Table of Contents
Introduction
Every year, millions of people tune in to watch celebrities eat bugs, face their fears, and try to survive deep in the jungle. Yes, we’re talking about “i’m a celeb”—short for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! It’s one of the most unique and hilarious reality shows on TV.
The idea behind I’m A Celeb is simple but genius: take a bunch of famous people and drop them into the middle of nowhere. Take away their luxury lives, feed them beans and rice, and give them wild challenges to test their courage. The public votes, laughs, and mostly watches to see who cracks first.
But what’s made it a fan favorite since it first aired? Is it the stars? The hosts? The bush tucker trials? It’s probably all of it—and more.
In this guide, we’ll go deep into everything I’m A Celeb: the cast, the challenges, the jungle life, and the most unforgettable moments. You’ll learn why it’s such a hit and what keeps fans coming back each season.
Let’s explore the wild world of I’m A Celeb—where fears get fed and drama grows like jungle vines.
What Is “I’m A Celeb”? A Quick Overview
“I’m A Celeb” is a British reality TV show that first aired in 2002. Each season, a group of celebrities live together in a jungle camp with little food, no luxury items, and loads of creepy challenges. They face trials, vote-offs, and power games—all leading to one winner, crowned King or Queen of the Jungle.
The show is known worldwide and has several versions in places like Australia, Germany, and the U.S. Still, the UK version remains the most famous.
It’s real, messy, and full of surprises. From rats swimming in tanks to dramatic meltdowns over spiders, I’m A Celeb gives you everything a reality show needs—and then some.
Where Is “I’m A Celeb” Filmed?
For most of its run, I’m A Celeb was filmed in the tropical rainforests of Australia. Specifically, in Springbrook National Park near Murwillumbah, Queensland. But during the pandemic, the show changed things up and filmed in Gwrych Castle, Wales.
Fans loved the new castle setting, but most agree that nothing beats the real jungle vibes of the Aussie bush.
Whether it’s mud, heat, or massive spiders, the location is a big reason I’m A Celeb keeps viewers glued to the screen. It’s not just about the stars—it’s about the danger, discomfort, and raw nature challenge.
Who Hosts “I’m A Celeb”? Meet Ant & Dec
The show wouldn’t be the same without its legendary hosts: Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, better known as Ant & Dec. These two best friends have been the heart and soul of I’m A Celeb since the beginning.
Their job is simple on paper: introduce the show, explain the trials, and bring fun commentary. But in reality, they’re what makes the show shine.
Ant & Dec mix good humor with sarcastic jabs, hilarious reactions, and all the encouragement (or teasing) the celebs need. They often have fans laughing harder than the jungle antics!
They’ve also won multiple awards for their presenting skills, making them one of Britain’s most loved TV duos.
How Are Celebrities Chosen for “I’m A Celeb”?
Each season brings a fresh mix of stars to the jungle. Some are mainstream celebrities, others are athletes, influencers, ex-politicians, or names from older TV shows. What connects them? They’re all well-known enough to draw attention—but random enough to surprise everyone.
The show’s producers look for a balance. They want:
- Big personalities (for drama)
- Underdogs (for redemption arcs)
- Strong minds (to win challenges)
- Funny folks (to keep it light)
The result? Unpredictable, lovable, and entertaining casts every year.
So, if you’re excited about the new season, just wait until the I’m A Celeb full cast list drops—fans love the reveal!
What Are Bush Tucker Trials?
One of the biggest reasons people watch I’m A Celeb is the famous Bush Tucker Trials. These are wild, weird, and sometimes gross challenges where celebrities must win stars to earn meals for camp.
There are two main types:
- Physical trials (like jumping from heights or crawling through dark tunnels)
- Eating trials (like munching on bugs or animal parts)
The more stars they win during a trial, the more meals the camp gets. Fail the trial? Everyone eats plain rice and beans.
These trials are meant to test bravery, teamwork, gross-out limits, and mental strength. And yes, they are as funny as they are terrifying.
Highlights of I’m A Celeb always include trial reactions—screaming, puking, crying, or laughing. It’s reality gold!
What Do Celebs Eat in the Jungle?
Speaking of food… it’s rough.
