Introduction

Eleven well-known faces are preparing to trade comfort for camp life as the latest series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! heads to the Australian jungle. Fronted by former England captain Wayne Rooney, the 2026 cast includes television presenters, musicians, athletes, and social media stars. With hosts Ant and Dec back in the jungle hut, the new season kicks off on Monday, 16 November, marking the show's 26th year on air.

What Happened

The BBC reports that Wayne Rooney will lead this year's campmates, joined by Gavin and Stacey actress Joanna Page, Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson, Paralympian Ade Adepitan, and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup. Also entering the jungle are TV presenter AJ Odudu, comedian Jack Skipper, Love Island star Chloe Burrows, model Leomie Anderson, actress Claire Sweeney, and YouTuber Sharky.

Rooney said he is determined to go one better than his wife Coleen, who finished as runner-up in 2024. He also admitted to a fear of jumping from aircraft, snakes, and the ocean. Meanwhile, Ade Adepitan will make history as the first wheelchair user to compete on the programme, with producers adapting the Australian camp to ensure it is accessible.

Why This Matters

This series arrives after a controversial all-star edition filmed in South Africa, which ended with on-stage tensions and walk-outs during the live final. The 2026 season represents a return to the traditional Australian format and a fresh start for the long-running ITV franchise.

Ade Adepitan's participation is also a significant milestone for representation on reality television. He described the opportunity as overwhelming and noted that being the first wheelchair user in the show's history was never something he expected.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 series premieres on Monday, 16 November, hosted by Ant and Dec.
  • Wayne Rooney leads the line-up, hoping to beat wife Coleen's runner-up finish from 2024.
  • Ade Adepitan becomes the first wheelchair user in the show's history, with camp adaptations made for accessibility.
  • The full cast includes Joanna Page, Ricky Wilson, Mariella Frostrup, AJ Odudu, Jack Skipper, Chloe Burrows, Leomie Anderson, Claire Sweeney, and Sharky.
  • Comedian Leigh Francis, known as Keith Lemon, is rumoured to join as a late addition but is not currently confirmed.

Conclusion

With a mix of sports legends, television personalities, and online creators, the 2026 I'm A Celebrity line-up promises drama, challenges, and plenty of Bushtucker Trials. Viewers can tune in from 16 November to see which campmate will be crowned king or queen of the jungle.