ITV has dealt Ant & Dec a significant blow by reportedly axing one of their shows, despite its massive success. The South African version of the beloved reality series, “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” has been put on hold, disappointing fans despite its huge ratings and star-studded cast.
The spin-off, which complemented the traditional Australian season, captured audiences’ attention with its thrilling Bushtucker trials and a lineup of former and current stars. The series featured familiar faces vying for survival in the wilderness, from Helen Flanagan to Phil Tufnell and Joe Swash. Ultimately, it was Myleene Klass who emerged victorious, earning the title of the ‘ultimate ‘legend’ in the series finale.
Despite its success and massive viewership of up to 5.2 million, ITV insiders hinted at the show’s uncertain future. According to a source from The Sun, “ITV have decided I’m A Celebrity South Africa will not return this year and there are currently no plans for another series.”
“It may well return in the future so it’s not necessarily gone for good, but it definitely won’t be happening this year and there is nothing set in stone for when it will be.”
“This will come as a disappointment to fans as Ant and Dec had previously hinted that it would be back and it was expected that it would be an annual thing.”
This decision disappointed fans who anticipated its annual return, especially after Ant and Dec’s previous hints at its continuation.
No concrete plans for Ant & Dec’s future in South Africa
An ITV spokesperson acknowledged the spin-off’s popularity, affirming it as “one of the biggest entertainment shows of the year.” However, they clarified that there were never any concrete plans for its return in 2024. Despite the show’s delayed airing from filming in 2022 to its broadcast in April 2023, it garnered a strong following, showcasing the franchise’s enduring appeal. The spokesperson continued,
“The series was one of the biggest entertainment shows of the year averaging 5.2million across its consecutive weeknight run and reaching over one million 16-34s for the launch episode.”
And went on to say, “It was never planned for the series to return again this year.”
One of the criticisms levelled against the South African edition was its pre-recorded format, which meant viewers couldn’t influence the outcome through live voting. Nevertheless, the series delivered intense moments, culminating in a gripping finale where Klass triumphed over Diversity’s Jordan Banjo in a stomach-churning eating challenge.
Reflecting on her win, Klass expressed gratitude for the opportunities the show provided her, stating, “The jungle back in Australia gave me my family, gave me my work, gave me my career – I wanted to go to the bush as I wanted to say thank you for what the jungle has given me.”