ITV Legend Crowned

ITV closed the latest chapter of I’m A Celebrity... South Africa on Friday night with a live London finale, giving viewers the final say on who would be named the ultimate I’m A Celebrity... Legend 2026 after the spin-off’s pre-recorded run.

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly led the broadcast from a studio dressed with jungle-style set pieces, as the South Africa cast reunited before a live audience. One familiar face was absent, however, with Beverley Callard unable to take part after withdrawing from the show on medical grounds following recent cancer surgery.

The former Coronation Street star, 69, missed the final as the remaining four contestants battled for the title: Olympian Sir Mo Farah, former football manager Harry Redknapp, actor and DJ Craig Charles, and former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas. Scarlett Moffat had been eliminated on Thursday’s episode, according to Wales Online.

The finale followed a dramatic week for Adam, 37, who clashed with Jimmy Bullard during Tuesday’s episode. Earlier in the series, the Waterloo Road and Emmerdale actor was also involved in a bullying row concerning David Haye, which the former boxer denied.

Viewers quickly reacted to the live studio format, with some saying the final lacked the atmosphere of South Africa and others questioning the earlier 7:30pm start.

One fan wrote on X: “This live final format just doesn't hit the same should of had the final in South Africa #ImACeleb.”

Others were more positive, praising the live audience and reunion-style energy. Some even compared the studio setup to Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, giving the finale a more traditional ITV entertainment feel.

The special also leaned into the wider legacy of the franchise, which has produced memorable winners from Tony Blackburn to Jill Scott and has long been shaped behind the scenes by figures including Richard Cowles.

I’m A Celebrity... South Africa is available to watch on ITV and ITVX.