When Does I'm A Celebrity 2026 Start

Okay, grab your coffee. Or tea. Or whatever you’re hiding in your mug to survive the day. Let’s talk about the real question burning in our collective brains: When does I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 2026 start?

You know the feeling. The nights are getting darker. The air is getting crisp. Suddenly, you have this primal urge to watch Ant and Dec smirk at people eating kangaroo testicles. It’s practically a seasonal instinct, like geese flying south or buying pumpkin spice.

So, when can we expect to see our favorite D-list celebrities shivering in the jungle? I’ve done the digging, so you don’t have to. And I’m not even asking for a sock back in return.

The Short, Sweet Answer (No Teasers, Promise)

Right then. Mark your calendars now. Based on every single series since the show moved to South Africa, I'm a Celebrity 2026 will likely start in mid-to-late November 2026. Specifically, we’re looking at the third week of November.

But here’s the thing: ITV loves a little suspense. They won’t confirm the exact date until about a month before. It’s their little power move. “We know you need us, but you’ll have to wait.”

History doesn’t lie, though. The 2024 series launched on Sunday, 17th November. The 2023 series launched on Sunday, 19th November. See the pattern? It’s like clockwork. British television clockwork, which usually runs late but is highly dependable for chaos.

Why November?

Good question, hypothetical friend. November is the sweet spot. It’s dark, it’s cold, and your central heating bill has just made you cry. The show provides one thing we all desperately need: escapism.

It’s also the perfect time for the show’s big format twist. Since 2023, they’ve been filming in a Welsh castle for part of the run. Yes, a castle. In Wales. No tropical beaches. Just fog, mud, and the ghost of a medieval peasant judging your life choices. It’s surprisingly cozy.

So, you’re trading sand for rain. You’re trading sunshine for crankiness and campfires. Honestly? It still works. The grumpy energy of a damp celebrity is peak British entertainment. Don’t fight it.

What About the 2026 Cast? (The Juicy Stuff)

Ah, the cast. We never know until they walk in, do we? But let’s do some wild speculation. We always get one ex-reality star, one retired athlete, and one soap actor who is terrified of everything.

My bets for 2026? A former Love Islander who “wants to show their true self.” A comedian who swears too much and gets away with it because they’re funny. And a random politician who thinks this will fix their reputation. Spoiler: It won’t.

Remember the 2025 storylines? Oh, the drama. The arguments over rice and beans. The tears over a missing hairbrush. The campmate who cried when they found a spider. It’s beautiful, messy, and I’ll be watching every second.

So yes, the cast is a complete mystery box. But the anticipation? That’s the real thrill. You can already feel the collective British sigh of “Aw, look at them suffering” building up in the distance.

How to Prepare Yourself (Yes, You Need To)

This isn’t a casual viewing experience. This is a commitment. You’ll need to stock up on snacks. Biscuits, preferably. Custard creams if you’re feeling fancy. And a blanket you don’t mind getting a bit of chocolate on.

You’ll also need to clear your evenings. The show airs every single night, even on weekends. That’s right, Sunday night is jungle night. No, you cannot go to bed early. The trials await. The trials demand your attention.

If you want to be a real pro, download the companion show schedule. “I’m a Celebrity: Unpacked” or whatever they call it now. That’s where the eliminated campmates spill all the tea. It’s like the jungle’s gossip corner. You will need it.

One More Thing… The Return to Australia?

I can hear you asking, “But will they ever go back to the real jungle? The one in Australia? With the sun and the actual spiders?” Good question, friend. The rumor mill is churning.

ITV has signed a deal to keep the show in Wales for another year. But whispers suggest a return to the Gold Coast for 2026 is possible. Could you imagine? Sunscreen! T-shirts! Heat! It would be a whole new show. Stranger things have happened. Like that time someone ate a live scorpion and then asked for a cup of tea. Normal stuff.

If they go back, the start date might shift. Maybe earlier? Maybe later? My bet is on a comfortable mid-November slot. They know we need it. It’s a national ritual now, like the Queen’s Speech but with more animal parts.

The Final Verdict (No Pressure)

So, to wrap up this coffee chat? Mark Sunday, 15th or 16th November 2026 in your calendar. That’s when the pure, unadulterated, glorious mess will begin.

Until then, keep your eyes peeled for the official ITV announcement. And maybe, just maybe, start practicing your face for when they announce a trial involving a tank of eels. It’s a skill, really. A skill of pure, joyful despair.

I’ll see you in the jungle. On my sofa. With biscuits. It’s going to be glorious.