With the nights drawing in and the TV schedules stuffed to the brim with our favourite shows, it’s nearly time for another one to join the pack as I’m A Celebrity returns to screens.
And this year is already sounding like a blinder, with some big-name stars in the mix to be joining camp, spilling secrets round the fire and getting up close and personal with every spider and snake the show can throw at them.
For the past two years the series has relocated from its usual Australian setting to a Welsh castle, due to the travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
But just where will it take place this year, when is it back on our screens – and who could we be watching chowing down on cockroaches?
Here’s everything we know so far…
When does I’m A Celebrity 2022 start?
As it stands the start date for I’m A Celebrity 2022 has not yet been confirmed by ITV.
However the series typically begins in mid-November, and runs for around three weeks, ending in early December.
In 2021 the series began on Sunday 21 November – and in recent years it has kicked off on one of the middle two Sundays.
However, this year there’s also the small matter of the World Cup to consider, with the tournament kicking off in Qatar on November 20 – at around the same time I’m A Celebrity would normally begin.
This has led to some suggestions that I’m A Celebrity could start earlier than usual, to avoid clashes – although so far ITV has not confirmed whether this will be the case.
Where will I’m A Celebrity 2022 take place?
After two years at Gwrych Castle in Wales, the series is returning to its usual setting in the Australian jungle for its 2022 series.
ITV confirmed in August it would be back in its old home, saying: Returning to its home in Australia after a two-year break, our celebrities will leave their plush pads and luxuries far behind as they spend up to three weeks taking on the Australian jungle with a whole host of surprises created for them.’
ITV’s Director of Content, Rosemary Newell, previously hinted that the new season would be back at its birthplace in March.
‘We expect a celebrity to return in Australia in November, when it will generate audience over 11 million,’ she said at the time.
Who will be in the I’m A Celebrity 2022 line-up?
Although the line-up is yet to be confirmed the rumour mill is churning with names – and there are some big ones in the frame this year.
They include music legend Boy George, who reportedly has secured the show’s biggest ever paycheque of $1million (£879,000) to take part.
Others reported to be up for a stint in the jungle include Mike Tindall.
The former rugby ace, who was part of the England team which won the 2003 World Cup, is married to the Princess Royal’s daughter Zara – and is set to be the first royal ever to enter camp.
Loose Women’s Charlene White is also rumoured to be taking a place in camp, while Olivia Attwood is tipped to become the first former Love Island contestant to secure a spot on the show.
Celebrity Gogglebox’s Babatunde Aleshe – seen on the sofa next to Mo Gilligan in the Channel 4 show – has reportedly signed up also, along with England Lioness Jill Scott, part of the Women’s World Cup winning squad.
And they could be joined by comedian Seann Walsh, who is being rumoured for camp, four years after the infamous Strictly scandal when he was caught on camera kissing dance partner Katya Jones outside a pub.
Who will host I’m A Celebrity 2022?
The nation’s favourite Geordie duo, Ant and Dec, will once again be hosting the ITV reality show.
Host Ant previously fuelled hope that I’m A Celebrity would be able to return to Australia during an appearance on The One Show in Februrary.
‘Well, the plan is the jungle, so if all things…,’ to which Dec chimed in: ‘Nothing against Wales!’
Ant then added: ‘We love Wales but you know, Australia is its home and we’d like to get back there if we can.’
His co-host Dec said: ‘That’s what we’re hoping, touch wood.’
Is there a trailer for I’m A Celebrity 2022?
There is indeed, with Ant and Dec signposting the show’s return to Australia as they jump out of a helicopter together.
The one-minute clip sees Dec grow concerned as Ant flings luggage out of a helicopter en route to Australia.
When Dec is informed by a non-plussed Ant the luggage is ‘meeting us there’, he looks perplexed, as his pal shoves a load of sky-diving gear towards his way.
Ant then thrusts a wad of contracts at Dec while dangling out of the door and tells him gleefully: ‘Remember, wherever I go, you have to go!’
As Dec looks at the ‘Always Together Contract’, he laments: ‘I wish I’d never signed that thing’ before also diving from the helicopter – with the pair floating towards the ground on parachutes which read ‘We’re back.’
Who won I’m A Celebrity 2021?
The 2021 series of the show was won by former Emmerdale star Danny Miller.
The actor, best known as the soap’s Aaron Dingle, took the prize after fighting off competition from Corrie’s Simon Gregson and The Saturdays’ Frankie Bridge.
Danny, who entered camp just weeks after the birth of his son, said of his victory: ‘I have made no secret about the fact that I wanted to be able to give him and set him up for a good future.
‘I wasn’t financially set for that and this is an opportunity to do that. It would set me and my family up. I feel like I have done it. I feel proud of myself and I hope my family are as well.’
I’m A Celebrity returns to ITV in November.