AJ Odudu is reportedly in discussions to participate in this year's "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!" A source indicated that Odudu has availability in her schedule following the shelving of "Celebrity Big Brother" and "M&S Dress The Nation" by ITV. The presenter, 38, is scheduled to co-host the civilian "Big Brother" with Will Best when it returns on September 13, but is now said to have more time to commit to a jungle stint.
A source told The Sun that Odudu has had initial conversations about taking part and has expressed her ability to meet the necessary filming dates. "She's had early conversations about taking part and has made it clear she can absolutely make the dates they need her to," the source said. "AJ loves the show and would love facing the Bushtucker Trials."
ITV reportedly decided to axe "Celebrity Big Brother" due to challenges in securing high-profile celebrities, who are allegedly opting for "Celebrity Traitors" instead. Odudu's show "M&S: Dress the Nation," which she hosted with Vernon Kay, has also been canceled after two series that aired in 2024 and the previous year. An ITV spokeswoman confirmed that "Dress the Nation" would not be commissioned for another series at this time, but stated the channel looked forward to continuing work with M&S and South Shore on "Cooking with the Stars" and "Tom Kerridge Cooks."
Meanwhile, Chloe Burrows is also reportedly in advanced negotiations to join "I'm A Celebrity." Burrows, 30, who gained fame on "Love Island" in 2021, has reportedly met with show producers multiple times. Her potential inclusion follows the success of fellow influencers such as Angry Ginge and GK Barry on the show. Burrows has developed a television and radio career since her "Love Island" appearance, including stints on "Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins," "Scared of the Dark," and "Celebs Go Dating." She also hosts a podcast and co-hosts the Kiss Breakfast show.
Other rumored contestants for the upcoming "I'm A Celebrity" season include Joanna Page from "Gavin & Stacey," presenter Ade Adepitan, and Olympic ice-skater Christopher Dean.
The launch date for the new series of "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!" has reportedly been postponed to avoid a scheduling conflict with a major sporting event. The series typically begins in mid-November on a Sunday. However, sources suggest the launch will be moved to Monday, November 16, 2026, to accommodate ITV's broadcast rights for the UEFA Nations League. England is scheduled to play Spain on Sunday, November 15, with the match kicking off at 8:45 PM Madrid time, shortly before the show's usual air time. "Now ITV has the rights to the UEFA Nations League bosses have had to go back to the drawing board," a source told The Sun.
Insiders have stated that show bosses are making significant efforts to ensure the launch show is a must-see event. "Bosses have pulled out all the stops to ensure this year's IAC launch show is must-see TV," one insider added. "Following the huge success of this year's World Cup, bosses are overjoyed to have such a stellar lineup of entertainment and sport this autumn on ITV."