Ant McPartlin

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have been at the helm of the ITV reality show since it first launched in 2002, and over the years they have had their fair share of campmates who have caused them frustration

The next instalment of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (Series 26) is just around the corner, and although ITV is yet to officially announce the full line-up, a number of details about the schedule and strongly rumoured contestants have already emerged.

The series has reportedly been affected by a minor scheduling change this year. While the programme traditionally kicks off on a Sunday evening, ITV’s coverage of the UEFA Nations League clash between England and Spain on Sunday, 15 November has forced a reshuffle. Consequently, the new series is widely expected to launch on Monday, 16 November 2026.

As ever, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will be returning to the Australian jungle to front the main three-week reality show. With Dec celebrating his 51st birthday today (Friday, 25 September), we’ve decided to revisit some of the previous contestants who rubbed hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly up the wrong way.

While Ant and Dec typically maintain a light-hearted and professional approach with contestants on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! , they’ve occasionally revealed some candid opinions about those they deemed troublesome or underwhelming. Though the presenting duo seldom single out individuals as their “worst” on a personal level, certain campmates have left their mark for entirely the wrong reasons.

Katie Hopkins (2007)

Ant branded media personality Katie Hopkins as one of his ‘least favourite’ because she “didn’t really shine” and left minimal impact during her stint on the programme. Katie, 44, gained notoriety on The Apprentice in 2007 before featuring in that year’s series of I’m A Celebrity.

Ant, 43, went on to explain why audiences barely saw her on their screens. He told The Sun: “Katie Hopkins was in I’m A Celebrity but you wouldn’t really remember her doing it, as she didn’t really shine.”

Matt Hancock (2022)

From the second former Health Secretary Matt Hancock was announced, the presenters anticipated “uneasy tensions”. Fans also claimed they showed “favouritism” by being warmer towards other contestants while maintaining a conspicuous distance from Hancock during trials.

The hosting pair also wielded their signature humour to land subtle digs at Hancock throughout the series. During one task, Ant mocked Hancock for being a “typical politician who wouldn’t stop talking” as he provided running commentary on every element of the trial to his partner.

After Hancock performed a few lines of Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect,” Dec joked that the singer would be “gutted” to discover Hancock was a fan.

The duo also displayed genuine annoyance when Hancock allowed the camp’s rice to burn, with Ant noting it had been Hancock’s job to monitor it, stating it would make him “very angry” if he were in the camp. After the programme, Dec revealed to HuffPost UK it was “very, very difficult” to remain impartial, considering everyone nationwide, presenters included, had been affected by Hancock’s decisions throughout the pandemic.

He also acknowledged that critics who questioned whether a serving MP should feature on the show had an argument with “some validity”. Ant disclosed that while they tease everyone on the programme, they made every attempt to handle Hancock like any other contestant once he arrived in the jungle, allowing him the opportunity to share his own narrative.

Dean McCullough (2024)

The relationship between Ant and Dec and radio presenter Dean McCullough throughout the 2024 series of I’m A Celebrity was marked by apparent exasperation that steadily transformed into “tough love” and ultimate commendation.

During the early stages of the series, Ant was visibly annoyed by Dean’s efforts in the Bushtucker Trials, especially after Dean pulled out prematurely from both the “Sinister Sarcophagus” and “Drown in the Dumps” challenges.

The host subsequently confessed on companion show Unpacked that he felt “unprofessional” for letting his frustration become visible on screen, admitting he was “angry” because he thought the trials Dean quit were “doable”.

Ant and Dec eventually gazed straight into the camera to urge viewers to cease voting for Dean, noting it was “good to see other faces” and that witnessing the same contestant repeatedly struggle was becoming “boring”. Ant also playfully stated he would “never” follow Dean on Instagram.

Following Dean’s departure from the jungle, the hosts made it clear their no-nonsense strategy was intended to push him towards better performances.

During his post-exit interview, Ant told Dean: “I was so angry at you for calling ‘I’m A Celebrity’… then that tough love kind of got you through”.

Ant went on to commend Dean’s performance in the “flying challenge,” calling him “brilliant” and expressing pride in how Dean concluded his jungle journey.

Kelly Brook (2025)

Ant and Decare reported to have a long-running “feud” with Kelly Brook dating back to her brief appearance on Britain’s Got Talent. The tension stems from 2009, when Kelly Brook was drafted in as a fourth judge on Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) but was axed after just two days of filming.

In their autobiography Ooh! What a Lovely Pair, Dec recalled trying to reassure a nervous Kelly on her opening day. When he suggested the show would be fun, she allegedly replied, “And what do you do on the show?”

