BREAKING NEWS: I’m A Celebrity Hit by Major Presenter Shake-Up in Surprise Twist as ITV Confirms 2026 Return.
Joel Dommett explains the real reason behind his I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked exit
Joel Dommett has explained the real reason why he will not be returning to Australia for this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked.
The 41-year-old TV presenter hosted the ITV spin-off show during the 2024 and 2025 series.
However, when ITV unveiled this year’s presenting line-up, Joel’s name was missing from the list.
His announcement comes as Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly prepare to return to Australia for the 26th series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! later this year.
Joel Dommett confirms he’s leaving I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked
ITV confirmed yesterday (July 23, 2026) that I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked will return throughout the 2026 series.
The companion show airs immediately after the main programme and usually features a chat with Ant and Dec. Former campmates and celebrity guests also join the discussion to look back at the latest jungle action.
Once the public vote begins, each evicted celebrity heads straight to the Unpacked studio for an interview.
Joel hosted the show alongside Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers last year, but he will not be returning to the presenting line-up in 2026.
The father-of-two has now addressed his departure, revealing that he wants to stay at home with his family rather than travel to Australia. His wife Hannah welcomed their second child just two months ago.
Sharing a selfie with Ant and Dec on Instagram, Joel wrote: “It’s time to say goodbye to my time hosting the I’m A Celeb extra show. Not just because of the restraining order.
“It’s been 10 years since I went in there as a campmate. And I was super lucky to go back again, and again. And again.
“But this year I’m gonna stay at home with these dudes. And the extra one that kind of came with us too.”
Joel, whose wife was pregnant while they were in Australia last year, also shared a photo from his time as runner-up on I’m A Celebrity in 2016 alongside another image of himself hosting Unpacked.
Reflecting on the past decade, he added: “It’s been mad seeing my life evolve in Australia from this to this. I’ve bloomin’ loved it.”
He signed off the post: “G’dayyyyy mate.”
Who will host I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked in 2026?
ITV has confirmed that Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers will host I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked on their own this year.
“The 2026 series will be hosted by former King of the Jungle Sam Thompson and Capital Radio DJ Kemi Rodgers. Together they’ll be serving up all the latest behind-the-scenes secrets, unseen clips and exclusive interviews,” ITV said.
“Joining Sam and Kemi will be a host of celebrity guests and familiar faces, who will be ready to give their opinions on all of this year’s must-see jungle action.
“Plus, award-winning presenting duo Ant & Dec will join the Unpacked presenters in the studio to discuss all the latest camp action that viewers will have just watched.”
When will I’m A Celebrity return?
ITV has confirmed that I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! will return as part of its autumn schedule in 2026.
However, the broadcaster has not yet announced an official launch date.
Last year’s series launched on Sunday, November 16, 2025. With that in mind, Sunday, November 15 is a possible launch date for the 2026 series.
As for who could be entering the jungle, the rumour mill is already in full swing. Names linked with the line-up include Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, ice skating legend Christopher Dean and former Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova.
There is still plenty of summer left to enjoy, but it won’t be long before another group of famous faces heads into the Australian jungle.
