A wave of confusion is sweeping across social media as fans realize the upcoming “I’m A Celebrity” finale isn’t quite what it seems. Despite being billed as a live event, the South Africa series was actually filmed months ago, leaving many questioning how a winner can be crowned in real-time.
The entire season unfolded last September, a secret kept under wraps until the Australian edition began airing. Yet, ITV has planned a unique twist: a live finale where the public’s votes will determine the ultimate champion. The grand finale, hosted by Ant and Dec, will unfold tonight, offering a surprising conclusion to a pre-recorded adventure.
Fans are understandably perplexed. “How are #ImACeleb gonna have a live final when this was all filmed at the end of last year?” one viewer questioned online. The key lies in the fact that while the challenges and camp life were captured months prior, the final decision – the crowning of the King or Queen of the Jungle – will be left to the viewers at home.
The finalists vying for the title are a formidable group: Scarlett Moffatt, Mo Farah, Harry Redknapp, Adam Thomas, and Craig Charles. Each has navigated the trials of the South African bush, but their fate now rests in the hands of the public. Beverley Callard, unfortunately, won’t be joining them in the studio due to health concerns.
For the first time this season, viewers will have the power to vote. Throughout the series, the celebrities themselves decided who faced the Bushtucker Trials. Now, the public’s voice will be the deciding factor. Voting opens during the first part of the two-episode finale, beginning at 7:30pm, and closes within an hour via the “I’m A Celeb” app.
The finale will feature a blend of previously filmed trials from South Africa and live segments broadcast from a London studio. Ant and Dec, though not physically present in the Kruger National Park, will guide viewers through the dramatic conclusion. They recorded their commentary and reactions alongside the series’ filming last year.
The setting for this unique season is the world-renowned Kruger National Park, a haven for wildlife and biodiversity. Home to the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – the park provided a stunning, yet challenging, backdrop for the celebrities’ journey.
This isn’t the first time “I’m A Celebrity” has revisited past contestants. The 2023 South Africa series saw returning faces like Helen Flanagan, Carl Vorderman, and Joe Swash. Ultimately, Myleene Klass emerged victorious, praised by fans as a deserving winner and celebrated for the strong bonds she forged with her fellow campmates.
Tonight, a new legend will be crowned. The “I’m A Celebrity South Africa” final begins at 7:30pm on ITV1, with the results revealed from 10pm. Prepare for a night of suspense, surprises, and the ultimate test of public opinion.
