I’m A Celebrity… South Africa All Stars Series Returns in 2025
The highly anticipated I’m A Celebrity… South Africa all stars series is set to make a return on ITV later in 2025. This time, the show is bringing back not just one but two of its most iconic jungle stars for an exciting new chapter.
Starting in 2024, the I’m A Celebrity… South Africa series will reunite former campmates from the popular ITV game show. However, this season will see a dramatic shift as participants trade the Australian jungle for the vast and challenging desert landscape.
Last year’s series featured a stellar lineup of celebrities including Shaun Ryder, Gillian McKeith, Helen Flanagan, Phil Tufnell, and Jordan Banjo, who once again faced the grueling challenges of the jungle. The competition was ultimately won by Myleene Klass, who had previously finished second during the show’s sixth series almost 20 years ago. Now, two more familiar faces are reportedly in talks to challenge her for the title.
Harry Redknapp Set to Return
According to recent reports, legendary football manager Harry Redknapp is close to signing with ITV for the upcoming series. At 78 years old, he became the oldest-ever winner of the main series in 2018, earning £500,000 for his participation. He is expected to return for the South Africa edition in autumn before the series airs in the New Year.
A source revealed that Harry’s return would be a significant boost for the show. “It’s going to be a real coup,” they said. “Harry is TV gold and was first on the list of wannabe celebrity contestants.”
Harry’s victory in the main series captivated 11 million viewers, with many moved to tears when he was reunited with his wife, Sandra, on the bridge after expressing his love for her throughout the camp. While he was one of the highest earners on the show, other celebrities like Coleen Rooney and Nigel Farage have made even more, with deals worth £1.5 million.
Despite the excitement surrounding his potential return, Harry’s representatives have remained tight-lipped about his plans. A spokesperson stated: “This is speculation.”
Gemma Collins Makes a Comeback?
Another big name already linked to the upcoming South Africa series is Gemma Collins. The Towie star and television personality, 44, is known for her vibrant presence on British TV, and ITV is hoping she can help boost ratings once again.
Gemma famously lasted only three days in the Jungle during her previous appearance, openly expressing her dislike for the experience. She once quipped, “People who murder get treated better than this. That’s the truth. Even a murderer gets fed three times a day.” Her emotional outbursts and dramatic moments became a viral sensation on social media, with memes still being shared today.
A source told The Sun that while Gemma hated the experience initially, she understands the potential for a successful comeback. “She hated it first time round, but knows it would be TV gold for her fans if she gave it another go. The discussions could go either way, but signing her would be a huge win for execs.”
Gemma’s comments from 2019 on The Jonathan Ross Show suggest she might be open to returning. She reflected on her past experience, saying, “I wasn’t ready for that show. I was new to TV; I was the underdog on Towie. I wasn’t the best-looking girl, I didn’t have a model figure. I was this car girl from Romford selling cars. I was being put in the Jungle, and in hindsight, I wasn’t ready for it.”
She added, “If I was to go back now, I’ve got more experience. I’ve got a tougher skin now, and I think that’s where the GC came into play. If they asked me back, yes, I’d go back.”
A Difficult Start
Gemma’s initial experience in the Jungle in 2014 did not go smoothly. She refused to parachute into camp with the rest of the group and later withdrew due to panic attacks. She also claimed that her ex-boyfriend, Alexander Moss, had “severely beaten” her the night before she joined the show.
ITV initially advised against her participation, but Gemma insisted on taking the opportunity. Alexander was eventually jailed for 21 months in 2019.
Gemma has spoken about the emotional impact of her time on the show, stating, “I can remember lying in my flat where I lived and just thinking, I just want to die. I haven’t done anything wrong. I’ve left the Jungle because of something that happened to me.”
What’s Next?
I’m a Celebrity… South Africa is expected to return to ITV1 and ITVX early next year. Fans are eagerly awaiting news on which celebrities will join the cast. If you have a celebrity story or any updates, you can reach out to the entertainment team via email at [email protected], call 020 3615 2145, or visit their Submit Stuff page.
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