I'm A Celebrity 2026 Start Date Confirmed: When Does It Begin?
The wait is nearly over for fans of jungle antics and Bushtucker Trials. ITV has confirmed that the 26th series of I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! will debut on Monday 16 November 2026 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The announcement, reported by LADbible and corroborated by other outlets, marks a break from the show's traditional Sunday night launch, giving viewers a Monday evening start instead.
A Stacked Cast Headlined by Wayne Rooney
Although ITV has not officially confirmed the full lineup, a leaked list published by The Sun has been widely reported. The most prominent name is former England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney, who is rumoured to be the biggest celebrity ever to enter the jungle. Rooney's wife, Coleen, appeared on the show in 2024 and finished as runner-up.
Other names reportedly joining him include comedian Leigh Francis (best known as Keith Lemon), Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, Paralympian Ade Adepitan, Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, TV host AJ Odudu, journalist Mariella Frostrup, model Leomie Anderson, comedian Jack Skipper, content creator Sharmarke 'Sharky' Mohamud, and actor Claire Sweeney. ITV has declined to comment on the speculation, stating only that "any names suggested for I'm A Celebrity are just speculation."
How to Watch and What to Expect
The first episode will air at 9pm, with no confirmed end time yet. Viewers can watch live on ITV1 or stream via ITVX, which offers a free ad-supported option and a premium tier at £5.99 per month for ad-free catch-up and downloads. In Scotland, STV and STV Player will carry the show. The series is expected to run for approximately three weeks, culminating in a live final in early December.
Ant and Dec will return as hosts, and the companion show I'm A Celebrity… Unpacked is also expected to return. The main series will once again be set in Murwillumbah, Australia, following the recent 'All-Stars' season in South Africa.
Context: Why This Season Matters
A High-Profile Booking
Wayne Rooney's rumoured participation represents a significant coup for ITV. The football legend's estimated net worth of £200 million makes him one of the wealthiest contestants in the show's history. According to The Standard, the reported lineup boasts a combined net worth of around £239 million, spanning sport, music, comedy, and broadcasting.
Rooney's involvement could draw a new audience to the show, particularly sports fans who might not typically tune in. His wife's successful run in 2024 also adds a layer of intrigue, with viewers curious to see if he can go one step further and be crowned King of the Jungle.
A Changing Reality TV Landscape
The 2026 series arrives amid a crowded reality TV schedule. Strictly Come Dancing and The Great British Bake Off are already in full swing, and Big Brother and Celebrity Traitors have recently concluded. As the final major star-studded reality show of the year, I'm A Celebrity is positioned to capture viewers in the run-up to Christmas.
However, the show faces competition from a new ITV format in Canada, where celebrities are dropped into the wilderness. That production was reportedly shut down due to a bear attack, but the incident has not affected the traditional Australian series.
Perspective: What This Means for ITV and Reality TV
The confirmed start date and rumoured lineup signal ITV's continued investment in I'm A Celebrity as a cornerstone of its autumn schedule. Despite entering its 26th season, the show retains major pulling power, as evidenced by the calibre of names reportedly attached.
A Test for the Format
The move to a Monday launch, rather than the traditional Sunday, may be a strategic scheduling decision to avoid clashes with other programming or to build momentum across the week. It remains to be seen whether the shift affects viewing figures.
The show's ability to attract a figure like Rooney also demonstrates the enduring appeal of reality TV as a platform for celebrities to reshape their public image or reach new audiences. For Rooney, it offers a chance to show a different side to the public, much as his wife did in 2024.
Broader Trends
As reality TV continues to evolve, I'm A Celebrity remains a reliable performer for ITV. The mix of high-profile names, exotic locations, and viewer interaction through voting has kept the format fresh. With the festive period approaching and audiences seeking escapism, the 2026 series is well-positioned to deliver strong ratings.
For now, fans can mark their calendars for Monday 16 November at 9pm and prepare for another three weeks of jungle drama, campfire confessions, and Bushtucker Trials. Whether Wayne Rooney can emulate his wife's success remains to be seen, but his presence alone ensures that this year's series will be one to watch.
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