I'm A Celebrity 2026 Line-up Revealed Ahead of Australian Premiere
High-profile stars arrive in Australia for the 26th series of the reality competition.
1Jungle Return Imminent
The 26th series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! is set to launch in Australia. Ant and Dec return as hosts for the reality juggernaut, which sees celebrities trade luxury lifestyles for a basic camp. Production has confirmed the cast arrivals following intense speculation regarding the final line-up.
2Wayne Rooney Joins Cast
Former England captain and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 41, has arrived in Brisbane. Following his wife Coleen's appearance two years ago, Rooney is considered the show's biggest signing. Bookies currently list the football legend as the firm favourite to win, as he aims to impress his four sons through trials.
3Historic Inclusion Efforts
Paralympian Ade Adepitan, 53, is set to become the first wheelchair user to compete on the show. Producers have collaborated with the former basketball player to ensure the camp is fully adapted for accessibility. While previous Paralympians have appeared, this marks a significant milestone for the show's inclusive production standards.
4Digital Creator Presence
YouTube star Sharky, 30, has touched down in Australia, continuing the show's trend of recruiting online influencers. With 1.51 million YouTube subscribers and 2.2 million TikTok followers, he follows in the footsteps of previous winner Angryginge. ITV bosses hope his inclusion will successfully capture a younger, highly engaged digital-native audience demographic.
5Broadcasting Talent Recruited
Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu is reportedly joining the cast after wrapping her recent hosting duties. Sources suggest she was eager to participate, marking a transition from her role on the social experiment series to the jungle. She joins a diverse cohort of presenters and media personalities selected for this season.
6Soap and Comedy Stars
Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney, 55, joins the line-up, continuing the show's tradition of featuring soap opera icons. Meanwhile, comedian Leigh Francis, 53, is also participating. Known for his Keith Lemon persona, Francis enters the jungle after years of public encouragement from hosts Ant and Dec to face the Bushtucker trials.
7Gavin & Stacey Appeal
Joanna Page, 49, is considered a major signing for ITV. The Gavin & Stacey star and podcast host is expected to provide viewers with an authentic look at her personality. Her participation comes shortly after her on-screen mother, Melanie Walters, concluded her run on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing competition series.
8Model and Reality Veterans
Model Leomie Anderson, 33, brings international experience to the camp, having previously appeared on Netflix's Celebrity Bear Hunt. Additionally, Love Island 2021 star Chloe Burrows, 31, has been recruited to leverage her significant social media following. Both women are expected to bring a competitive edge to the upcoming jungle challenges.
9Comedy Circuit Representation
Stand-up comedian Jack Skipper, 36, joins the cast following his success on the comedy circuit and Live at the Apollo. A former carpet fitter, Skipper has built a large online fan base through viral clips. He aims to use the platform to elevate his career, similar to previous successful show contestants.
10Strategic Casting Pressures
ITV has faced increased pressure to secure high-calibre talent this year due to the success of the BBC's The Celebrity Traitors. Consequently, the network has focused on a mix of sports legends, viral internet stars, and established actors to maintain viewership dominance during the competitive pre-Christmas television schedule in Australia.
11Anticipating the Launch
With the cast now assembled in Brisbane, the 2026 series is scheduled to begin within days. The focus shifts to how these diverse personalities interact in the camp environment. Viewers will be watching to see if the adaptations for accessibility and the high-profile signings translate into record-breaking ratings for ITV.
Original article: Daily Mirror — I'm A Celebrity 2026 Line-up Revealed Ahead of Australian Premiere