🚨 I’m A Celeb’s launch has been thrown into chaos — ITV just made a move no one saw coming
ITV bosses are delaying the start of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2026 after a major scheduling clash.
The Sun can reveal that execs have opted to postpone the launch show after landing the rights to the UEFA Nations League.
The upcoming series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here will air on a MondayCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
YouTube star Sharky, from the Beta Squad, has been in talks to appear on the showCredit: instagram/ohnosharky
The international tournament kicks off on September 24 and goes on for months, with England taking on World Cup winners Spain on Sunday November 15.
Kick off at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid is due to take place at 8.45pm – just 15 minutes before bosses wanted to kick off this year’s I’m A Celeb.
As a result, ITV has had to rethink the usual Sunday night launch show.
The Sun understands the show is now set to kick off on Monday, November 16, 2026.
A source said: “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.
“The show will now start on Monday, November 16 at 9pm.”
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.”
Earlier this week, The Sun revealed how YouTube sensation Sharky, whose real name is Sharmarke Mohamud, is in talks to appear on the show.
It’s hoped Sharky, who is part of social media group Beta Squad, will capture a new, younger audience — following in the footsteps of Angry Ginge, who went on to win the show last winter.
A source said: “Sharky is absolutely massive with young people and ITV thinks he could be ideal to bring younger viewers to I’m A Celebrity.
“Beta Squad commands tens of millions of followers and they know those fans will engage with I’m A Celeb if he goes into the jungle.”
Other celebs linked to the new series, hosted by Ant and Dec, include Gavin & Stacey’s Joanna Page, presenter Ade Adepitan, and Olympic ice-skating legend Christopher Dean.
