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7 min read
A football legend, a Victoria’s Secret model, a popular sitcom actress and several television personalities are among those tipped to take on the infamous Bushtucker Trials.
The countdown to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2026 is underway, and speculation surrounding this year’s contestants is already building. From football royalty, soap opera favourites, comedy stars and internet sensations, several familiar faces have reportedly been linked to the upcoming series.
Around 12 celebrities are being tipped to enter the Australian jungle when Ant and Dec return on November 16 ITV has not confirmed any of the reported names, with the broadcaster dismissing the speculation for now. Here’s who could potentially be part of the 2026 series
When does I’m A Celebrity 2026 start?
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! returns on November 16, with Ant and Dec back to host the latest series from Australia. While the reported 12-person line-up has generated plenty of interest, ITV is yet to officially confirm the contestants.
Wayne Rooney
Former England captain Wayne Rooney is reportedly the biggest signing of the 2026 series. The 40-year-old football legend, who played for Manchester United before moving into management and television punditry, could be following his wife Coleen into the jungle after she finished runner-up in 2024.
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Known for his fiercely competitive nature, Wayne is reportedly keen to put himself through the Bushtucker Trials and impress his four sons. His arrival could also bring back memories of Coleen’s successful stint, although this time he will have to make his own mark.
Joanna Page
Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page is reportedly swapping the Welsh sitcom’s familiar surroundings for the unpredictable Australian wilderness. The 49-year-old actress, who played Stacey Shipman in the much-loved BBC comedy, is expected to bring some serious television recognition to the camp.
Away from her popular screen character, Joanna is a mother of four who is said to be excited about taking on the challenge. Her reported participation could give viewers an opportunity to see a different side of the actress beyond her best-known role.
Ade Adepitan
Paralympian and broadcaster Ade Adepitan could make history as the first wheelchair user to enter the I’m A Celebrity jungle. The 53-year-old became a familiar face through wheelchair basketball and his television work, having lost the use of his left leg after contracting polio at 15 months old.
ITV producers are reportedly exploring ways to adapt the camp to accommodate him. His larger-than-life personality and sporting background could make him one of the most interesting personalities to watch this season.
Sharky
YouTube personality Sharky, whose real name is Sharmarke Mohamud, could be ITV‘s big move to attract a younger audience. The Beta Squad member has a substantial online following, making his reported casting particularly interesting for a show increasingly looking to connect with social media audiences.
He is already being compared to Angry Ginge, who won the jungle crown last year after making his name online. Sharky’s participation could bring an entirely different fanbase into the competition.
Chloe Burrows
Love Island star Chloe Burrows could be heading for another reality television challenge after first finding fame on the 2021 edition of the dating show. The 30-year-old made it to the final and finished second, before gradually building a career across television, radio and podcasting.
She currently hosts Chloe vs The World and presents Kiss Breakfast alongside Tyler West. However, her previous reality television experience has not always gone smoothly, with her Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins appearance ending in an early exit during the second episode last year.
Ricky Wilson
Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson is reportedly finally saying yes to an offer he has turned down for years. The 2026 series could mark the singer’s long-awaited jungle debut, with ITV bosses believed to be particularly pleased about securing the rockstar.
AJ Odudu
Television presenter AJ Odudu could be trading her Big Brother hosting duties for a place among this year’s jungle contestants. The 38-year-old has reportedly been eager to take part, with a reduction in her appearances on the main Big Brother show potentially giving her the opportunity to travel to Australia.
AJ has become a familiar ITV face and has previously presented Big Brother alongside Will Best. Her enthusiasm for the programme and willingness to face the Bushtucker Trials could make her an interesting addition to the camp.
Mariella Frostrup
Veteran broadcaster Mariella Frostrup is among the more surprising names on the reported list. The 63-year-old journalist and presenter, known for her distinctive husky voice, has built a lengthy career across television, radio and print, and has also appeared on Loose Women.
Mariella’s life away from television has been equally eventful. She helped organise publicity for Live Aid in 1985, was previously married to Skids frontman Richard Jobson and later tied the knot with human rights lawyer Jason McCue in a Panama jungle ceremony in 2003. They share two children.
Leomie Anderson
Victoria’s Secret model Leomie Anderson could be bringing runway glamour to the Australian camp, but she has already demonstrated an interest in survival television. The 33-year-old previously competed in Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt, although her journey ended with her becoming the first celebrity eliminated from the Costa Rica-based competition.
Her modelling career has taken her onto some of the world’s biggest catwalks, but the jungle will demand a very different set of skills. Leomie is also keen to inspire young women, making the reported opportunity another platform to show audiences a side of her beyond the fashion industry.
Claire Sweeney
Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney could be the soap world’s representative in the upcoming series. The 55-year-old recently wrapped up her three-year stint as Cassie Plummer, making her final appearance on the ITV soap in August.
Her character was the long-lost mother of Tyrone Dobbs, played by Alan Halsall, who competed in the jungle in 2024. With her filming commitments reportedly cleared, Claire could now be preparing for an entirely different ITV adventure.
Leigh Francis
Comedian Leigh Francis, widely recognised for his alter ego Keith Lemon, could be one of the camp’s biggestnt and Dec’s wishlist for years, with the presenters previously expressing their desire to watch him tackle the jungle’s notorious trials
Jack Skipper
Stand-up comedian Jack Skipper could be the relatively unfamiliar face who leaves the jungle with a much bigger audience. The former carpet fitter from London has steadily built his reputation on the British comedy circuit, with his everyday observations finding an audience on TikTok and Instagram.
