When Does Im A Celeb Start 2026

Alright, grab a cuppa and a biscuit, because we need to talk about the most important question facing Britain right now. No, not the economy. Not even the weather. I’m talking about the sacred countdown to I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2026. You’re probably frantically Googling, “When does I’m a Celeb start 2026?” while wearing last year’s Christmas jumper. I see you.

Let’s cut the jungle suspense. The show typically kicks off in the second half of November, and there is zero chance that 2026 will be any different. The BBC has the Strictly dancefloor, and ITV has a bunch of terrified D-listers eating kangaroo testicles. It’s the law of the land.

Mark your calendars: Expect the first episode to air around Sunday, November 15th, 2026. It might slide to the 22nd if the schedule gods are feeling cheeky, but that’s your window. Start clearing your social calendar now; you’ve got bushtucker trials to watch.

Why November? Because Ant and Dec Need a Holiday, Too

Why do they always pick the soggiest, darkest month of the year? Because it’s the only time Ant and Dec can get a break from presenting every other show on British television. They probably have a contract clause that says, “No work in October; our tans need maintenance.” It also guarantees that you’ll be miserable enough at home to watch strangers suffer, which is peak comfort viewing.

Plus, November in Australia is actually spring. While you’re shivering in a woolly hat, the celebs are sweating in a humid jungle. It’s a beautiful, televised injustice that we call “entertainment.” You’ll hate them for it, but you’ll watch.

Another fun fact: the launch show is usually a Monday or Sunday night. ITV loves to dominate the weekend, then keep you hostage for three straight weeks. You won’t escape until early December, just in time to panic-buy Christmas presents.

The Real Question: Who Will Be Eating the Worms?

Nobody knows the cast yet, but we can make terrifyingly accurate guesses. Get ready for a lineup that includes: a former Love Islander you forgot existed, a soap star who “needs a break,” and a washed-up Olympic athlete. There will be exactly one person over 60 who will win everyone’s hearts by being grumpy.

Surprising fact: The show was filmed in South Africa for 2020 and 2021 due to the plague. But fear not—by 2026, they will be firmly back in the Australian jungle in New South Wales. The spiders there are the size of your hand. You’re welcome for that mental image.

The actual format won’t change much. The trials will still involve being covered in snakes while eating a fish eyeball. It’s a formula that works. Why fix what isn’t broken, especially when it makes us laugh until we choke on our tea?

So, How to Prepare for the 2026 Jungle Invasion

Step one: set a reminder for mid-November 2026 right now. Do not trust your memory; you will forget, and you will cry on social media when you see the memes. Step two: stock up on snacks. You’ll need digestive biscuits for the sad bits and crisps for the arguing bits.

Step three: warn your family that you will be unavailable from 9 PM to 10:30 PM for a month. They can handle their own dinner. You have a royal duty to watch a former reality star scream at a kangaroo penis. Priorities.

Pro tip: If you want to impress your friends, mention that the show sometimes airs a “launch night” special on a Friday if the schedule gets jumbled. But in 2026, the safe bet is Sunday, November 15th. Write it in invisible ink on your forehead if you have to.

A Warning About the Time Difference

The show airs live in the UK, which means Australia is 11 hours ahead. So while you’re eating dinner, the celebs are waking up in a camp covered in ants. This time delay is why Ant and Dec sometimes sound a bit tired. They’re not drunk; they’re just confused about what day it is.

Also, prepare for the inevitable “wow, imagine how hot it is there” comments from your dad. Yes, Dad, we know. It’s the jungle. Now shut up and watch the spider crawl on the celebrity’s face.

If you miss the live show, don’t panic. ITV will have the episode on their streaming service, ITVX, by midnight. You can watch it while pretending you didn’t see the spoilers on Twitter. Spoiler alert: the person who says “I’m not here to make friends” will win the public’s hatred.

So, when does I’m a Celeb start in 2026? Circle November 15th, 2026 in your diary. Tell your boss you have a dentist appointment. Cancel your plans. The jungle is calling, and it wants you to watch a former politician try to cook rice over an open fire. You won’t regret it. Well, you might, but that’s the fun part.

Now, go hydrate. You’ll need your strength for the screaming.