The reality series will return to ITV later this year.

By Patrick Cremona

Published: Thursday, 26 August 2021 at 12:00 am


As we head into the autumn season, we’re getting closer and closer to seeing a new set of celebrities set up camp for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.

Last year’s edition of the show was rather different from previous versions – largely due to the change of location from the Australian jungle to the grounds of a castle in North Wales.

ITV previously confirmed that the show will return to Wales this year due to the ongoing pandemic. It comes after the network revealed I’m A Celebrity contingency plans in case the show couldn’t return to its original location in Australia.

Former contestant Shane Richie addressed Wales relocation for 2021 as he offered advice for any celebs who might be considering signing up.

Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, he said: “[I’m] excited to see I’m A Celebrity go back to the Wales knowing I played a small part in putting down the foundations in the castle as well as sleeping on them!”

As usual, we’ll be keeping our eye on all the latest developments, concerning not only the location for the next series but also which celebrities are being rumoured to take part in the I’m A Celebrity 2021 line-up.

Rumours have been swirling with Corrie’s Sam Aston, former Love Island star Olivia Attwood and Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz just some of the celebs tipped to be entering the Welsh castle.

Recently, Line of Duty’s Anna Maxwell Martin revealed she was asked to do I’m A Celebrity, saying: “I would love the challenges, but I wouldn’t like the boredom.”

So, when is I’m A Celebrity back on TV for 2021? Read on for everything we know so far about the 21st series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.

I’m A Celebrity 2021 start date

It’s not confirmed at this stage exactly when the reality show will return for its 21st series, but it normally airs towards the end of the year – from mid-November to early December 2021 – and we’d expect that to be the case again this time round.

When we get more official information we’ll update this page accordingly.

I’m A Celebrity 2021 line-up rumours

As we get closer to the new series, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive with multiple names being tipped for the new series.

Boyzone star Keith Duffy was strongly linked with the 2020 series,  so perhaps he’s in with a shout for next time out, but beyond that, and lots of stars including Line of Duty’s Anna Maxwell, Gogglebox star Tom Malone, and retired footballer John Barnes have all expressed their interests in taking part.

No names have been confirmed just yet, but we’ll keep you updated as soon as we know.

I’m A Celebrity 2021 filming location

"Gwrych
Gwrych Castle – where this year’s series of I’m A Celeb is due to take place
Getty Images

CONFIRMED: I’m a Celebrity will be filmed in North Wales this year.

Producers had been hoping for a return to Australia this year, however, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, this is still proving difficult.

On August 2nd, Katie Rawcliffe, ITV Head of Entertainment Commissioning, said: “We can confirm today that we’ll be returning to Wales for the 2021 series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!.

“We’ve always said we have contingencies in place for the series if the Covid situation continued to bring uncertainty, and after a highly successful run at the castle last year we’re pleased that we can return there.

“I have no doubt the production team will produce another hugely entertaining series.”

Richard Cowles, Director of Unscripted at Lifted Entertainment added: “With the continued uncertainty around COVID and international travel we have taken the decision not to return to our home in Australia for the 2021 series.

“We’re excited to return to Gwrych Castle. The last series was a huge success and we were made to feel so welcome by everyone locally and can’t wait to see everyone again.”

Dr Mark Baker, Chair of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust said: “I’m absolutely delighted that I’m A Celebrity has chosen Gwrych Castle to be its UK location for the 2021 series. Gwrych Castle is a beautiful grade I listed historic house and a must-see destination for tourists visiting Wales.

“I’m A Celebrity being here will really help support its ongoing restoration as well as giving the region a much-needed economic boost. We are all very excited to be working with the team again.”

I’m a Celebrity in 2021 hosts

Many wondered if Holly Willoughby would be given a permanent role on the show after she filled in for Ant McPartlin back in 2018, however, the show returned to normal the year later with Ant an Dec presenting the show together.

The pair returned for presenting duties last year, and it’s expected they’ll be back to front the show later this year.

Who won I’m A Celebrity 2020?

"Giovanna
I’m A Celebrity 2020 winner Giovanna Fletcher
ITV

The 20th series was won by author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher. She beat the likes of radio DJ Jordan North and TV presenter Vernon Kay who came in second and third place.

“I can categorically say that being part of @imacelebrity was a career highlight and I’m so grateful for the love that has been thrown my way in the last few weeks,” she wrote alongside an Instagram photo following her win.

“I’m blown away and not regretful in the slightest. As a mother I’ll always be juggling family life and work – but I’m also very excited about what the future holds.”

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