Ant and Dec were reportedly annoyed that Simon Cowell had brought in a fourth judge without consulting them. Dec wrote they couldn’t find a “good reason” why she was on the panel.

The presenters addressed their long-rumoured dispute with Kelly during the 2025 series of I’m A Celeb, chiefly by poking fun at it on the spin-off show Unpacked. While chatting about the campmates’ cooking prowess, Ant quipped that every dish they’d rustled up appeared “rancid”.

When it was pointed out that Kelly Brook and Martin Kemp were handling kitchen duties, Dec cheekily questioned Ant, “What’s your problem with Kelly Brook?”

Ant quickly fired back, “Don’t you start! I don’t have a problem with Kelly Brook, thank you!”

Despite their complicated past, the presenting duo remained thoroughly professional and polite throughout their on-air interactions, including Kelly’s post-elimination chat.

‘Worst’ season

Ant and Dec officially branded the 2022 contestants the “worst ever group” following their woeful performance in trials across the entire run.

The initial 10 famous faces who ventured into the jungle at the series start were singer Boy George, former Lioness Jill Scott MBE, ex-rugby player Mike Tindall MBE, Hollyoaks actor Owen Warner, ITV News’ Charlene White, radio DJ Chris Moyles, comedian Babatúndé Aléshé, Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver, A Place in the Sun’s Scarlette Douglas and Love Island’s Olivia Attwood.

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock MP and comedian Seann Walsh subsequently entered as latecomers.

During a live Instagram session called Jungle Club, Ant and Dec didn’t hold back after the stars consistently flopped at Kev’s Deals on Wheels trials.

Dec told followers: “I think they’re officially the worst at the challenges,” while Ant agreed, branding them the “worst ever!” Ant went further still, labelling the 2022 stars a “bunch of idiots” after they botched 7 out of 10 questions. One moment that particularly irked the presenters was when the campmates failed to correctly name how many studio albums Adele has put out.

Ant also criticised their survival abilities early on in the series, calling them “helpless”.

Strikingly, while the presenters grew frustrated with their challenge performances, they’d shown tremendous excitement when the lineup was first announced, with their reaction video showing them shouting “Yes!” and “Oh he’s going to cry!” upon initially seeing the cast list.

What celebs are rumoured to be taking part in I’m A Celebrity this year?

The most prominent celebrities rumoured to be entering the Australian jungle for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2026 include former footballer and pundit Wayne Rooney, singer Jesy Nelson, and Kaiser Chiefs star Ricky Wilson.

Other names who have been mentioned include Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page and Love Island’s Chloe Burrows.

Rumours have also circulated that ITV bosses have put Jeremy Clarkson at the top of their dream casting list.

While ITV typically holds off on making official announcements until closer to the November launch date, several high-profile names are reportedly in advanced negotiations.

ANT McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have taken a surprise swipe at former This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield – four years after the infamous “queue gate.”

Phillip and Holly received a slew of backlash back in September 2022 over claims they “skipped the queue” to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth, who was lying-in-state at Westminster Hall.

The pair broke their silence on the scandal on This Morning and viewers were left furious by their “pathetic excuses.”

Now, four years on from the controversy, Ant and Dec have made a very cheeky comment about their conduct.

The telly duo were chatting about going to see the Bayeux tapestry – which depicts the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 – at the British museum.

Dec said on their podcast Hanging Out: “It’s the first time in nearly 1,000 years, it’s been in the UK. You’ve got to go and see it.”

GRACIOUS IN DEFEAT

Ant and Dec make surprising revelation about NTAs loss

PLAYING WITH FIRE

Ant & Dec reveal extreme measures in place for most dangerous BGT final

They both agreed to visit the museum together but believed it was going to be very busy.

Ant asked listeners: “If anyone from the British Museum is watching this podcast in their downtime… I’d like to jump the queue.”

Appearing to take aim at Holly and Phillip, Dec laughed: “I’m not sure about TV presenters skipping queues.

“I don’t think that’s going to end well.”

Ant continued: “What could possibly go wrong? It’s just scuttle down the side, pop in the front.”

Dec added sarcastically: “Do you think that’s the end? Nobody’s gonna say anything about it.”

TV star Ant then asked Dec if he wanted to skip the queue with him but the latter was adamant that’s something he’d have to do alone.

In 2023, Phillip told The Sun of the impact “queue gate” had on him and Holly.

He said: “I don’t ever throw anyone under the bus, but I have a very good instinct for these things and I knew it was a bad thing to do.

“We were texting each other backwards and forwards afterwards. I said to Holly ‘I knew I should have gone with my gut,’ and she said ‘I know.’

