Coronation Street legend Craig Charles will return to I’m A Celeb after he was forced to quit the show in 2014 following his brother’s fatal heart attack
It’s been a decade since Coronation Street legend Craig Charles was last seen on ITV‘s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.
Now, the actor, who is best known for playing Lloyd Mullaney in the soap, and Dave Lister in BBC sci-fi hit Red Dwarf, is set to return for another shot at being crowned King of the Jungle.
Craig, 61, had to quit the series just four days in back in 2014 when his brother Dean suddenly passed away from a heart attack aged 50.
He’ll be flying out to South Africa to join the cast of the All Stars series early next year to finish what he started after being ‘robbed of the experience’ 11 years ago.
‘His campmates and the production team all understood why he wanted to leave and head home to be with his loved ones, so ITV has given him another go.
Craig Charles, who first took part in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here in 2014, is said to be back for more for the upcoming series
Ant and Dec will be back presenting the new series in South Africa, which is due to hit screens early in 2026
‘It’s a move which has never been done on the show before.’
ITV told the publication: ‘Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity South Africa are speculation.’
Daily Mail has contacted ITV for comment.
Craig, who starred in Corrie from 2005 to 2015, is a DJ on BBC Radio 6 Music, and is said to have a stand-in presenter ready for while he’s in South Africa.
The series, which is hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, could also mark a reunion for Craig, with speculation Gemma Collins is also due to sign up.
The reality TV star, 44, took part in the same series, and walked away after just 72 hours after suffering from panic attacks in the jungle jail, the Celebrity Slammer.
It comes after ITV bosses confirmed that I’m A Celebrity… South Africa would be back for a second run in 2026 – with a brand new line-up of returning campmates, bigger trials than ever before and, for the first time, a live public vote to crown the winner.
The spin-off of the hit jungle series, which debuted in 2023, has been tipped by producers to be tougher than ever, pushing celebs to their limits.
Gemma Collins has also been tipped to be making a return for the new All Stars series
Craig was forced to pull out of the series in 2014 when his brother died from a heart attack
ITV confirms I’m A Celebrity… South Africa will return
Ant, 49, teased : ‘The campmates really brought their A-game to the first series so we can’t wait to be back for more trials, challenges and surprises amongst the beautiful South African landscape.’
Dec, 49, added: ‘Having a live final is an exciting addition to the new series with the viewers choosing their IAC Legend and we’ve heard some of the new trials are truly epic, even by I’m A Celeb… standards!’
The pair took to social media with the announcement, sharing a video with their millions of followers.
Ant said: ‘It’s us with some big news. Coming to ITV in 2026 is the return of I’m A Celebrity South Africa!
‘This time, there’s a twist because the finale will be coming to you live from the UK and you at home will pick the winner who will become an I’m A Celebrity legend.’
Dec chimed in: ‘Hang on a minute, so the viewers will pick the winner? Where do we get these mad ideas from?’
Ant couldn’t resist adding a final teaser, promising: ‘Take it from me, everything is bigger here, the challenges are bigger, and the trials are definitely bigger.’
The 2026 run will feature a major new twist, as for the first time, the public will have the final say on who takes home the title of ‘ultimate legend’.
After weeks of shocks, showdowns and survival in camp, fans will cast their votes during a live grand final broadcast direct from London.
I’m A Celebrity’s past seasons are available to stream on ITVX.