‘Next big TV battleground’: Network war erupts over I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! as Nine and Seven battle it out for ‘the jungle’ rights – and Robert Irwin’s future

As rumours run rampant about I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here’s future at Ten, it seems rival networks are circling the hit reality show – but it could spell trouble for its high-profile hosts.

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! may be facing an uncertain future at Network Ten, but SkyNews.com.au can reveal ‘the jungle’ franchise is far from dead, with both Network Nine and Seven Network quietly circling the hit reality show behind the scenes.

According to well-placed TV insiders, the bidding war could completely transform the show as viewers know it, with its future hosts, contestants and format all hanging in the balance.

“Nobody believes I’m A Celebrity is disappearing forever,” spills one industry source, adding: “The format is still incredibly valuable and both Nine and Seven see huge potential in it. The question now is which network can reinvent it best.”

Hosts of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Robert Irwin and Julia Morris. Picture: Supplied
One person believed to be at the centre of the negotiations is longtime ‘jungle’ queen Julia Morris.

But while insiders say Nine executives are still very interested in keeping Julia attached to the format, her future at Seven is far less certain.

According to our source, Nine’s director of television Michael Healy “absolutely loves Julia”, adding: “He sees her as part of the DNA of the show.”

However, if Nine wins the war, they’ll likely “rebuild the rest of the format” around established Nine talent, a move that could spell trouble for Robert Irwin.

According to insiders, Nine would likely pair Julia with one of its own trusted male stars instead, with names such as David Campbell and Gary Sweet being floated as co-host.

“Both fit Nine’s family-entertainment style and executives know audiences already trust them,” the insider says.

And in true Nine fashion, sources say the network would heavily mine its own stable of stars for jungle contestants, too.

“Nine lives for a cross-promotion,” says the insider. “They would absolutely stack the cast with recognisable Nine personalities.”

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here Australia finalists for 2025 Sam Thaiday, Reggie Bird and Matty Johnson. Picture: Channel 10
Among the names rumoured to already be on internal wish lists are Richard Wilkins (The Today Show), Brooke Boney (Former Today), Tammy Hembrow (Shark!), Lucinda Light (Travel Guides) and Sophie Monk (Love Island Australia).

“There’s a feeling at Nine that audiences want familiar personalities they already feel connected to,” says the source.

SkyNews.com.au has also heard Channel Nine would likely push for the series to return to a live format if they secured the rights.

“They believe live television creates unpredictability and social media buzz,” explains the insider. “That’s where Nine thinks the franchise could feel fresh again.”

Meanwhile, over at Channel Seven, insiders claim executives are taking a very different approach.

“Seven doesn’t necessarily see Julia as essential,” says the source. “If they secured the format, the focus would likely shift heavily toward Robert Irwin and building a new hosting duo around him.”

And according to whispers, Seven is already considering several female stars to stand beside Robert in ‘the jungle.’

“The names doing the rounds are Ricki-Lee Coulter and Kate Ritchie,” reveals the insider, adding: “Seven wants somebody warm, funny and commercially appealing.”

Robert Irwin and Julia Morris pose as co-hosts of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! Picture: Supplied
Unlike Nine, sources claim Seven would likely keep the show pre-recorded rather than returning to live broadcasts.

“Seven prefers polished event television,” explains the source. “They’d want the show to feel glossy and tightly produced.”

And if Seven lands the franchise, don’t be surprised if some of the network’s biggest names suddenly find themselves eating bugs in South Africa.

According to the insider, one Seven star that would bring in the numbers for the beloved reality series is former I’m A Celebrity host Dr Chris Brown.

One Seven star that would bring in the numbers for the beloved reality series, according to the insider, would be former I’m A Celebrity host Dr Chris Brown.

“The jungle is shaping up as the next big TV battleground,” says the insider.

“And whichever network wins it won’t just inherit a format. They’ll inherit an entire entertainment ecosystem.”