Why is I’m A Celebrity South Africa not aired live?

It initially aired back in 2023, with it acting as an all-stars version of I’m A Celebrity featuring previous contestants.

One of the main differences between the programmes was the setting, with it moving from the Australian jungle to Kruger National Park in South Africa.

A synopsis for the second series shares: “Campmates have already proved that they can survive the Australian jungle, but this is I’m A Celebrity… on a whole new level, it’s where legends are made.

“The trials are tougher than ever and with that, so are the stakes.

“With relentless twists and turns, the campmates will never know what’s coming next.

“They will be faced with challenges at every turn, quickly learning that with big decisions come even bigger consequences.”

Outside of the change in setting, the show also has a major difference from the original as it is pre-recorded.

Why is I’m A Celeb South Africa not live?

Due to the 2023 series being pre-recorded, it meant that viewers weren’t able to vote for trials or the winner.

Usually, much of I’m A Celeb is filmed live with Ant & Dec appearing from the studio in Australia, with an 11-hour time difference.

The reason behind the South Africa show being pre-recorded was that it was reportedly made as a backup in case ITV were not able to film a regular series in Australia due to potential Covid restrictions.

ITV had filmed two series of I’m A Celeb in Wales to counteract this initially, but there hadn’t been a great desire to do it again.

An insider told The Mirror at the time: “This is a brilliant reserve plan in case Covid restrictions come round again in the Autumn and the cast and crew can’t get Down Under, as has happened for the past two years.

“There is no appetite to go back to Wales.

“It was great while it lasted but it’s just too dark and damp.

“Everyone’s had enough, including the viewers.”

Filming for the first South Africa series took place in July 2022, with it being broadcast in April and May of 2023.

Despite Covid restrictions now not being a major worry for TV productions, the decision was still made to pre-record the second series.

ITV have been contacted by Newsquest for comment.

Filming for the second series occurred back in September 2025.

I’m A Celeb South Africa final to be aired live

In a change from the first series, the final of I’m a Celeb South Africa will be aired live on Friday, April 24.

The Radio Times shares that rather than making the 12-hour flight back to Africa, the entire celebrity cast will instead gather in a UK studio.

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From here, the public will be able to vote to crown this year’s I’m a Celebrity Legend.

Discussing the change, Ant & Dec said: “It’s going to be here in the UK, live on the television.

“We’re going to get all the cast back, we’ll have the finalists in the studio.

“It’ll be a live vote like we do in Australia and the public will decide their Legend.”

Will you be watching I’m A Celeb South Africa? Let us know in the comments.