The roar of the lions is about to get louder — and so is the screaming. After the huge success of the first South African spin-off, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! South Africa is back for a second series packed with familiar faces, bigger drama, and even more gruelling trials in the stunning — and unforgiving — African bush.

This time it’s all about legends. Twelve returning campmates from past UK series are heading into camp to battle it out not just for survival, but for the prestigious title of I’m a Celebrity Legend. With Ant and Dec back at the helm, the 2026 edition promises tougher challenges, spectacular new locations, and the kind of campmate clashes that made the original show a national obsession.

From TOWIE’s larger-than-life Gemma Collins making a dramatic late entrance to Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah swapping the track for the bush, the cast is a glorious mix of old favourites, soap icons, sports stars and reality royalty. Some are desperate for redemption, others are back for pure fun — and all of them know that one wrong move in a Bushtucker Trial could end their dream of legendary status.

Here’s your complete guide to the star-studded line-up competing in I’m a Celebrity South Africa Season 2.

The Core Camp: The Eight Who Started the Fire

The main group entered camp on Day 1, ready to face whatever the South African wilderness threw at them. This eclectic bunch already includes some of the show’s most memorable personalities.

Scarlett Moffatt — The 2016 Queen of the Jungle returns after her triumphant win a decade ago. Now 35 and a mum, the bubbly Gogglebox star and former I’m a Celebrity winner has admitted she’s nervous about the tougher format but can’t wait to reunite with old pal Adam Thomas. Fans remember her infectious laugh and incredible trial performances — will she claim a second crown?

Adam Thomas — Mr Bushtucker Trial himself is back. The former Waterloo Road and Emmerdale actor finished third in 2016 and has been teasing “I know what I’m signing up for this time.” At 37, the likeable Manchester lad is expected to throw himself into every challenge with his trademark enthusiasm — but can he finally go all the way?

Ashley Roberts — The former Pussycat Dolls singer and presenter finished as runner-up in 2012 and brought glamour, positivity and killer one-liners to camp. Now in her 40s, the American star is one of the strongest and most level-headed campmates. Many tip her as a serious contender for Legend status thanks to her calm under pressure and surprising strength in trials.

Sir Mo Farah — The Olympic gold medallist and national hero is the biggest sporting name in the line-up. Sir Mo, who competed in the 2023 series, brings incredible mental toughness and endurance — perfect for the physical demands of the South African bush. But will the long-distance king handle the psychological pressure of camp life and the dreaded eating trials?

Beverley Callard — Coronation Street legend Liz McDonald is back at 68 and already proving she’s no delicate flower. Beverley has spoken openly about her recent cancer battle and is determined to show her fighting spirit. Fans loved her no-nonsense attitude in her original stint — expect fireworks, emotional moments and plenty of classic Bev one-liners.

David Haye — The former world heavyweight boxing champion entered as one of the strongest physically but has a reputation for being surprisingly sensitive in camp. At 45, “The Hayemaker” will be a force in any physical trial, but can he keep his cool when the hunger and arguments kick in?

Seann Walsh — The comedian, who finished fifth in 2022, returns older and wiser after becoming a father of two. Seann’s self-deprecating humour and awkward charm made him a fan favourite last time — now he’s hoping to redeem himself and prove he’s more than just the guy who fell over in trials.

Sinitta — The 80s pop icon and “So Macho” singer is back for more screams. Sinitta’s original appearance is remembered for her ear-piercing reactions to every creepy-crawly. Now 61, she’s promised to bring even more drama and fabulousness to the South African camp.

The Late Arrivals: Drama Enters on Day 2

Just when the first group thought they had settled in, two massive personalities crashed the party.

Gemma Collins — The GC herself. The TOWIE superstar and self-proclaimed “Queen of the Jungle” (even though she never actually won) made a memorable appearance in 2014. Now 44 and more confident than ever, Gemma’s late arrival is already generating huge buzz. Expect diva moments, unforgettable one-liners and possibly the most dramatic entrance in show history. Will she finally conquer her fear of trials and claim legendary status?

Craig Charles — The Coronation Street and Red Dwarf star had a short but memorable stint in 2014, leaving early due to a family tragedy. Now 61, Craig is back with a point to prove. Known for his quick wit and musical talents, he’s expected to bring humour and a touch of rock ’n’ roll energy to camp. His late arrival alongside Gemma is set to shake things up immediately.

Other names floating in early reports include Jimmy Bullard, the former footballer whose banter divided opinions in his original series, and Harry Redknapp, the beloved “King of the Jungle” from 2018 who many fans are desperate to see return for one more adventure.

Why This All-Star Line-Up Is Already Causing a Buzz

This second South African series is being billed as tougher and more spectacular than the first. Producers have promised new locations, upgraded trials and a format that puts the emphasis firmly on the campmates’ personal journeys and rivalries.

The mix of personalities is explosive: you’ve got the loud and larger-than-life (Gemma, Sinitta), the quietly determined athletes (Mo Farah, David Haye), the soap veterans who know how to deliver drama (Beverley, Craig), and the reality stars who live for the cameras (Scarlett, Adam, Gemma).

Early teases suggest plenty of emotional moments — from Beverley opening up about her health battle to Mo talking about the pressures of fame — alongside the usual screaming, eating trials and camp arguments that viewers love.

Ant and Dec have hinted that the South African setting allows for even more ambitious challenges, with bigger creatures, higher stakes and stunning backdrops that make the UK jungle look tame by comparison.

Who Are the Early Favourites to Become Legend?

Bookmakers and fans are already picking their winners. Scarlett Moffatt and Ashley Roberts are strong contenders thanks to their previous strong performances and likeable personalities. Adam Thomas could go all the way if he channels his trial energy positively.

Gemma Collins is the ultimate wild card — she could either crash and burn spectacularly or become the breakout star of the series with her unfiltered commentary. Sir Mo Farah brings star power and mental resilience that could see him go far, while Beverley Callard’s warmth and fighting spirit make her a dark horse for emotional support and surprise trial success.

The late arrivals Gemma and Craig are expected to inject immediate chaos and laughs, potentially shifting the camp dynamic overnight.

What to Expect From the New Series

The show returns with a pre-recorded format leading to a live finale, giving producers more freedom to create epic trials without the pressure of daily voting. Viewers can expect the usual mix of Bushtucker Trials, Dingo Dollar challenges, and campmate bonding — but with a South African twist that includes stunning wildlife, dramatic landscapes and, of course, the threat of bigger and scarier critters.

Ant and Dec have promised “the toughest series yet,” with new elements designed to test the returning stars both physically and mentally.

For many of the campmates, this is a chance at redemption or closure. For others, it’s simply another adventure. But for all of them, the goal is the same: survive the bush, win over the public (or at least their fellow campmates), and walk away as an official I’m a Celebrity Legend.

As the stars prepare to swap their glamorous lives for basic rations and creepy-crawly showers, one thing is certain — the 2026 South African jungle is about to get very loud, very dramatic and very entertaining.

The campfires are lit. The trials are ready. And a new batch of legends is about to be born.

Who do you think will be crowned the ultimate Legend this time around? Will Gemma Collins finally conquer her fears, or will Scarlett Moffatt reclaim her throne? Drop your predictions, favourite campmate memories and hottest takes in the comments below…