The countdown to the Australian jungle has officially begun, but ITV has surprised viewers with an unexpected change to one of Britain’s most beloved television traditions. With Ant and Dec preparing to welcome a fresh batch of famous faces, rumours surrounding Wayne Rooney and several other stars are already adding excitement to the show’s highly anticipated return.

The wait is almost over for fans of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, after ITV officially confirmed that the hugely popular reality series will return on Monday, November 16, 2026.

However, the announcement comes with an unexpected twist. Rather than launching on its traditional Sunday evening, the 26th series will begin a day later, marking a notable departure from the programme’s familiar scheduling pattern.

And the reason behind the change has already given viewers something else to look forward to.

WHY ITV HAS CHANGED THE PREMIERE DATE

For years, I’m a Celebrity has been synonymous with Sunday-night entertainment, bringing millions of viewers together to watch famous faces swap their comfortable lifestyles for the unpredictable Australian wilderness.

This year, however, ITV has reserved Sunday, November 15, for a special programme titled I’m a Celebrity: How to Survive the Jungle.

Presented by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, the one-off special promises to revisit some of the most unforgettable moments from the show’s 25-year history.

Viewers can expect a mixture of hilarious survival advice, memorable challenges and tongue-in-cheek guidance designed to prepare the next group of contestants for life in camp.

The special will explore everything from terrifying Bushtucker Trials to the difficulties of sharing cramped living conditions with celebrities whose irritating habits can quickly become impossible to ignore.

Rather than simply delaying the premiere, ITV appears to be turning the opening weekend into an extended celebration of the show’s remarkable history.

WAYNE ROONEY RUMOURS ADD TO THE EXCITEMENT

While the schedule announcement has attracted attention, speculation surrounding the celebrity lineup is generating just as much interest.

Former England football captain Wayne Rooney has emerged as one of the most talked-about potential contestants.

Reports in September suggested that Rooney was in advanced discussions about joining the programme, following his wife Coleen Rooney’s successful appearance in 2024, when she finished as runner-up.

Speculation intensified after Wayne was reportedly photographed travelling through Manchester Airport on November 8 before arriving at Brisbane Airport the following day.

Although his participation has not been officially confirmed in the supplied reports, the prospect of seeing the football legend tackle jungle challenges has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the premiere.

MORE FAMOUS FACES LINKED TO THE JUNGLE

Rooney is far from the only celebrity generating headlines.

Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page has also been linked with the upcoming series, with reports suggesting she has already arrived in Australia.

Meanwhile, Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson is another name reportedly being considered for the adventure.

Their possible involvement has heightened anticipation as viewers wait to discover which familiar personalities will ultimately enter camp.

The new contestants will have considerable expectations to meet after the previous series saw content creator AngryGinge crowned King of the Jungle, with Tom Read Wilson finishing second.

ANT AND DEC PREPARE FOR ANOTHER WILD SERIES

With the premiere approaching, attention now turns to the challenges awaiting the new arrivals.

From uncomfortable sleeping arrangements and limited food supplies to stomach-churning trials and inevitable disagreements, the Australian jungle promises another unpredictable adventure.

Ant and Dec will once again guide viewers through the action, bringing their trademark humour to the competition.

The unusual Monday launch may have disrupted the show’s traditional schedule, but it also gives audiences an additional evening of jungle entertainment before the main competition begins.

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! returns on Monday, November 16, with the special How to Survive the Jungle airing on Sunday, November 15.

And with several high-profile names still surrounded by speculation, the biggest surprise may not be the change of date — but who finally steps into the jungle when the cameras begin rolling.