When Does I'm A Celebrity Start

Okay, let’s be honest. By this time of year, the only thing on my mind is whether I’ll survive the next turkey dinner—and who’s about to eat a kangaroo testicle on my TV. You’re here because you’ve got the same burning question: When does I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! actually start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered, and I promise this won’t be as confusing as trying to guess which B-list star will cry first.

The short, glorious answer is that the new series typically kicks off in mid-to-late November. Think of it as the official signal that Christmas chaos is about to begin—except with more bugs and fewer tinsel. In 2024, the show landed on Sunday, November 17th, which means you can expect a similar date in 2025. Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and maybe warn your boss that your productivity might take a slight dive.

Why November? Because the British Weather is a Nightmare

Let’s face it: by November, the sun has officially ghosted the UK. We’re all desperate for a glimpse of warmth, even if it’s just the Australian outback on a screen. The showrunners know we need a distraction from the rain, the dark evenings, and the fact that we’ve already eaten three advent calendar chocolates.

Ant and Dec don’t want to compete with summer barbecues or the World Cup. They want you shivering on your sofa, cozy in your pajamas, while campmates shiver in the jungle. It’s a beautiful, sadistic symmetry. Plus, November is the perfect time to start a new obsession—especially one that involves watching celebrities argue over rice and beans.

The Exact Time You Need to Park Your Bottom on the Couch

Most episodes air at 9:00 PM GMT, give or take a few minutes because ITV loves to keep us guessing. It’s the sacred hour where you can finally ignore your responsibilities and pretend you’re a jungle survival expert. If you miss it live, don’t panic—it’s usually on ITVX the next day, but the live chat is half the fun.

You’ll also get a Saturday night episode (usually a shorter one), and then the main shows run Sunday through Friday. It’s like a part-time job, but the only pay is watching someone eat a fish eye. Honestly? Worth it.

What about the finale? That’s usually about three weeks later, smack-dab in early December. So you’ll have plenty of time to bond with the contestants, decide who your favorite is, and then watch them win a crown made of leaves. It’s a beautiful, messy journey.

How to Know if the Start Date Has Changed (Because TV Loves Drama)

TV schedules are about as reliable as a vegan at a steakhouse—they can change at the last minute. ITV sometimes delays the launch by a week due to other big shows, like the Rugby World Cup or a random political broadcast. But don’t worry: the second an official date is announced, the internet will explode with memes and countdown clocks.

Your best bet is to follow @imacelebrity on Twitter (I refuse to call it X) or check the official ITV website. Or, you know, just ask your friend Greg—he’s probably already got a spreadsheet. I promise the announcement will come with a dramatic trailer featuring a spider crawling over a picture of a D-list star.

What About the Rumors? (Spoiler: It’s All Speculation)

Every year, the rumor mill churns out names like “Holly Willoughby” or “a former Love Island star with a problematic ex.” It’s all hot air until Ant and Dec actually walk into camp. So don’t get too attached to the rumor list—it’s like believing the weather forecast in November. Still, it’s fun to guess! Will we get a grumpy politician? A soap star? A YouTuber who’s never seen a bug before?

Honestly, the casting is part of the mystery. The show usually confirms the lineup about a week before the launch. So you’ll have exactly seven days to Google the contestants, pretend you know who they are, and then decide you hate them. It’s a whole ritual.

The Real Reason You’re Asking This Question

Let’s be real: you’re not just asking for the date. You’re asking for a lifeline. You want to know when you can finally shut off your brain, grab a blanket, and watch people suffer in a controlled environment. It’s comfort television at its finest. And I’m right there with you, popcorn in hand.

So save the date: Mid-November, 9 PM, ITV. It’s the one event where crying over spilled rice is totally acceptable. And if you miss it? Just remember: the jungle will always welcome you back. Because let’s be honest, the real jungle is our own lives—just with fewer snakes and more laundry.

One Final, Silly Note

If you’re reading this and thinking, “But what if I live in Australia?”—first, congratulations on the sun. Second, you’ll get the show a few hours earlier, so maybe don’t spoil it for us. And if you’re in the US, I’m sorry, but you’ll have to wait for a streaming service to pick it up. Patience, grasshopper.

For everyone else, here’s the good news: the countdown has already started. Start preparing your bingo cards for “crying over a trial,” “accidental nudity in the creek,” and “someone saying they miss their family for the 50th time.” It’s going to be a glorious mess.

And now, the uplifting conclusion you deserve: No matter when the show starts, you’re already winning at life. You’ve made it through another year of chaos, you’re still curious about the world, and you’re willing to sit through 40 minutes of a celebrity trying to eat a witchetty grub. That takes courage, my friend. So go ahead, mark your calendar, and remember: the jungle is waiting for you. And so is a cup of tea, a biscuit, and the delightful schadenfreude of watching someone else’s bad day on national TV. See you in November! 🦁🌴