It’s that time of year again when, in the build-up to Christmas, Ant and Dec’s reality TV juggernaut I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! dominates the nightly schedules.
In just a matter of weeks the Geordie duo will be hosting the show live from Australia with a fresh batch of stars bidding to be crowned the latest King or Queen of the Jungle. Over the years, the programme has bolstered the careers of TV favourites like ex-Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona, Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison and former X Factor star Stacey Solomon.
Others to have worn the crown include Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, footballer Harry Redknapp and, last year, YouTuber Angryginge ended on top. There is almost always a soap star in the camp too, with Coronation Street legends like Beverley Callard and Sue Cleaver both having taken part.
Last year, Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, just missed out on a place in the final. As the nation prepares for the 2026 series, The Mirror takes a look at the stars who could be heading into the jungle this time around
The Mirror went to ITV for comment, and they said it was just speculation, but these are the names going around the rumour mill…
Wayne Rooney
Two years ago Wayne’s wife Coleen entered the jungle, which came on the back of her infamous Wagatha Christie trial against Rebekah Vardy and saw her bag what was reported to be one of the highest paycheques in the history of the show,
Now the football legend himself could be about to sign up for I’m A Celeb. It was recently claimed that bosses had been in “negotiations with him for some time,” but on a recent appearance on This Morning, he simply said fans would “have to wait and see.”
In other words: he did not deny it!
AJ Odudu
AJ is currently fronting Big Brother with Will Best but, like her co-host, currently competing on Strictly Come Dancing, she could also be about to become a contestant on one of the nation’s biggest reality shows.
A source said: “She’s had early conversations about taking part and has made it clear she can absolutely make the dates they need her to.”
Ade Adepitan
Paralympian Ade, 53, could be the first star in a wheelchair to enter the jungle. A couple of months ago, it was reported that he could be about to head into the jungle, with show bosses working to ensure the camp is adapted to accommodate him.
Ricky Wilson
Ricky Wilson is known for huge hits like Ruby and I Predict a Riot as part of the Kaiser Chiefs. The Sun previously reported that he had “always politely declined” the jungle before, but could now have changed his mind.
Claire Sweeney
According to the Sun, Claire Sweeney is in advanced talks for I’m A Celeb, after leaving Corrie in August. The actress, who had played drug addict Cassie Plummer for three years, has reportedly cleared her autumn schedule to ensure she’ll be available to go to Australia.
A source told the paper: “Claire is a massive I’m A Celeb fan and has always fancied her chances in the jungle. She was on Corrie when Alan went on the show and spoke to him about how much he enjoyed it.”
Claire previously said in 2024: “I’d love to [I’m A Celeb]. I’m a massive fan and look forward to it — it starts Christmas off when it comes on TV.”
Joanna Page
Following Melanie Walters’ stint on Strictly, Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page is rumoured to be doing her own competition show. She is rumoured to be headed to the jungle, with a source telling the Sun that she wants people to “know the real Joanna” and to “make her children proud”.
Sharky
Reportedly, ITV producers are hoping to follow Angry Ginge’s success last year with another Youtuber, Sharky, whose real name is Sharmarke Mohamud. The internet star is a member of the Beta Squad, which also features Celebrity Traitors finalist King Kenny.
Chloe Burrows
After making a name for herself on Love Island, Chloe Burrows looks to be flying off again, but this time to Australia for I’m A Celeb. Producers for the show are said to be interested due to her social media popularity, hoping she will be as big on the show as GK Barry was.
Mariella Frostrup
63-year-old Loose Women star is said to be joining the IAC cast this year, with a source calling it a “prestige signing” for the programme. They added that she “isn’t the sort of character you necessarily expect to see heading into the camp”. The IAC team are said to be excited to hear what anecdotes she brings to the fire pit.
Leomie Anderson
Model Leomie might be strutting her stuff in Australia, after having competed in Bear Grylls’ Celebrity Bear Hunt on Netflix. She was the first celeb eliminated on the Netflix show, and is reportedly hoping for a better run this time.
Leigh Francis
Keith Lemon star Leigh Francis may be joining I’m A Celeb this year. Ant and Dec previously expressed their desire to see the comic join them Down Under, saying: “If we got Leigh Francis in the jungle . . . and we had to stand by and watch him do a trial, let’s try and make that happen.”
Jack Skipper
Stand-up comedian and internet personality Jack Skipper could join I’m A Celeb. He’s previously toured with Russell Kane and producers reportedly hope he’ll bring some light-heartedness to the show.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
