I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here is set to return to our screens for a special new series, bringing back some old fan favourites. A total of nine contestants from previous series are confirmed for the all-new I’m a Celebrity… South Africa series, with more expected to follow.

Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder, former royal butler Paul Burrell, Carol Vorderman and former Corrie star Helen Flanagan are among those taking part in the new series, filmed - as the name suggests - in South Africa. Regular hosts Ant and Dec return as presenters.

The contestants will again face bush tucker trials and other challenges, but - just in case you thought you’d seen it all before - the programme’s makers say they have a few surprises up their sleeves. Here’s what we know so far about ITV’s I’m a Celeb South Africa.

READ MORE: Six ITV I'm A Celebrity South Africa stars set to join as late arrivals - full list

When does I’m a Celebrity South Africa start?

The first episode in the new I’m a Celebrity… South Africa series will be shown on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Monday, April 24. The launch programme will be 90 minutes long and will follow the contestants as they arrive at their new camp in South Africa.

How does I’m a Celebrity South Africa work?

I’m a Celebrity… South Africa will see contestants from previous I’m a Celeb series compete to become the first ‘I’m a Celebrity Legend’. There is no public vote in the South Africa series and the series has been filmed entirely in advance of broadcast.

As with previous series of I’m a Celeb, the South Africa contestants will face bush tucker trials and other challenges. The programme’s makers say the challenges will be the toughest yet seen on I’m a Celeb, in a harsher and more difficult environment than previously.

Who’s on I’m a Celebrity South Africa?

So far, nine contestants from previous series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here are confirmed as taking part in I’m a Celebrity… South Africa. Contestants confirmed to be appearing in the new series from the start are as follows:

  • Amir Khan

  • Shaun Ryder

  • Carol Vorderman

  • Jordan Banjo

  • Paul Burrell

  • Phil Tufnell

  • Helen Flanagan

  • Fatima Whitbread

  • Janice Dickinson

A further six contestants - Myleene Klass, Georgia Toffolo, Dean Gaffney, Joe Swash, Andy Whyment and Gillian McKeith - are reportedly set to head into the jungle as late arrivals.

Where is I’m a Celebrity South Africa filmed?

I’m a Celebrity… South Africa was filmed in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. A number of international versions of the programme are regularly filmed there, including the Australian edition of I’m a Celebrity.

When was I’m a Celebrity South Africa filmed?

I’m a Celebrity… South Africa was pre-recorded last year. The series had long been the subject of speculation before it was officially announced, with The Mirror reporting as far as back as April 2022 that it was set to be filmed in July of that year.

Why isn’t I’m a Celebrity South Africa live?

The Mirror reported last year that I’m a Celebrity… South Africa would be filmed as a backup in case plans to return the series to Australia fell through due to Covid restrictions. ITV bosses reportedly intended to show it last November if they had been unable to film in Australia, otherwise it would be aired early in 2023.

I’m a Celebrity did indeed return to Australia in 2022, with England footballer Jill Scott crowned as Queen of the Jungle. Because of coronavirus restrictions, the 2020 and 2021 series were filmed at Gwrych Castle in Abergele, north Wales.

How to watch I’m a Celebrity South Africa

The first episode of I’m a Celebrity… South Africa will air on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Monday, April 24, opening with a 90-minute launch show. The series will run for two weeks, a slightly shorter run than usual.

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