I'm A Celebrity's Joel Dommett confirms why he has quit ITV2 spin-off show Unpacked in lengthy statement
Joel will not be returning to Australia this yearJoel Dommett has confirmed in a lengthy statement why he will not be returning to Australia to host this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked.
TV presenter Joel, 41, was the main anchor on the spin-off show during the 2024 and 2025 run Down Under.
But this year, Joel is absent from the line-up.
It comes as Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly gear up to host the 26th series of I’m A Celebrity in November.
Joel Dommett confirms he’s quit I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked
ITV announced yesterday (July 23, 2026) that I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked will air throughout the run of I’m A Celebrity 2026.
The popular spin-off show airs straight after the main episode and usually features a chat with Ant and Dec. Former campmates and celebrity guests also appear in the studio and the latest antics in the jungle are dissected in great detail.
Once the eliminations begin, the latest campmate who has been voted out will also head into the Unpacked studio for a natter.
Last year, Joel fronted the show alongside Sam Thompson and Kemi Rogers. But his name is missing from the presenter line-up for 2026.
Dad-of-two Joel has now broken his silence and confirmed why he has decided to step down from the role. He’s explained that he wants to stay in the UK with his wife Hannah and their kids. Their second baby was only born two months ago.
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Alongside a selfie with Ant and Dec he wrote on Instagram: “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 in Oz last year, posted a snap of himself as runner-up in the jungle in 2016, alongside a shot of him hosting Unpacked on the TV.
“It’s been mad seeing my live evolve in Australia from this to this,” he added. “I’ve bloomin’ loved it.”
Joel signed off: “G’dayyyyy mate.”
Who will host I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked in 2026?
In an official announcement, Sam and Kemi are confirmed as this year’s I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked presenters.
“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,” the ITV statement said.
“Joining Sam and Kemi will be a host of celebrity guests and familiar faces, who will be primed 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 their studio to discuss all the news around the latest camp action that viewers will have just seen.”
When will I’m A Celebrity return?
ITV has confirmed I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! is returning for 2026. The series is listed in the broadcaster’s autumn schedule.
However, no official start date has been announced.
Last year, I’m A Celebrity kicked off on Sunday November 16, 2025. With this in mind, a likely date for the 2026 series to start in Sunday November 15.
And who will be entering the jungle this year, we hear you ask. The rumour mill is already whirling! Names including Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, ice skating champ Christopher Dean and Strictly’s Nadia Bychkova.
We might be bang in the middle of a long hot summer, but I’m A Celebrity will be here before you know it!
