I’m A Celebrity Australia 2026: First Stars Revealed Amid Format Shake-Up

The eagerly awaited 2026 season of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia is set to premiere tonight, January 18, 2026, marking the beginning of another thrilling journey into the African jungle. As anticipation reaches a fever pitch, Channel 10 has officially confirmed the first three contestants: former NRL player Luke Bateman, international supermodel Rachel Hunter, and AFL royalty Dyson Heppell. This season promises not only a fresh cast but also a significant shake-up in its production format, transitioning to a fully pre-recorded series filmed in South Africa, a move poised to redefine the viewer experience and the show’s behind-the-scenes dynamics.

Meet the Inaugural Jungle Dwellers

The first trio of celebrities confirmed to trade their usual comforts for rice, beans, and the infamous jungle trials brings a diverse range of backgrounds and fan bases. Each contestant arrives with a unique set of skills and public personas, setting the stage for intriguing interactions and challenges.

Luke Bateman: The Rugby League Romeo Turned Reality Star

Luke Bateman, a name familiar to both sports enthusiasts and reality TV aficionados, is officially joining the I’m A Celeb ranks. Known for his tenure as a formidable player for the Canberra Raiders in the NRL, Bateman is no stranger to high-pressure environments. His foray into reality television began with his appearance as The Bachelor in 2023, where he navigated the complexities of televised romance. Beyond the sporting arena and dating show mansions, Bateman has also cultivated a significant presence on social media, particularly through his engaging #Booktok content, showcasing a more contemplative side. In a recent Instagram video, Bateman expressed his excitement, stating, “In some very exciting news, I’ll be trading the Australian outback for the African jungle. I’m very excited to see what Robert (Irwin) and Julia (Morris) have cooked up for me. I’m sure there’ll be some delectable food items and some fear-instilling trials.” His blend of athletic resilience, reality TV experience, and online charisma could provide him with a distinct edge in the demanding jungle environment.

Rachel Hunter: From Runway to Rainforest

Confirming long-standing rumors, the “international supermodel” teaser has been unveiled as the iconic Rachel Hunter. A true legend of the fashion world, Hunter has graced the covers of prestigious magazines like Vogue and Sports Illustrated for decades, embodying global glamour. However, her life has since transitioned to a more grounded existence, focusing on her roles as a yoga and meditation teacher. This shift from the glitz of the runway to spiritual retreats presents a fascinating contrast to the rugged realities of the jungle. Hunter’s journey into the wild, swapping Zen practices for bug repellent and camp cots, is highly anticipated. Viewers are keen to observe how this international icon, known for her composure and grace, will adapt to the unpredictable and often challenging conditions of the African wilderness.

Dyson Heppell: AFL Royalty Tackles the Jungle

Joining Bateman and Hunter is Dyson Heppell, a revered figure in Australian Rules Football. As one of the youngest captains in Essendon’s history, Heppell possesses inherent leadership qualities and a strong competitive spirit honed on the MCG turf. His transition from leading a football team to navigating the dynamics of a celebrity camp in the jungle will test his adaptability and resolve. While accustomed to tackling opponents, Heppell will discover a new definition of “tackling” in the wild, facing physical and mental trials far removed from the sporting field. His grit, leadership, and dedication to a cause—a hallmark of many contestants—will be crucial assets as he attempts to unite and motivate a diverse group of hungry celebrities.

Behind-the-Scenes Shake-Up: Pre-Recording and Pay Tiers

Beyond the fresh faces, the 2026 season introduces significant structural changes that have already generated considerable discussion among industry insiders and fans. In a major departure from its traditional live format, I’m A Celeb Australia has reportedly opted for a fully pre-recorded season, a strategic move aimed at cutting production costs. According to production sources cited by Mamamia, filming concluded in South Africa just before Christmas. To maintain the suspense and prevent leaks regarding the winner, an unprecedented measure was taken: three alternate endings were filmed, meaning even the finalists themselves remain unaware of the ultimate victor until the show’s broadcast.

