I'm a Celebrity 2026: ITV Start Date, How to Watch and What Is Confirmed

The jungle countdown is on

ITV's long-running reality series I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! is preparing to return this month, bringing another group of famous faces into the Australian jungle. Current UK listings put the opening episode on Monday 16 November 2026 at 9pm GMT on ITV1. That is later than some viewers may have expected: the reported scheduling change avoids a clash with the England-Spain Nations League football fixture the previous evening. As with any future television schedule, viewers should check ITV's listings closer to transmission in case plans change.

Where can viewers watch?

The programme is expected to air on ITV1, with episodes also available through ITVX. In Scotland, viewers can normally follow ITV programmes through STV and STV Player, subject to local scheduling. The series is expected to run across several weeks, with nightly episodes and a live finale in early December. An exact finale date should not be treated as fixed until ITV confirms it.

What about the celebrity line-up?

Casting speculation is part of the annual build-up, but rumoured names are not the same as confirmed contestants. At the time of writing, the reporting used for this preview does not establish a definitive official cast list. Social media posts and unofficial lists may circulate ahead of the launch, but readers should wait for announcements from ITV or the programme's verified channels before assuming a particular celebrity is taking part. That distinction matters when names are being repeated without a clear source.

What to expect from the series

The show's familiar format combines camp life, group challenges, public voting and Bushtucker Trials. Contestants are asked to cope with limited comforts while viewers follow alliances, arguments and unexpected friendships. Much of the appeal comes from seeing celebrities outside their usual professional settings, although the precise twists and tasks are usually kept under wraps until broadcast. For those hoping to follow every episode, setting a reminder for the first broadcast is the safest option.

How to avoid the rumour mill

As the opening date approaches, celebrity names are likely to trend online. A reliable cast announcement should come from ITV or another clearly attributable source, rather than an anonymous social account or a recycled list from a previous series. Viewers should also distinguish between an official trailer, a teaser and fan-made artwork. If a post claims to reveal the winner before the programme has even started, it is almost certainly speculation rather than verified reporting. The launch is still more than a week away, leaving plenty of time for programme details to be announced. For now, the date, channel and viewing options are more useful than unconfirmed names. Check the broadcaster's listings on the day for the latest information.

Source and image credit

Programme schedule reported by TechRadar, 3 November 2026: https://www.techradar.com/entertainment/tv-shows/im-a-celebrity-2026-what-we-know-release-date-cast-confirmed-how-to-watch. Photo by MEHEDI HASAN ( KΛΛSH ) on Unsplash. Illustrative rainforest image, not the television set.