Is I’m A Celebrity South Africa live? All you need to know about ITV series

Three years since it last aired, I’m A Celebrity South Africa is finally back for a second season.

Tonight, the ITV series returns with a brand new line-up of legendary campmates all hoping for a second chance at being named King or Queen of the Jungle.

This year, the cast includes memorable past contestants, including Gemma Collins, Harry Redknapp and Sir Mo Farah, and fans are already predicting who’ll be frontrunners for the crown.

Speaking in the teaser released by ITV, former Queen Scarlett Moffatt said: ‘Doing this show changed my life. I went in there, and I was 25. I’m a mum now, I’m getting married, and to do this, it just feels really full circle.’

Here’s everything you need to know about the series.

Is I’m A Celebrity South Africa live?

Unlike I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, the South Africa spin-off is almost completely pre-recorded. However, one element of the show will be shown live for the first time.

The 2026 South Africa series was filmed in September last year, just a couple of months before the main show returned in Australia.

Despite production on the all-stars show taking place over six months ago, the grand finale – which is scheduled for Friday April 24 – will be live and hosted by Ant and Dec on ITV1, STV and ITVX.

I’m A Celebrity fans have the opportunity to attend the final in person in London, as advertised on the free ticket website Applause Store.

‘You are invited to join Ant and Dec as the celebrities gather for one last night to find out who will be crowned the ‘I’m a Celebrity Legend’ 2026!’ the advertisement states.

‘All the finalists will be in the studio, and the atmosphere promises to be truly electric as the result is revealed live on ITV1.’

Where is it filmed?

I’m A Celebrity South Africa is filmed at the world-renowned Kruger National Park.

On the website for South African National Parks, it states: ‘Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, Kruger offers a world-class wildlife experience with unparalleled diversity.

‘It is home to 336 tree species, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 mammals, and leads in environmental management techniques.’

On Lonely Planet, it says that the park is ‘so full of wonders you can’t help but be wrapped up in its magic’.

‘Easy to reach, expertly managed and almost uniquely self-drivable, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s great destinations for wildlife viewing.

‘All the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – are present in the park, together with safari favourites impala, zebra, giraffe, hippos and crocs.’

Who won the last series?

The first series of I’m A Celebrity South Africa aired in 2023, with returning campmates in the cast including Helen Flanagan, Carl Vorderman and Joe Swash.

The inaugural season was won by Myleene Klass, with Jordan Banjo finishing in second place, and Fatima Whitbread finishing third.

After her win, Myleene said: ‘You can’t do it alone… I am blown away at the friendships I’ve come away with.’

Fans celebrated the musician and TV presenter for being a ‘deserving winner’, while another wrote at the time: ‘You are actually superhuman.’

How long will the series be on for?

With I’m A Celebrity South Africa beginning on April 6 and ending on April 24, the latest season will air for just under three weeks.

The series will air on weeknights at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with a break at weekends.

I’m A Celebrity South Africa begins tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

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