All-star 'i'm a celebrity' returns—but with a twist

Forget grueling jungle treks and unpredictable weather. ITV’s ‘I’m a Celebrity…South Africa’ is back for a second series, and this time, the drama is pre-recorded—with a thrilling live final promising a coronation, not just an elimination.

A familiar faces reunion, filmed far in advance

The new installment has corralled a roster of memorable faces from the show's history, including Gemma Collins and Sir Mo Farah. But unlike the usual Australian edition, which delivers live action across an 11-hour time difference, this spin-off was filmed in September 2023, meaning the camp confrontations and Bushtucker Trials have already unfolded. The lack of live voting during the main episodes—a departure from the standard format—may initially disappoint viewers accustomed to influencing the outcome in real-time. This echoes the structure of the first ‘South Africa’ series, which also bypassed viewer participation until the final.

Live final: the first real chance to crown a legend

But fear not, jungle enthusiasts. ITV has introduced a significant change: the grand finale will be broadcast live from the UK. The entire cast, previously enduring trials in the South African wilderness, will gather in a London studio for a live vote. The public will, for the first time in ‘I’m a Celebrity…South Africa’ history, decide who earns the title of ‘Legend.’ As Ant and Dec shared with former King of the Jungle, Sam Thompson, “We’re going to get all the cast back, and we’ll have the finalists in the studio.” The public, it seems, will finally have a say in crowning this year's champion.

Location, location, location: the blyde river canyon awaits

The trials and tribulations of this season's all-stars were captured near the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The location, blanketed in dense tropical forest, provides the quintessential backdrop for the show’s signature chaotic challenges. The live final is scheduled for April 24th at 9pm, so mark your calendars.