Despite being a ratings success, I’m a Celebrity South Africa will not be returning for a second series. This special spin-off featured favourite celebrities from the main ITV show, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, heading to South Africa for an all-stars version, with hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly at the helm.
Myleene Klass emerged as the ultimate ‘legend’ after defeating campmates such as Helen Flanagan, Joe Swash, and Jordan Banjo.
Unlike the live episodes of the traditional annual show filmed in Australia, the spin-off was pre-recorded. Consequently, instead of the public voting for eliminations and the ultimate winner, all outcomes were determined by trials.
In the final showdown between Myleene and Jordan, they faced a disgusting eating trial involving fermented eggs, pig snouts, chicken intestines, mice tails, and stinky tofu.
Last year, fans enjoyed two series of I’m a Celebrity, which began in 2002, but it has now been confirmed that the South Africa edition was a one-off to commemorate a special anniversary, as initially reported by The Sun.
An ITV spokesperson said: “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 5.2 million viewers across its consecutive weeknight run and attracting over 1 million 16-34-year-olds for the launch episode. It was never intended for the series to return again this year.”
This means we’ll have to wait until November for the 24th series to find out who Sam Thompson will be passing his floral crown to. However, the mention of ‘this year’ by ITV suggests hope that it could possibly return in the future.
Ant and Dec, both 48, previously hinted at a potential return during an Instagram live session. When a fan asked if Ferne McCann could participate in I’m a Celebrity, Ant replied: “Ferne’s already done it, she’s already done it! But she could do South Africa when we do that. We could have her on that.”
After winning the show filmed in Kruger National Park, Myleene, 46, donated the entire £100,000 prize money to Save The Children UK.
“I’ve seen for myself that this money will go far. The mouse tails and rotten tofu were worth it,” she remarked.
The full line-up also included Carol Vorderman, Paul Burrell, Dean Gaffney, Janice Dickinson, Andy Whyment, Georgia Toffolo, Amir Khan, Gillian McKeith, and Shaun Ryder.
