I'm A Celebrity South Africa Fans Demand Schedule Shake-Up Over Late Finish
As Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly returned to host the pre-recorded spin-off series I'm A Celebrity South Africa, fans were left unimpressed within minutes of the first episode airing on Monday night. The brand new cast of former campmates headed to the 'jungle', but viewers quickly took to social media with a common complaint regarding the show's scheduling.
Viewer Backlash Over 9PM Start Time
With the series kicking off at 9PM and running until 10:30PM, fans begged ITV for a shake-up to the schedule. Many suggested the show should start at 8PM instead, allowing viewers to "go to bed at a decent time". One fan commented, "I think it could be good I just really wish it aired a bit earlier at 8pm or 8:30 so it doesn't finish so late." Another agreed, posting, "Petition for #imaceleb to be on at 8pm to 9.30pm so we can all get to bed at a decent time."
A third fan echoed this sentiment, while a further post read, "As it's pre recorded series get soaps on at 7pm and this on at 8pm." The pre-recorded nature of the series means fans will not get to decide who leaves camp or who does the trials, though they will pick the winner at the end in a live final filmed in London.
Format Changes and Star-Studded Line-Up
ITV confirmed the all-star version of the iconic format would bring together memorable campmates from past series, testing themselves in new trials and challenges in the South African wilderness. The award-winning hosts Ant and Dec are back, with the series featuring:
- Fresh group of returning campmates
- Spectacular locations within South Africa
- Epic and extreme trials
This year's cast includes Adam Thomas, Ashley Roberts, Scarlett Moffatt, David Haye, Beverley Callard, Seann Walsh, Sinitta, and Sir Mo Farah. Gemma Collins, Craig Charles, Jimmy Bullard, and Harry Redknapp complete the line-up. Coronation Street star Beverley Callard jumped at the chance to participate, having appeared in the Welsh version during the pandemic. She confessed, "I was really flattered when I got the call. In fact, I was gobsmacked! But I said ‘yes’ because Wales was so different."
Response to Past Complaints and Final Details
Bosses have changed the format this year after fan complaints about the lack of viewer involvement in the last pre-recorded version. This time, there will be a live final on Friday, April 24th, three weeks after the show begins, allowing the public to choose the winner in a live episode. The first series saw Myleene Klass crowned as champion and show Legend.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa airs every night at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with fans hoping for a schedule adjustment to accommodate earlier viewing.
