Public votes for the first time in the show's history as finalists await their fate in London studio
Category: Arts & Culture
The highly anticipated live final of I'm A Celebrity South Africa is set to air tonight, April 24, 2026, on ITV1, featuring four remaining contestants: Sir Mo Farah, Harry Redknapp, Adam Thomas, and Craig Charles. Unlike previous seasons, this year’s finale will allow the public to vote for the winner, marking a historic change in the show's format.
After three weeks of intense Bushtucker trials and emotional moments, the finalists will gather in a London studio as they await the outcome of the public vote. This year's format diverges from the inaugural I'm A Celebrity South Africa series in 2023, where Myleene Klass was crowned the winner based solely on challenges without public input.
The live final is divided into two parts. The first segment will air from 7:30 PM to 9 PM, revisiting the final trials completed by the contestants in South Africa, along with live segments featuring the finalists in London. Following a one-hour break, the second part will commence at 10 PM, during which the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite campmate via the I'm A Celebrity app. The winner will be announced shortly after 10 PM, with the chosen celebrity receiving £100,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.
As the countdown to the final continues, Adam Thomas is currently favored to win according to several bookmakers. He is closely followed by Harry Redknapp, with Craig Charles and Sir Mo Farah trailing behind. Interestingly, prior to the final, many cast members expressed their belief that Sir Mo would secure the public vote.
All cast members are invited to the live final, though reports indicate that Jimmy Bullard may not attend due to a feud with Adam Thomas. Beverley Callard has also announced her absence due to medical reasons.
This year's I'm A Celebrity South Africa marks a notable shift in the show's history, as it is the first time the audience will directly influence the outcome through voting. The previous season, which aired in 2023, was unique in its own right, crowning Myleene Klass without any public input. The decision to allow public voting this time reflects a desire to engage viewers more actively, enhancing their connection to the contestants and the show.
In terms of format, the South African series differs significantly from its Australian counterpart, which is broadcast live every night. The South African edition was pre-recorded in September 2025, allowing for a different approach to editing and storytelling. Co-host Dec Donnelly highlighted the challenges faced by contestants, saying, "We wanted to leave it up to the public, but to get to that point, to be a finalist, we've made it tougher than ever." This emphasis on competition has resonated with audiences, contributing to the show's popularity.
Viewers have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the season, witnessing the physical challenges of the Bushtucker trials and the personal dynamics among contestants. Friendships have formed, and conflicts have arisen, all of which have added layers of intrigue to the viewing experience.
As the final approaches, excitement builds around how the public will respond to the finalists. Voting will open at the end of the first episode and will remain open for one hour, allowing fans to champion their favorite campmate. This interactive element aims to create a more invested audience, as viewers can directly influence the outcome of the competition.
The winner, crowned the "ultimate legend," will gain recognition and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a charity of their choice. This philanthropic aspect adds another layer of significance to the competition, as the finalists vie not just for personal glory but also for the chance to support important causes.
With the live final just hours away, anticipation is high among fans eager to see who will emerge victorious. The public's choice will be revealed in the second part of the final, airing from 10 PM to 10:30 PM. As the contestants prepare for this defining moment, viewers across the nation are ready to cast their votes and witness the culmination of weeks of competition.