I'm A Celebrity Australia 2025: Contestant Clues Emerge Ahead of January Premiere

I'm A Celebrity Australia 2025: Contestant Clues Emerge Ahead of January Premiere

Speculation is heating up for the next season of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Australia, with Ground News publishing a teaser article on November 18, 2025, hinting at potential contestants for the 2025 installment. Though the full article remains inaccessible, the mere mention of "contestant clues" has sent entertainment circles buzzing — especially since the show’s Australian version has become a summer staple since its 2015 debut. This year’s season, set to be the eleventh, is expected to film once again in the wilds of Kruger National Park, South Africa, with a January 2025 premiere likely around January 13 — matching the pattern of recent years.

Why This Season Matters More Than Ever

After a record-breaking 2024 season that drew over 1.2 million viewers per episode, Network 10 is under pressure to deliver another hit. The 2024 winner, fitness icon Michelle Bridges, helped the show top the ratings charts for the third year in a row. But behind the scenes, producers at ITV Studios Australia, led by CEO Mark Wickham, are quietly reshaping the formula. Sources close to production say they’re aiming for a more diverse cast — mixing reality TV veterans, unexpected celebrities, and at least one former athlete who’s never been on screen before. The twist? They’re reportedly avoiding anyone who’s been on MasterChef or Home and Away in the last two years. That’s a deliberate move to sidestep viewer fatigue.

Where the Clues Are Coming From

Ground News didn’t publish names, but industry insiders say the "clues" likely stem from leaked casting documents, social media activity, and even location scouts spotted in Sydney last month. One rumor? A former AFL star turned radio host has been quietly filming a pilot for a new podcast — and his agent confirmed he’s "taking a break from the studio" in early January. Another whispers that a beloved soap opera actress, last seen on screen in 2023, has been spotted buying hiking gear and emergency rations. Then there’s the elephant in the room: Chris Hemsworth. While he’s still officially listed as co-host alongside Julia Morris, his schedule is tight with Marvel commitments. Could this be the year Network 10 finally goes solo with Morris? The network hasn’t commented, but insiders say they’re preparing for both scenarios.

Why Kruger National Park Isn’t Just a Setting — It’s a Character

Since 2022, the show has abandoned its original home in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, after bushfires made filming unsafe. The move to Kruger National Park changed everything. The heat, the wildlife, the isolation — it’s brutal. Contestants face real leopards, elephants, and torrential downpours. The 2024 season saw one contestant hospitalized after a snake scare (it turned out to be a stick), and another broke down crying after spending 36 hours in a "suspension cell" — a cage dangling over a crocodile pit. The stakes are higher than ever. And that’s exactly what producers want. "People don’t tune in for comfort," one producer told TV Week last month. "They tune in to see someone break. And then come back stronger."

What’s at Stake for Network 10

With streaming platforms gobbling up younger audiences, Network 10 needs live-event TV more than ever. I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Australia is one of the few shows that still pulls in live viewership, with an average of 800,000 tuning in during prime time. Advertisers pay up to $180,000 per 30-second spot during the finale — a 22% increase from 2023. But the real value? Social media buzz. The 2024 season generated over 2.7 million tweets, with #ImACelebrityAU trending globally for 17 days. That’s free marketing no streaming service can match.

What Happens Next?

Network 10 typically announces the full cast three months before air date — meaning we could see names drop as early as late November or early December. Rumors will keep flying. Tabloids will speculate. Fans will dissect every Instagram story. But until the official list drops, we’re left with fragments: a gym bag in a Sydney airport, a canceled podcast interview, a whispered name at a pub in Surry Hills. The show’s magic has always been in the mystery. And this year, the mystery feels bigger than ever.

Behind the Scenes: How Casting Really Works

Contrary to popular belief, contestants aren’t just chosen because they’re famous. Producers look for a mix: someone with a public image to challenge, someone who’s emotionally raw, someone who can make viewers laugh — and someone who might cry on live TV. The casting team interviews over 200 candidates each year. They screen for mental resilience, check social media history, and even run background checks on past relationships. One former contestant told me, "They don’t want the most famous person. They want the most human one." That’s why last year’s winner wasn’t the biggest star — she was the one who admitted she was terrified of spiders and cried every night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the most likely contestants for I'm A Celebrity Australia 2025?

While no official names are confirmed, industry insiders point to a former AFL player turned radio host, a soap opera actress from a long-running Australian drama, and possibly a pop singer who vanished from the public eye after a 2023 breakup. Producers are reportedly avoiding reality TV veterans from shows like MasterChef or Home and Away to refresh the cast. The final lineup is expected to include at least one non-entertainer — perhaps a scientist or activist — to add depth.

When will the 2025 season air and where will it be filmed?

The 2025 season is expected to premiere around January 13, 2025, based on Network 10’s consistent scheduling since 2015. Filming will again take place in Kruger National Park, South Africa, where the show has been based since 2022. The jungle setting is non-negotiable — it’s central to the show’s drama, with extreme heat, wildlife encounters, and isolation driving the challenges.

Will Chris Hemsworth return as co-host?

Chris Hemsworth’s involvement is uncertain due to his Marvel filming schedule. While he’s still officially listed as co-host alongside Julia Morris, producers are preparing contingency plans. If Hemsworth can’t commit, Network 10 may go with a solo-host format led by Morris — a move that could actually boost ratings, as viewers have increasingly connected with her raw, unfiltered reactions over the years.

Why is Network 10 so invested in this show?

Network 10 relies on I'm A Celebrity for live viewership in an era dominated by streaming. The 2024 season averaged 1.2 million viewers per episode and generated over $20 million in ad revenue. More importantly, it drives social media engagement — 2.7 million tweets in 2024 — making it a rare broadcast phenomenon that cuts across age groups and platforms. For a network facing declining ratings elsewhere, this show is a lifeline.

How does the casting process work behind the scenes?

Casting isn’t just about fame. Producers look for emotional vulnerability, resilience, and authenticity. They screen over 200 candidates annually, check mental health histories, review social media for red flags, and even interview friends and family. The goal? To find someone who’ll break down — and then rise again. The most memorable contestants aren’t the biggest stars; they’re the ones who let viewers see their fear, humor, and humanity.

What impact does filming in South Africa have on the show?

Filming in Kruger National Park adds real danger and unpredictability. Contestants face real wildlife, extreme heat, and isolation that can’t be faked. In 2024, one participant was hospitalized after a snake scare — later revealed to be a stick — and another spent 36 hours in a suspension cell over a crocodile pit. These real stakes make the show more compelling than any studio-based reality program. The location isn’t just a backdrop — it’s the engine of the drama.