The new start of this year’s I’m A Celebrity has reportedly been pushed back after ITV won the rights to the UEFA Nations League, meaning there would be a schedule clash
I’m A Celeb is nearing its return(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Bosses at ITV have been forced to delay the latest series of I’m A Celebrity, according to reports. It’s claimed a major scheduling clash has led to the series Down Under being pushed back.
That’s because the channel has landed the rights to the UEFA Nations League. It’ll see England back in competitive action following this summer’s World Cup disappointment.
The international tournament will kick off on September 24. The games will continue for a number of months and England are set to take on current World Cup champions Spain on November 15.
The game, being held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, will kick off at 8.45pm. This is just 15 minutes before the start of I’m A Celeb 2026 was pencilled to begin.
But it’s claimed the football has taken priority, with the reality series said to now be commencing a day later on November 16.
A source told The Sun: “I’m A Celeb has always benefited from the Sunday night prime-time slot, but this year it’s all change. Now ITV has the rights to the UEFA Nations League bosses have had to go back to the drawing board.”
And a second source added: “Bosses have pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s IAC launch show is must-see TV. Following the huge success of this year’s World Cup, bosses are overjoyed to have such a stellar lineup of entertainment and sport this autumn on ITV.”
While the campmates for the upcoming series are yet to be announced, speculation is already growing. And there are also reports that there will soon be another spin-off of the series.
Rio and Kate Ferdinand have reportedly signed up for an I’m A Celebrity: Wild Frontier, a new spin-off of Ant and Dec’s classic reality show which will be filmed in Canada.
If they have signed up, it means they have become the first married couple to join the show, which is focusing on celebrity pairs. Together, they will have to face their own daredevil challenges and Bushtucker Trials and it will mark England star Rio’s first venture into reality TV.
A source said: “Bosses are overjoyed to have landed the Ferdinands. It’s a real coup for the show. They have brilliant chemistry and are great fun. It will be the first time viewers have really seen Rio away from football chat, too.
Speaking to The Sun, the source added: “ITV are still in talks with some other brilliant names and this show promises to be absolutely spectacular — and a real social media talker.”
Unlike the Australian series, the spin-off show sees famous faces compete in pairs. It could be with friends, relatives or couples as they take on Bushtucker-style trials together before facing elimination as a duo.
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