Adding another layer of intrigue, a new tiered pay system has reportedly been implemented. While top-tier, household names can still command substantial fees, allegedly up to $250,000, reality stars and influencers are said to be relegated to the “lowest rung” of the pay scale. This new system highlights the evolving landscape of celebrity endorsement and the economics of reality television, potentially influencing the mix of personalities willing to endure the jungle experience.

Unraveling the Clues: Who Else Might Be Joining?

Channel 10 has skillfully fueled public speculation by releasing a series of cryptic clues on its Instagram, prompting a nationwide guessing game. Former 2016 champion Brendan “Fev” Fevola has also weighed in, sharing “intel” he purportedly received, adding another dimension to the rumor mill.

• A Jungle Princess: The clue “Who’s the jungle princess heading into the African jungle?” suggests a returning contestant. Fans have speculated names like Abby Chatfield or Lindy Klim, eager to see if a former queen will reclaim her throne.
• A Reality Bad Boy: With the hint “A Reality Bad Boy’s swapping island life for jungle strife,” names like Harry Jowsey or King George Mladenov have surfaced, promising potential conflict and drama.
• A Stand-Up Star: “Can you guess the Stand-Up Star that’ll have the jungle in stitches?” points to a comedian. Co-host Tommy Little and Aussie comedy royalty Sam Pang are among the popular guesses, suggesting humor will be a vital survival tool.
• Soap Royalty: The clue “Our Soap Royalty’s ready to bring the drama to the jungle” has led viewers to anticipate the appearance of Neighbours and Home and Away stars like Rebekah Elmaloglou or Jackie Woodburne, known for their dramatic flair.
• A Reality Bridezilla: “A Reality Bridezilla’s getting a fright at first” hints at a former Married At First Sight contestant. Lauren Dunn, Jamie Marinos, and Cyrell Paul are audience favorites for bringing their unique brand of reality TV drama.
• A Radio Queen: “A radio queen will be making waves in the jungle” has sparked debate over prominent radio personalities such as Jackie O or Ricki-Lee, promising captivating conversations without the usual producer intervention.
• A Logie Winning Actor: “A Logie winning actor is about to give his wildest performance” has led to guesses like Hugh Sheridan, while Brendan Fevola’s intel specifically named Samuel Johnson, hinting at potential dramatic camp dynamics.
• A Hollywood Sitcom Star: The most intriguing clue, “Roll out the red carpet, Robert! A Hollywood sitcom star is making his jungle debut,” followed by Robert Irwin’s reply about “a big bang,” strongly suggests a cast member from the globally popular series The Big Bang Theory. Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, or Johnny Galecki are among the high-profile possibilities, promising significant international star power.
• A Masterchef: The prospect of a “master chef” joining the camp has fans excited about potentially better camp meals. Former judges Melissa Leong and George Calombaris are top contenders, with Fev noting Mel Leong’s suspicious absence from their WhatsApp group. The idea of Calombaris, known for his culinary standards, adapting to a rice-and-bean diet is a show in itself.

These clues, meticulously dropped by Channel 10, keep the audience engaged and guessing, ensuring that the full reveal on premiere night will be a major event.

The Hosts and the Habitat

Guiding the celebrities through their jungle ordeal once again are the charismatic duo Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. Their chemistry and unique blend of humor and wildlife expertise have become a hallmark of the show, promising to deliver both laughs and genuine concern as the contestants face their fears. The African jungle, with its inherent challenges and breathtaking natural beauty, serves as the perfect backdrop for this intense social experiment, pushing celebrities to their physical and mental limits.

The 2026 season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia appears to be embracing a dual strategy: maintaining its core appeal with a mix of beloved and intriguing personalities, while simultaneously adapting its production model to meet contemporary economic and logistical demands. The transition to a pre-recorded format, coupled with a tiered pay structure, underscores a pragmatic evolution for a show that thrives on both genuine human drama and the spectacle of celebrity. This approach, if successful, could set a new precedent for large-scale reality productions, balancing entertainment value with sustainable operational practices.