In a move that’s already got reality TV lovers frothing and longtime fans clutching their ‘jungle’ hats, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2026 is about to get a major glow-up and yeah, the internet’s gonna be divided. For the first time ever, the Aussie version of I’m A Celeb will be pre-recording its South African-based series, with filming kicking off in November and the whole thing set to air in January to launch Network Ten’s 2025 slate.

So yes, your annual post-NYE comedown will still be full of snakes, spiders, and stars dry-heaving into buckets. Just minus the live format.

“This change is massive,” one network insider spilled to PEDESTRIAN.TV. “Live TV has always been the dealbreaker for certain ‘celebs.’ Now that it’s pre-recorded, a whole bunch of big names who used to say ‘nah’ are suddenly very interested.”

Basically, removing the live element means ‘celebs’ don’t have to stress about getting cancelled in real time and producers can flex a bit more control over the chaos. Think better editing, bigger stunts, and (hopefully) fewer awkward silences when someone gets booted.

And before anyone starts screaming “budget cuts!”, our sources are insisting this has nothing to do with Network Ten’s upcoming Big Brother reboot stealing all the coins.

“If anything, this frees up resources to chase even bigger names,” the insider said. “Think, international guests and proper A-listers, not just someone who got kicked off The Bachelor six years ago.”

Speaking of stars, Robert Irwin is officially locked in for what may be his final ‘jungle’ season alongside TV legend Julia Morris.

Both are confirmed for this next adventure, but word on the street is that producers are hoping Robert can lure a few of his Dancing With The Stars US co-stars to ‘the jungle’ too, now that he’s Hollywood-adjacent and working the room.
Robert and Julia are an unlikely yet perfect co-hosting duo. (Image: I’m A Celeb / 10)
“This format change works better with Robert’s global schedule,” we’re told from a well-placed source. “They wanted to make it as easy as possible to keep him in the mix and maybe entice him to bring a few surprise mates along with him.”

Also, if this all sounds a bit familiar, it’s because the show is leaning on a few tricks from the Australia-based seasons. That means eliminations will be filmed in advance but edited to keep up the drama and suspense. (So no, your smartphones won’t be able to save anyone next year, but they’ll definitely come in handy if you are inclined to post every thought you have about the campsite conversation).

Despite the shake-up, producers are promising the same chaotic ‘jungle’ energy we’ve come to know and love. “It’s still hilarious, gross and family-friendly,” one said. “It just has a bit more polish now.”

So get ready because between the A-list guests, post-production magic, and Robert Irwin’s rumoured farewell lap, I’m A Celeb is looking like must-watch summer TV. And if this new format slaps in the ratings? Say goodbye to live reality and hello to a shiny new era of pre-cooked ‘jungle’ chaos.