“But we were shell-shocked, the both of us, completely shell-shocked by the reaction.

“What are the two things you don’t screw up? The Queen and a queue.”

Phillip continued: “So we are forever now [associated]… it doesn’t matter now because I’m not going to go out any more … but forever now, you go to the butchers and someone says, ‘Oh do you want to [skip ahead]…?’ ‘No, no, I’ll stand here.’ I’m serious.”

Many celebs including David Beckham, Susanna Reid and Sharon Osbourne were seen standing in the long queue to see the Queen.

At the time, This Morning shared a statement on their official Instagram account, it read: “Hello everyone, we would like to clarify something. We asked Phillip and Holly to be part of a film for this Tuesday’s programme.

“They did not jump the queue, have VIP access or file past the Queen lying in state – but instead were there in a professional capacity as part of the world’s media to report on the event.”

The 100 year old scooped the TV presenter prize, having been nominated alongside Alison Hammond, Ant and Dec, Claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon

Sir David Attenborough used his National Television Awards acceptance speech to highlight the “terrible plight of our wonderful planet”.

The 100 year old scooped the TV presenter prize, having been nominated alongside Alison Hammond, Ant and Dec, Claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon.

Although Sir David was absent from the ceremony, a speech was delivered on his behalf.

He said: “I hope this award is a response to the part television has played in growing recognition, not only for the terrible plight our wonderful planet is in as a result of human activity but also of the fact we now have a pressing responsibility to do what we can to protect and conserve it.

“I am honoured indeed. We are increasingly aware that if we are to repair the planet we need major national and international initiatives which certainly require our support, but it is also possible to make small differences in our own spaces and neighbourhoods.

“If enough small differences are made they do add up to doing something significant, while also providing spaces that we do enjoy being in and nurturing.”

Attenborough added: “Humanity has always needed the natural world for all the practicalities of life and for our mental wellbeing. Now the natural world needs us too. Surely we must not ignore that simple fact.”

The internationally adored naturalist received two NTA nominations this year, with his nature documentary Secret Garden also recognised in the factual entertainment category.

However, it was Gogglebox that walked away with that particular accolade. Sir David launched his presenting journey fronting Zoo Quest in 1954, subsequently helming documentary programmes The Life Collection, Natural World, Wildlife on One, the Planet Earth franchise, The Blue Planet and Frozen Planet.

Ant and Dec have lost out on the NTA for TV Presenter yet again after previously breaking their 23-year streak last year when Gary Lineker scooped the award

Ant and Dec have lost out on their once-annual National Television Award yet again. The Geordie duo had an unbeaten streak of 23 consecutive wins of the Best Presenter gong, which was broken last year when Gary Lineker took the award.

This time around, all eyes were back on the I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! stars to see if they could reclaim their victory, but it wasn’t to be as Sir David Attenborough was chosen by the public.

The centenarian, who has most recently fronted Secret Garden for the BBC, could not be there in person but executive producer Mark Brownlow collected it in his honour.

Reading David’s words, he said: “I’m sorry that I cannot be here to accept it. If this award is a response to the part television has played in the growing recognition of the terrible plight our planet is in, and also of the fact we now have a pressing responsibility to do what we can to protect and preserve it, I am honoured.

“If we are to repair the planet, we need a major national and international initiative, which will certainly require our support. But it’s also possible to make small differences in our own spaces and neighbourhoods.

“If enough small differences are made, they do add up to something significant, while also providing spacers we can enjoy being in. Humanity has always needed the natural world for all the practicalities of life and for our mental wellbeing.

“Now, the natural word needs us too. Surely, we must not ignore that simple fact. Thank you very much.”

Ant and Dec are yet to speak out on the loss, but last year, they took the defeat graciously. “Hello from sunny South Africa, it’s us,” Dec said in a video. “We just want to jump on here and say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! at the NTAs last night.”

“Yes, thank you very much,” Ant added as the pair whooped. “Everyone here is very happy and thank you to everyone that voted for us for the Best Presenter category, even though we couldn’t get it across the line this year. We were beaten by an up and coming new guy, 64-year-old whippersnapper Gary Lineker.”

Dec went on to praise Gary’s emotional speech as he added: “Congratulations to Gary – great speech too.” Ant seconded his pal’s words, saying: “Great speech, thoroughly deserved.”

This is a breaking Showbiz news story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future on Google by simply by clicking this link . You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage .

You can sign up for Twitter/X alerts for breaking news here and follow us @MirrorCeleb for all the latest updates. Or keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures by following us on Facebook .