Luke Bateman Confirmed for ‘I’m A Celebrity Australia’ 2026: A Deep Dive into the Jungle Lineup and Format Changes

The eagerly awaited 12th season of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Australia is just days away from its premiere, and the excitement is palpable. With hosts Robert Irwin and Julia Morris set to lead the charge, this year promises a fresh dynamic, not least due to a significant shift in its production format. Adding to the buzz, the first celebrity contestant has officially been unveiled, setting the stage for what’s anticipated to be a season filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Luke Bateman, the former NRL player who transitioned to The Bachelor and later became a sensation on BookTok, is confirmed to be heading into the African jungle. Bateman, known for his candid reviews of romance novels to his 400,000+ TikTok followers, shared his enthusiasm on Wednesday morning. “In some very exciting news, I’ll be trading the Australian outback for the African jungle on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!” he announced, as reported by Daily Mail Australia. He expressed his eagerness to tackle the challenges concocted by Robert and Julia, stating, “I’m sure there’ll be some delectable food items and some fear-instilling trials. I can’t wait. I’ll see you all in the jungle.” Bateman will be competing for the $100,000 prize money on behalf of his chosen charity, Farm Angels, a cause he holds dear to his heart.

A New Era for the Jungle: Pre-Recorded Drama and Familiar Faces

This season marks a notable departure from the show’s live format, a change that has both intrigued and surprised long-time viewers. For the first time, excluding the two seasons filmed on home soil during the pandemic, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Australia has been pre-recorded. Production commenced in late November 2025 and wrapped just before Christmas, deep within South Africa’s Kruger National Park. This strategic move, according to a production insider speaking to Woman’s Day, creates a tightly controlled “bubble” where contestants are isolated, their phones confiscated, and strict contracts in place. To safeguard against spoilers, three alternate endings were filmed, with each of the three finalists performing a winning scenario. Despite the pre-recording, the Australian public will still retain the power to determine the ultimate King or Queen of the Jungle in the finale, adding a layer of authenticity to the public vote.

Returning to guide the celebrities through their jungle ordeal are the beloved duo, Robert Irwin and Julia Morris. Morris, a veteran of the show since its inception, brings her signature wit and experience, while Irwin, who joined more recently, adds a fresh, adventurous spirit. Their chemistry is a cornerstone of the show, and promotional trailers, like their cover of Alicia Bridges’ “I Love the Nightlife” (aptly retitled “We Love The Wildlife”), have already teased their dynamic and the vibrant energy they bring to the African wilderness. The shift to pre-recording allows for tighter editing and potentially more polished storytelling, but it also raises questions about the immediate, real-time engagement that live elements previously offered.

Unpacking the Clues: Who Else is Heading to the Jungle?

Beyond Luke Bateman, Channel 10 has released a series of cryptic clues, sending fans and entertainment pundits into a frenzy of speculation. Pedestrian.tv has compiled a comprehensive list of these hints, alongside some educated guesses, giving us a peek into the potential star-studded lineup:

