer and timing have finally aligned for the sporting star to make his long-awaited debut in the Australian wilderness.
Joanna Page
Best known and deeply loved by television audiences for her heartwarming portrayal of Stacey Shipman in the smash-hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, Welsh actress Joanna Page is preparing for a drastically different environment this winter.
Swapping the cozy comforts of Barry Island and her fictional mother Gwen’s famous omelettes for the harsh realities of camp life and potential meals of kangaroo testicles, Joanna is reportedly thrilled about the adventure. Insiders close to the production have expressed hope that her appearance will give the viewing public a genuine chance to see the real person behind the beloved sitcom character.
Friends of the actress have shared that she has confided in them about her excitement, noting that she simply cannot wait to take part and ultimately wants to make her children proud by tackling whatever gruesome challenges the producers throw her way.
Leigh Francis
Comedian Leigh Francis is also confirmed to be joining the cast, arriving in camp after being publicly labelled the ‘dream signing’ by hosting duo Ant and Dec.
The pairing came to fruition following Leigh’s memorable appearance on the presenting duo’s Hanging Out with Ant and Dec podcast. During the episode, Ant made a direct public plea, urging the comedian to finally cave in and enter the jungle because it is a lot of fun and they would be right there beside him. Dec humorously echoed the sentiment, pointing out how entertaining it would be to watch Leigh squirm through a Bushtucker trial.
Insiders noted that his participation marks a full-circle television moment, arriving a decade after Leigh and actor Adam Booth dressed up as Ant and Dec for a memorable sketch on The Keith Lemon Sketch Show. It appears the persistent public lobbying from the show’s hosts ultimately paid off.
Leomie Anderson
Supermodel Leomie Anderson is preparing to officially swap the high-fashion catwalk for a jungle hammock after making history back in 2019 as the first Black British model to be named an official Angel for lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret.
The high-profile star recently stepped down from her role hosting the BBC make-up reality series Gow Up. Reality television is not entirely new territory for Leomie, who previously took part in Bear Grylls’ Celebrity Bear Hunt for Netflix, filmed in Costa Rica. However, after making the unfortunate distinction of being the very first celebrity eliminated from that competition, she will undoubtedly be hoping for considerably better luck and longevity around the I’m A Celebrity campfire.
Ricky Wilson
As the charismatic frontman of indie-rock icons the Kaiser Chiefs, Ricky Wilson is best known for belting out massive chart-topping anthems like Ruby and I Predict A Riot to tens of thousands of fans in arenas across the globe.
Now, the musician is set to bring his natural entertainment factor straight to the jungle camp as he trades the chaos of the tour bus for a rustic wooden bed. Reports indicate that the singer has been high on ITV production bosses’ wishlist for several years, though he had consistently turned down previous approaches. This year, however, the timing finally feels right, and he is reportedly ready to give the gruelling reality television experience his absolute best shot.
AJ Odudu
Popular television presenter AJ Odudu has spent recent months sweating it out in the gym and intensifying her daily fitness regime in preparation for her upcoming appearance on a special Celebrity Gladiator episode.
However, it turns out that her rigorous physical training has conveniently left her in prime condition to tackle the grueling physical and mental demands of the jungle camp. The Big Brother host faced an unexpected professional setback earlier this year when her hosting hours on the reality revival alongside co-star Will Best were significantly reduced. Fortunately, that scheduling shift conveniently left her diary clear to pack her bags and fly out to Australia.
Chloe Burrows
Former Love Island star Chloe Burrows shot to widespread public fame back in 2021 during her memorable stint in the Mallorcan villa. In the years since, she has successfully transitioned into a thriving media career, hosting her own popular podcast alongside a regular radio show on KISS Breakfast.
Chloe is following directly in the footsteps of fellow Love Island alumna Maura Higgins, who memorably competed on the program last year. Her signing also capitalizes on the massive mainstream popularity and success of recent influencer contestants, including last year’s King of the Jungle Angry Ginge and social media star GK Barry.
Having already tested her mettle on other demanding television formats such as Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Scared of the Dark, and Celebs Go Dating, Chloe arrives in camp with a proven track record of throwing herself wholeheartedly into high-pressure environments.
Ade Adepitan
Broadcaster and former elite athlete Ade Adepitan is set to make history as the first wheelchair user to participate in the show during its 24-year broadcast run.
Ade first shot to national prominence as a star player for the Team GB wheelchair basketball team, famously winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens before successfully transitioning into a respected television career as a presenter and journalist.
ITV bosses were reportedly exceptionally keen to secure Ade for this year’s roster and have ensured that the camp infrastructure will be thoroughly adapted to make the living quarters fully accessible for him. Ade lost the full use of his left leg after contracting polio when he was an infant.
Mariella Frostrup
Journalist, broadcaster, and cultural commentator Mariella Frostrup is no stranger to unexpected environments, having famously married her second husband during a ceremony held in the Panamanian jungle.
Now, she is hoping to create similarly unforgettable personal memories as she integrates into this year’s celebrity camp. Best known to daytime television viewers for her sharp intellect and outspoken panel appearances on Loose Women, Mariella’s surprise signing has reportedly delighted producers, who feel she brings a level of gravitas and a unique personality not typically found in the standard reality television casting pool.
Claire Sweeney
Actress Claire Sweeney initially rose to household fame playing the memorable character Lindsey Corkhill in the long-running Channel 4 soap opera Brookside. Decades later, she enjoyed a high-profile return to serial television drama when she joined the cast of ITV’s Coronation Street as Cassie Plummer, a role she maintained for three years.
Fortunately, a convenient gap opened up in Claire’s acting schedule after she officially stepped back from the cobbles in August. She may be able to rely on some insider wisdom before heading out, as her on-screen son Tyrone Dobbs—played by actor Alan Halsall—competed in the jungle camp during the 2024 series.
Sharky
Internet personality Sharky, whose legal name is Sharmarke Mohamud, boasts a massive, dedicated following of 2.3 million fans on TikTok, having originally built his digital empire through his popular YouTube content.
Show bosses are reportedly banking on the digital creator to successfully pull in younger demographics and replicate the overwhelming public popularity and eventual victory achieved by fellow online star Angry Ginge.
Jack Skipper
Comedian Jack Skipper rounds out the official roster, following a long and established tradition of stand-up comics stepping away from the comedy circuit to test their humor and resilience in the Australian wilderness. The rising comedy star has built a massive following through his viral content on TikTok and Instagram, alongside years of grinding away on the live stand-up circuit.
While ITV representatives have routinely emphasized that all celebrity names remain officially unconfirmed speculation until broadcast, and that the definitive I’m A Celebrity campmates will be officially revealed closer to the transmission date, anticipation is already reaching fever pitch.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! officially starts on Monday, November 16th at 9pm, and will be broadcast across ITV1, STV, ITVX, and the STV Player.
