Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Why I’m a Celebrity South Africa isn’t filmed live like regular series

A special ‘All-Stars’ spinoff filmed in South Africa is here

Ellie Harrison
Friday 12 May 2023 15:26 BST
Comments
First trailer released for I’m a Celebrity South Africa

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The first season of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!’s South Africa spinoff is here.

While the flagship series usually takes place in Australia, this new, pre-recorded “All-Stars” version was filmed in South Africa.

Find out more about the new series below...

Why isn’t the series filmed live?

Aside from the location, this special series of I’m a Celeb has seen another major departure from the regular show – it’s pre-recorded.

The Mirror reported last April that the South Africa special was filmed as a back-up unless Covid restrictions meant the crew couldn’t return to Australia as normal.

“This is a brilliant reserve plan in case Covid restrictions come round again in the Autumn and the cast and crew can’t get Down Under, as has happened for the past two years,” an insider reportedly told the paper.

“There is no appetite to go back to Wales. It was great while it lasted but it’s just too dark and damp. Everyone’s had enough, including the viewers.”

Ant and Dec on ‘I’m a Celebrity South Africa’
Ant and Dec on ‘I’m a Celebrity South Africa’ (ITV)

Filming for the South Africa series took place in July 2022.

Who are the contestants on I’m a Celebrity South Africa?

This brand-new show sees the return of some of the most memorable campmates from past seasons of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

There will be many more celebrities than initially announced taking part in the series but viewers will have to watch to find out who they are and when they will enter camp.

The first batch of celebs revealed included TV presenter Carol Vorderman and Diversity dancer Jordan Banjo. Read more here.

Is there a public vote?

Because the show has been pre-recorded, there is no public vote. Contestants will be competing against each other in a battle to become the first-ever “I’m a Celebrity Legend”.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Where is it filmed in South Africa?

It’s filmed in the “harsher and more unforgiving” environment of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, with the contestants facing challenges “even bigger and tougher” than before. Read more here.

When does it start?

Episodes air at 9pm on weeknights.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in