• Reality Bridezilla: The clue “Let’s give a rebellious reality bride a fright at first sight” strongly suggests a star from Married At First Sight. Fan theories point towards Jamie Marinos from 2025 or the infamous Cyrell Paule, who has previous reality TV experience on The Amazing Race: Celebrity Edition. Our guess leans towards Cyrell Paule, given her memorable on-screen presence.
• Hollywood Sitcom Star: Teased to “go off with a big bang,” this clue is almost certainly a nod to The Big Bang Theory. Speculation includes Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, or Kevin Sussman, with Sussman, who visited Australia in 2023, being a popular guess.
• Reality TV Bad Boy: Narrators hinted this celebrity would be “leaving the Island life for jungle strife,” immediately bringing to mind shows like Love Island, Survivor, or Ex on the Beach. George Mladenov from Australian Survivor, Harry Jowsey from Too Hot To Handle, or Matt Zukowski from Love Island are the top contenders, with Matt Zukowski being a strong possibility after his high-profile split from Tammy Hembrow.
• International Supermodel: This glamorous contestant is described as “strutting her way into Africa” and having connections to “rock ‘n’ roll royalty.” Tyra Banks (with her SMiZE and DREAM ice cream stores in Australia), Kelly Osbourne (daughter of Ozzy Osbourne), and Rachel Hunter (NZ model, formerly married to Rod Stewart) are all in the mix. Rachel Hunter seems a plausible fit.
• Soap Royalty: With the recent cancellation of Neighbours, a star from the iconic Australian soap seems highly probable. Robert teased “snakes and creepy crawlies as her new neighbours.” Jackie Woodburne, Rebekah Elmaloglou, Bonnie Anderson, and honorary Aussie Chrishell Stause (who had a stint on Neighbours) are among the names. Jackie Woodburne is a popular and fitting guess.
• A Master Chef: This clue promises a “spicy” and “controversial” season with a culinary expert. Former MasterChef Australia judges George Calombaris, Matt Preston, or Gary Mehigan, or even 2025 winner Laura Sharrad, are being discussed. Melissa Leong, having recently competed on The Amazing Race Australia, is also a strong candidate. Matt Preston is a compelling choice.
• AFL A-Lister: An AFL star will be “booted into the jungle” and “have a ball.” With a wide field of possibilities including Bernie Quinlan, Warwick Capper, David Rodan, David Zaharakis, Joe Daniher, and Shaun Hampson (who is married to Megan Gale and has Survivor experience), Shaun Hampson stands out.
• Logie-Winning Actor: Teased to give his “wildest performance,” this actor’s clue package featured a Silver Logie in a spiderweb. Hugh Sheridan, Lincoln Lewis, or Samuel Johnson (who won both a Silver and Gold Logie in 2017) are potential candidates. Samuel Johnson, known for his compelling performances, would be a fascinating addition.
• Radio Queen: This celebrity is expected to “make waves in the jungle.” Olympic Gold Medalist and Triple M Golden Breakfast co-host Leisel Jones is a prime suspect, alongside established radio personalities like Jackie “O” Henderson, Kate Ritchie, and Fifi Box. Leisel Jones offers an intriguing blend of athletic discipline and media presence.
• Jungle Princess: A cheeky monkey asked if this returning celeb “will have as much fun the second time around,” strongly hinting at an All Stars participant. Co-host Julia Morris’s comment about “the only likes they’ll be getting are from the leeches” further points towards a social media queen. Abbie Chatfield, a former I’m A Celeb winner and prominent podcaster, has openly expressed interest in an All Stars edition, making her a highly probable candidate.
• Stand-Up Star: This comedian is set to have the “jungle in stitches.” Channel 10 regulars like Tommy Little, Luke McGregor, and Sam Pang, as well as Nath Valvo, are all being considered. Nath Valvo’s sharp wit would be a great fit for the jungle.
• ’90s Pop Star: A meerkat with golden headphones and a reference to having a “bumper of a time” led one fan to connect it to the Spice Girls’ track “Bumper to Bumper.” Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) or Melanie C (Sporty Spice) are possibilities, especially since Mel C has spent time in Australia. Other names include Vanessa Amorosi, Natalie Imbruglia, and Melissa Tkautz. Melissa Tkautz, with her diverse career, could be a dark horse.

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Australia 2026 is set to premiere on Sunday, January 18, 2026, on Channel 10. The shift to a pre-recorded format means that while the public still holds the power in the finale, the traditional live eliminations and immediate fan reactions will be replaced by a more curated viewing experience. This change, alongside the anticipation of the full cast reveal, positions this season as a pivotal moment for the popular reality series, potentially redefining its engagement with an audience accustomed to real-time drama.

The strategic move to pre-record I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Australia for its 2026 season, while aiming to control spoilers and streamline production, fundamentally alters the viewer experience. The essence of reality television often lies in its perceived immediacy and the direct impact of public sentiment on unfolding events. By pre-recording, the show risks diluting this spontaneous connection, potentially transforming it into a more polished, yet less dynamic, narrative. The success of this format shift will ultimately hinge on whether the compelling cast and curated drama can outweigh the loss of real-time unpredictability that has traditionally captivated its audience.