I'm A Celeb... 2020 to be filmed in the UK for the first time ever

Amid the global pandemic

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 7th Aug 2020
Last updated 2nd Sep 2020

ITV have just announced that this year's series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! will be filmed in the UK for the first time ever. The show normally sees a handful of famous faces jet off to Australia to live their lives in the outback, but this year will be very different due to the global pandemic.

Announcing the news, ITV revealed that the show will be broadcast live every night from a ruined castle somewhere in the countryside - also confirming that Ant and Dec will be back to host the show once again.

ITV say of the show, 'As on the regular series, viewers will see the celebrities undertake gruelling trials and fun-filled challenges to win food and treats in the lead up to one of them being crowned, for the first time ever, King or Queen of the Castle.'

Richard Cowles, Director of Entertainment at ITV Studios, said, "We pulled out all the stops to try and make the series happen in Australia. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and despite us looking at many different contingencies, it became apparent that it just wasn’t possible for us to travel and make the show there.

"However, we are all really excited about a UK version of I’m A Celebrity. While it will certainly be different producing the show from the UK, the same tone and feel will remain. Our celebrities will probably have to swap shorts for thermals but they can still look forward to a basic diet of rice and beans and plenty of thrills and surprises along the way."

Scroll through to see which celebrities are rumoured to appear on I'm A Celeb 2020:

Maura Higgins

With the news that Tommy has now pulled out of the show, rumours are rife that his fellow Love Island star Maura Higgins will replace him! Although Maura wasn't included in the cast announcement, reports are suggesting she could be a late arrival.

Reverend Richard Coles

He's no stranger to reality TV having appeared on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2017, but now it sounds like Reverend Richard Coles could be about to swap his dancing shoes for the jungle. According to reports, Richard has signed up for this year's series and will enter as a late arrival.

Ally McCoist

Scottish football legend Ally McCoist was reportedly in 'advanced talks' with bosses to appear on the 2024 series. The pundit has turned down the show twice in the past, and it looks like he's done the same again!

Tom Daley

After winning his fifth Olympic medal during the Paris 2024 Olympics, diver Tom Daley announced his retirement from the sport after the games, and bosses were reportedly keen to sign him up for I'm A Celeb!

Jeremy Clarkson

Following the last ever series of The Grand Tour, rumours were rife that Jeremy Clarkson is in demand with reality TV shows, with I'm A Celeb reportedly top of the list!

Tommy Fury

Following his shock split from Love Island fiancée Molly-Mae Hague in August, bookies were tipping Tommy Fury to sign up for the 2024 series! Ladbrokes said: "Reality TV chiefs will surely be queuing up to snap up Molly-Mae or Tommy following their shock split, and the odds suggest the latter could well be jungle-bound later this year."


However, just weeks before the start date, reports are rife that Tommy has pulled out of the show after getting a better offer for a rematch against KSI.

Mick McCarthy

After departing his managerial position at Blackpool FC last year, Mick McCarthy was being tipped to head into the jungle!

Giovanni Pernice

Following his removal from Strictly Come Dancing, ITV/STV bosses were reportedly keen to sign up Giovanni Pernice for the 2024 series, with Mail Online suggesting they are ready to splash out £100,000 to sign him. However, Giovanni then signed up for the Italian version of Strictly.

Richard Gadd

After shooting to intense fame earlier this year following the release of Netflix's Baby Reindeer, Scottish actor and comedian Richard Gadd was reportedly being lined-up by bosses for the 2024 series of I'm A Celeb.

Olivia Attwood

As fans will know, reality star Olivia Attwood was forced to quit the 2022 series due to medical reasons, leaving her gutted. Olivia later hinted she could return for the 2023 series, admitting she'd had chats with bosses during an appearance on Loose Women.


However, it looks like she won't return this year.

Alex Beresford

Good Morning Britain weather reporter Alex Beresford recently expressed interest in appearing on I'm A Celeb. He told the Mirror: "Out of all the shows I would love to do, I would love to do the jungle."


Alex recently appeared on BBC One's Celebrity Race Across The World.

Danny Dyer

Since Danny Dyer left his iconic role as Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter on EastEnders last year, he's been heavily rumoured for I'm A Celeb.


Of course, his family are no strangers to reality TV, with Danny's daughter Dani winning Love Island back in 2018.

Denise van Outen

The lovely Denise van Outen is no stranger to reality shows, having appeared on the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Gogglebox in recent years.


Denise has previously admitted she turned down the offer in 2021, but it looks like 2024 won't be her year either.

The Vivienne

RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne recently admitted she would love to appear on I'm A Celeb during a chat with Lorraine.


She said: "Do you know what, I've never thought about it but what an absolutely amazing opportunity that would be."

Phil Taylor

Ever since he admitted he'd 'love' to appear on the show a number of years ago, darts legend Phil Taylor has been heavily rumoured every year.

Will Mellor

Following his stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, it seems actor Will Mellor has the reality TV bug, as he's admitted to his friend and former co-star Ralf Little he'd fancy appearing on I'm A Celeb. Could 2024 be his year?

Harry Clark

The Traitors series two winner Harry Clark was reportedly being lined-up for the 2024 series. At the beginning of July, Harry appeared on Lorraine where he confessed he'd love to take part! Will we see him in the jungle?

Ant and Dec have yet to comment on the news.

Listen to KISS and all of the KISS Network stations on our free Rayo app, by hitting the play button on the bottom of your screen and on your smart speaker (‘Play KISS FM’). Plus KISSTORY R&B is now available on DAB nationally and KISS Fresh, KISS Dance via DAB+ in London.