When Does I M A Celeb Start 2026

Okay, let’s cut to the chase, because I know your calendar is already crying out for a dose of jungle drama. You want to know when I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! returns in 2026, right? Deep breaths, mate. The official start date hasn’t been locked in a damp cell just yet, but we can make a very educated guess based on history.

For the last ten years, the show has pretty much kicked off in the third week of November. So for 2026, you can put a big, sparkly star on Sunday, November 15th as the likeliest launch date. Of course, ITV might shuffle the deck chairs by a day or two, but you can bet your bottom dollar it won’t be December.

Why November, you ask? Because the UK is getting chilly, we’re all tired of pumpkin spice, and we desperately need to watch Ant and Dec shiver in a rain forest while celebrities eat a kangaroo gonad. It’s a national tradition, people. It’s practically our Thanksgiving, minus the turkey and plus the witchetty grubs.

Why We’re Already Obsessed with 2026

Look, I know 2025 hasn’t even finished its first half. But planning your telly schedule is a serious hobby, and I respect that. The 2026 series will be the twenty-fourth season, which is, frankly, a miracle given what these poor souls are asked to do.

We’re already speculating about which former soap star or Olympian will be the first to announce they’ve “always wanted a new challenge.” Spoiler: Everyone says that. Nobody ever says, “I’m here because my agent got a great deal and I need a new kitchen.” But we know.

The best part? We’re still probably about 18 months away, which means the anticipation is perfectly aged, like a fine cheese. Or like the last bag of crisps you find in the jungle stash, which is probably just as valuable.

The Glorious Uncertainty of the Start Date

Here’s the thing: ITV loves to keep us on our toes. They might announce a Sunday launch, then surprise us with a Monday opener just to watch the Twitter meltdown. It’s their version of a TikTok dance, and we keep watching.

Your safest bet? Set a Google alert for “I’m a Celeb 2026 start date” and then panic-buy a pack of chunky blankets and a takeaway menu. You’ll need fuel for the long nights of watching people play “name the creature in the box.”

Two more familiar faces land I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here

Also, remember that the start date influences the finale. If they start on November 15th, you’re looking at a winner crowned around December 6th. That’s right. You’ll be crying into your tea over a campfire reunion just before the Christmas ads hit. Perfect timing.

How to Prepare for the Big Day

First, clear your social calendar. Cancel any plans that involve leaving the house after 8 PM. This is non-negotiable. The jungle waits for no one, not even your cousin’s birthday party.

Second, stock up on snacks that you are willing to eat. Not kangaroo balls. I’m talking about Doritos, dip, and maybe a nice bottle of wine. You don’t have to suffer with the contestants. That’s their job.

Third, start practicing your best jungle catchphrases. “I’m absolutely starving,” “I miss my family,” and “I can’t believe I just ate that” are guaranteed to be shouted at your TV. If you get the timing right, you’ll feel like a proper armchair cast member.

The Little Gaps That Make It Fun

One of the best parts about the 2026 show will be the gap between rumored lineups and the actual announcement. For months, you’ll see lists like “WAG, ex-Boyzone member, and a Love Island reject.” And then the actual cast is a bunch of absolute legends you forgot existed.

When does I'm A Celeb 2026 start

This is the will-they-won’t-they of reality TV. It’s better than dating. You get to hope for a lion tamer, prepare for a retired politician, and then just be delighted by whoever falls into the camp first.

Plus, the 2026 series will be the first one where we can truly judge the new hosts in their element. Ant and Dec are safe, but you never know when they’ll invent a brand new bit. Maybe a time-traveling challenge? Probably not. But a fan can dream.

The Uplifting Truth About Waiting

So, when does I’m a Celeb Start 2026? Almost certainly on a Sunday in mid-November. But here is the real answer: it starts whenever you are ready to escape from your own life for an hour each night.

The jungle is a place where politics, drama, and panic over a small spider bring us all together. It reminds us that no matter how tough our day was, we didn’t have to eat a fish eye. And that is precious perspective, my friend.

So mark your calendar with a giant, glittery question mark for now. Then, when November 2026 rolls around, you’ll be there. Snuggled up, laughing at the absurdity, and feeling that warm, silly joy that only a bunch of celebrities covered in mud can provide. The jungle is waiting, and it will be absolutely worth the wait. See you in the camp.