I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia has returned for its 2026 season, featuring a new lineup of celebrities ready to face challenges in the South African jungle. However, this year’s format has sparked mixed reactions among fans, as the show has opted for a pre-recorded format for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally, the celebrity reveals, challenges, and finale aired live, but this change has left many viewers uncertain about the implications for audience participation.
Pre-Recorded Format Draws Mixed Reactions
According to Woman’s Day, the 2026 season was filmed in November 2025, with production concluding before Christmas. A production insider explained, “It’s a bubble. Phones are gone, they’re under strict contracts, and they’re surrounded by a crew that can swell to several hundred people when you include camera operators, medics, and security.” This controlled environment is intended to maintain the show’s integrity and surprise elements.
The decision to pre-record the show allows Network 10 to refine the episodes, with the insider claiming that the additional time has “paid off” in terms of production quality. “The fact we had more time to work on what you see has paid off, and Network Ten are pumped for audiences to see it,” the insider added.
Concerns Over Audience Voting
Despite the potential for enhanced production value, several fans have expressed concerns about how the pre-recorded format affects audience engagement, particularly regarding the finale. Viewers have raised questions about the voting process, crucial for determining the winner of the competition. Comments on social media reflected this sentiment, with one user stating, “Very strange move to pre-record this new series last year. No opportunity for live voting etc. Disappointing.”
Another viewer queried, “If this show was all pre-recorded last year, how do they vote them out?” These concerns highlight the challenges the show faces in balancing production quality with audience interaction.
To alleviate worries regarding the finale, a source confirmed to Woman’s Day that “Australia still chooses the winner.” It has been suggested that multiple endings were pre-recorded and that the version aired will correspond to the public vote, allowing for a format akin to that seen in RuPaul’s Drag Race. “Whichever ending matches the public vote is the one that goes to air. The others never see the light of day,” the source explained.
As the season progresses, fans remain hopeful that the excitement of the show will continue, with many eager to see familiar faces like Cyclone Cyrell return to screens, despite her not being officially confirmed. The new season promises a mix of daring challenges and emotional moments, setting the stage for an intriguing viewing experience.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! premiered on January 18, 2026, and can be streamed for free on 10Play.
