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ITV quietly ditch reality spin-off show – despite massive ratings and all-star cast
TV bosses confirmed the move - but there was some hope for fans of the programme
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I’M A Celebrity South Africa will not be returning to TV this year – despite being a massive ratings hit.
ITV has made the decision to shelve the spin-off to the huge reality show, which last year saw jungle titans such as Helen Flanagan, Joe Swash and Phil Tufnell return to camp for a second time.
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The series was pre-recorded, which meant there were no public votes and instead the celebs had to take part in trials to see who would be eliminated – before Myleene Klass was crowned the ultimate "legend".
A TV insider said: "ITV have decided I'm A Celebrity South Africa will not return this year and there are currently no plans for another series.
“It may well return in the future so it’s not necessarily gone for good, but it definitely won’t be happening this year and there is nothing set in stone for when it will be.
“This will come as a disappointment to fans as Ant and Dec had previously hinted that it would be back and it was expected that it would be an annual thing.”
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An ITV spokesperson confirmed: “I'm A Celebrity... South Africa was commissioned to air in 2023 to celebrate favourite campmates from the past 20 years as they returned to the jungle.
“The series was one of the biggest entertainment shows of the year averaging 5.2million across its consecutive weeknight run and reaching over one million 16-34s for the launch episode.
“It was never planned for the series to return again this year.”
Ant and Dec headed to South Africa alongside the famous cast towards the end of 2022, but the show did not air until April 2023.
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Despite millions tuning in, some fans weren’t happy with the pre-recorded element of the show, because they didn’t get to vote.
During the final, Myleene took part in a brutal eating trial face-off with Diversity dancer Jordan Banjo for the win.
She was forced to chomp down 60 mouse tails and 40 spoons of revolting fermented tofu.
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She triumphed over the 30-year-old dancer, while Olympian Fatima Whitbread, 62, came third and ex-cricketer Phil Tufnell, 57, fourth in the series filmed in Kruger National Park.
Speaking about her win, Myleene said: “The first time round, I wasn’t a mum so there was no jeopardy if I ran around the jungle for a few weeks in a white bikini. I had a ball the first time.
“They say don’t go back to an ex and don’t go back to a reheated dinner.
“The jungle back in Australia gave me my family, gave me my work, gave me my career.
“I wanted to go to the bush as I wanted to say thank you for what the jungle has given me.”
I'm A Celeb South Africa cast
- Helen Flanagan - Known for Coronation Street.
- Carol Vorderman - Former Countdown star.
- Amir Khan - Former boxing hero.
- Paul Burrell - Known for being Princess Diana's aide.
- Shaun Ryder - Happy Mondays singer.
- Fatima Whitbread - Former Olympic athlete.
- Janice Dickinson - Known for being the "world's first supermodel".
- Andrew Whymen - Coronation Street star.
- Dean Gaffney - Former EastEnders star.
- Gillian McKeith - TV presenter.
- Georgia Toffolo - Reality TV star.
- Joe Swash - TV presenter and actor.
- Jordan Banjo - Radio star and Diversity dancer.
- Fatima Whitbread - Former Olympic athlete.
- Phil Tufnell - Former cricket star.
- Myleene Klass - Radio and TV star
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