When Kelly Brook, Alex Scott MBE, and Jack Osbourne stepped into the spotlight to confirm their participation in the 25th season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!Australia, they weren’t just signing up for a reality show — they were stepping into a crucible of endurance, emotion, and raw human vulnerability. The announcement, made by ITV on October 1, 2024, confirmed a lineup that blends fame, resilience, and deeply personal stories — all unfolding in the humid, unpredictable jungles of Murwillumbah, New South Wales.
Why This Season Feels Different
It’s not just the 25th anniversary. It’s the weight behind the smiles. Jack Osbourne, whose father, legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, passed away in January 2024, admitted the decision to join wasn’t about fame — it was about survival. "It’s going to be hard leaving them behind," he said, referring to his wife and children. "I’m going into the jungle to take my mind off things." His mother, Sharon Osbourne, and sister Kelly Osbourne, both longtime TV fixtures themselves, are reportedly behind him 100%. This isn’t just a challenge — it’s therapy with a camera crew.
Meanwhile, Alex Scott, former England Lionesses captain and now a respected BBC pundit, spoke candidly about her motivation. "Jess thinks I’m absolutely mental," she laughed, referencing her partner, singer Jess Glynne. "But she’ll be my biggest supporter." Scott, 41, has spent years advocating for women’s football and mental health — and now she’s trading stadiums for swamps. "I love this show," she said. "It’s iconic TV. I want to be part of that legacy."
The Jungle Lineup: More Than Just Celebrities
The full cast reads like a who’s who of British pop culture. Ruby Wax OBE, the comedian and mental health advocate, brings her trademark wit and emotional honesty. Aitch, the Manchester rapper, enters as one of the youngest contestants — a stark contrast to Martin Kemp, the 62-year-old Spandau Ballet bassist who’s seen it all. Then there’s Lisa Riley, who’s played Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale for nearly three decades. "I’m turning 50 next year," she said. "Thirty years playing Mandy. Ten years sober. If I don’t do it now, I never will."
Even the lesser-known names carry weight. Morgan Burtwistle, known online as Angryginge, represents a new generation of reality stars — digital natives who’ve built audiences without traditional gatekeepers. And Shona McCarty, from EastEnders, brings soap opera drama into the wild — literally.
The Hosts: The Unshakeable Duo
Through every season, every scandal, every rainstorm, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have been the steady hands guiding viewers. Since the show’s debut on November 18, 2002, they’ve never missed a broadcast. Their chemistry is part of the show’s DNA. "They’re the glue," says a former producer who asked to remain anonymous. "No matter what happens in the jungle, the studio feels safe because they’re there."
Behind the Scenes: How the Jungle Works
For three weeks, starting mid-November 2024, the celebrities will live on rice, beans, and whatever they can barter or win in the infamous Bushtucker Trials. The camp, located in the rainforest near Murwillumbah, is deliberately primitive — no showers, no phones, no privacy. The trials — from crawling through tunnels filled with insects to balancing over pits of snakes — are designed to test both physical limits and psychological resilience.
ITV Studios films the entire season on location, then edits it into daily episodes that air on ITV1 and stream on ITVX. The show’s schedule — airing weeknights through early December — ensures it dominates the autumn TV landscape, competing with nothing but itself in terms of cultural impact.
Why It’s Called ‘2025’ When It Aired in 2024
Here’s the twist: despite filming in November 2024 and airing through December 2024, ITV is branding this as the "2025" series. Why? Because the finale will likely fall in early January 2025 — the same way the 2023 season was branded as "2023" even though it ended in December 2023. It’s a marketing quirk, but a meaningful one. The show isn’t just about the year it starts — it’s about the year it ends. And this season? It’s designed to be remembered.
What’s at Stake
For Kelly Brook, it’s a comeback. For Jack Osbourne, it’s healing. For Lisa Riley, it’s a milestone. For Alex Scott, it’s proving that athletes don’t retire when they leave the pitch — they just find new arenas. And for viewers? It’s a rare glimpse into how real people cope with grief, aging, identity, and pressure — all while being watched by millions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jack Osbourne’s participation connect to his father’s death?
Jack Osbourne entered the jungle just months after the death of his father, Ozzy Osbourne, in January 2024. He openly stated his goal was to distract himself from grief and focus on family. His mother Sharon and sister Kelly have publicly supported his decision, framing the show as a form of emotional therapy rather than a publicity stunt. His participation adds a layer of raw vulnerability rarely seen in reality TV.
Why is Lisa Riley joining after 30 years on Emmerdale?
Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale, says she’s finally saying "yes" because she’s turning 50 and has been sober for a decade. She views the show as a personal milestone — a way to step outside her long-running soap opera role and prove she’s more than a TV character. It’s also her first major reality appearance, making it a career pivot as much as a challenge.
Who are the hosts of I’m A Celebrity 2025?
The show is once again hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who have fronted every season since its 2002 debut. Their consistent presence is a major reason for the show’s longevity. Viewers rely on their humor and warmth to anchor the chaos of the jungle, making them as essential to the format as the trials themselves.
Where is the 2025 series being filmed?
Filming takes place in the rainforests near Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia — the same location used since 2003. The site is chosen for its isolation, humidity, and wildlife, which create the perfect conditions for the show’s grueling Bushtucker Trials. Despite rumors of moving locations, ITV has confirmed the traditional jungle remains unchanged.
How does this season differ from past ones?
This season stands out because nearly every contestant is entering with a deeply personal reason — grief, sobriety, aging, or reinvention. Unlike earlier seasons focused purely on fame or shock value, 2025’s lineup feels like a collective act of vulnerability. The 25th anniversary isn’t just a milestone — it’s a reflection point, and the participants are using the jungle to confront their own stories.
Will the 2025 series be the last?
There’s no indication this is the end. ITV has renewed the show through 2026, and with its consistent ratings — often drawing over 7 million viewers per episode — it remains one of the UK’s most reliable autumn TV events. The "2025" branding suggests the network plans to keep the format alive for years to come, even as the cast evolves.