Unless their teammate wins a load of stars in a trial, celebs mostly eat a basic meal of rice and beans. If they win stars, they get jungle protein like crocodile, kangaroo tail, emu, or bugs—ingredients most folks aren’t used to.
Their meals are cooked over an open fire and shared with the group.
Oddly enough, food often brings out the most conflict on I’m A Celeb. Hunger makes everyone grumpy, and it’s interesting (and funny!) watching celebs fight over things like burnt rice or undercooked kangaroo ribs.
Every bite counts in the jungle!
How Does Voting Work on “I’m A Celeb”?
Viewers at home have the power. That’s one big reason I’m A Celeb is so interactive.
There are usually two types of public votes:
- Vote for who does a trial
- Vote to save your favorite
You can vote through the official app or phone lines. Early in the season, viewers choose the celeb who will suffer in a trial. As the game continues, the public votes for who they want to keep, and the least popular celeb is eliminated.
Eventually, the last one standing earns the crown.
It’s like a game—but where you control the outcome. Voting is all part of the fun and helps shape the story of the season.
Most Iconic “I’m A Celeb” Moments of All Time
Over the years, I’m A Celeb has created some unforgettable reality TV moments. Here are some fan favorites:
- Gillian McKeith fainting before a trial
- Joey Essex struggling to tell time in math trials
- Harry Redknapp winning the jungle and wooing viewers with his love for his wife
- Kiosk Keith (and later Kiosk Kev) guarding the Outback Shack challenge
- Celebrity friendships and unlikely bromances—like Jordan North and Vernon Kay sharing deep chats
This show brings laughs, tears, and everything in between. Ask any fan, and they’ll have a favorite moment that made them shout at the TV.
Is “I’m A Celeb” Good for Families?
Absolutely! Despite its wild challenges, I’m A Celeb is family-friendly. It airs during family viewing hours and mostly avoids anything too graphic or inappropriate.
Kids love watching the slime, bugs, and funny games. Parents enjoy the drama, bacon-bean bickering, and seeing celebs outside their comfort zones.
It opens up conversations about bravery, anxiety, teamwork, and even cooking (or lack of it!).
Whether you’re watching live or catching up online, it’s a great show for a cozy night on the couch.
How Do Celebs Survive Without Phones and Makeup?
One of the rules of the jungle? No phones, makeup, or luxuries allowed.
Celebs are cut off from friends, fans, and their usual comforts. That means no selfies, no scrolling, and no designer clothes. Just camping gear, camp chores, and the occasional bug in your bed.
Fans love this part, because it shows the real side of the stars. Stripped down and stressed out, the true personalities come forward.
Seeing celebs without filters or teams is refreshing. It’s raw—and it’s a major reason people keep watching every season of I’m A Celeb.
FAQs
1. How long does “I’m A Celeb” last?
Usually 3 weeks. The show starts with 10–12 celebs and ends with one jungle King or Queen.
2. Who won the last season of “I’m A Celeb”?
Winners change each year. Check the show’s official site or social media for the most up-to-date list.
3. Can anyone go on “I’m A Celeb”?
Only invited celebrities can compete. But fans can join live events, apply for studio audiences, or vote.
4. Are the trials real or staged?
They’re 100% real. Although they are safely controlled by pros, celebs do face the real-deal challenges.
5. Do celebrity contestants get paid?
Yes. They are paid based on their fame level, contract agreements, and time spent on the show.
6. Where can I watch “I’m A Celeb”?
In the UK, it’s on ITV and ITVX. International fans check local listings or streaming services.
Conclusion
Whether you’re watching for laughs, tears, or spiders the size of dinner plates, one thing’s for sure: I’m A Celeb never gets boring.
It’s exciting, unpredictable, and a bit gross—but in the best way possible. Watching celebs pushed out of their comfort zones reminds us that celebrities are just people too. Scared of heights. Hungry for chocolate. Brave and human.
The show mixes kindness and chaos, adventure and awkwardness. And it does it all in a jungle hut, far from the red carpet.
So if you’ve never watched before, dive into a season. If you’re a fan already, grab a fresh bush-tucker snack and get ready for the next jungle journey.
Because once you start watching I’m A Celeb, you might not want to say… “Get Me Out of Here!”
