I'm A Celebrity's spin-off Unpacked to return for 2026 but Joel Dommett is missing as hosts are confirmed

Joel has vanished from the line-up
Natasha Rigler

Joel Dommett will not be returning to Australia to host this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked, ITV has confirmed.

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.

Joel Dommett will not be returning to I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked this year (Credit: ITV)

It comes as Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly gear up to host the 26th series of I’m A Celebrity in November.

I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked to return without Joel Dommett

It was confirmed today (July 23, 2026) that I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked will once again 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.

In an official announcement, Sam and Kemi are confirmed as this year’s I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked presenters.

The spin-off will only be hosted by Kemi Rodgers,, left, and Sam Thompson, right (Credit: ITV)

“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.”

TVGuide has contacted ITV for comment.

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.

Ant and Dec in the jungle
I’m A Celebrity will return this autumn (Credit: ITV)

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!

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing ‘hires’ dancer Maddie Ingoldsby, 21, as new professional 11 years after she appeared on show

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! returns to ITV this autumn