Big changes are reportedly coming to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2026, with the series set to drop its live format in favour of a pre-recorded season.
As revealed in the 7 News INSIDE MEDIA column by TV Blackbox’s Rob McKnight last week, the jungle favourite will no longer go to air live due to significant budget cuts. It’s understood the move will reduce costs by scaling down the on-site crew in South Africa and removing the need for an overnight post-production team — a key component of the show’s live daily turnaround.
Filmed in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, the series typically employs both Australian and local production staff, with live crosses and hosting moments stitched together in real-time. But under the new plan, the 2026 season will be filmed in full before going to air, similar to other international versions of the format.
Production sources have expressed concern over the new approach, with the revised schedule reportedly removing the usual rest days for crew. Previously, the live format allowed for weekends off when the show wasn’t airing — that buffer is now gone.
This wouldn’t be the first time I’m A Celebrity has flirted with cost-saving measures. Earlier this year, Network 10 filmed three alternate endings ahead of the live finale — one for each of the top three contestants — allowing crew to pack up and fly home a few days before the winner was officially announced. The version featuring Sam Thaiday’s win was later broadcast once public votes were tallied.
Watch Rob’s exclusive reporting for INSIDE MEDIA here:
However, with the new pre-recorded format, it’s assumed that live public voting will be scrapped altogether — a major change for a show that has long sold itself on audience engagement and real-time results.
Hosts Julia Morris and Robert Irwin, who took over the gig in 2024 following Dr Chris Brown’s move to Channel 7, are expected to return for the series’ 12th local season, although a formal renewal has yet to be confirmed. Traditionally, the network locks in its programming slate at the annual Upfronts presentation, tipped to be held later this year.
After a brief detour to a March–April slot, I’m A Celebrity returned to its traditional January launch this year, plugging a gap after 10 struggled to find a reliable season opener. The 2025 cast featured names like Sigrid Thornton, comedians Dave Hughes and Geraldine Hickey, and Big Brother favourite Reggie Bird — with Sam Thaiday ultimately crowned King of the Jungle.
While 10 is yet to officially comment on next season’s format, one thing is clear: the jungle might still be wild, but the show behind it is getting a little more controlled.
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It’s not all that ‘live’ anyway? All the good bits are pre recorded
Jimmy James well duh when aust are asleep
Didn’t they do this for the COVID seasons – they did Eviction Challenges to determine who is eliminated each week and they did a live reunion with the final 5 facing a viewer vote to determine the winner.
Yes, an abridged version if you will – this will be entirely pre-recorded and decided.
Won’t make much difference. Glad it’ll still be on!
Don’t be tarts on tv
Worst load of crap on TV!
That worked so well for Big Brother too didn’t it…..