George Calombaris is officially heading into the jungle, with 10 confirming on Wednesday nights show that the former MasterChef Australia judge as the latest late entrant for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2026.
Long expected to join the cast following early industry speculation and as tipped by TV Blackbox last week, Calombaris’ arrival now locks in another high profile name for the current season, as the reality juggernaut continues to build momentum just a week into its run.
The award winning chef and restaurateur returns to prime time television, having last appeared as the Duster on The Masked Singer in 2021, stepping into the South African jungle as the camp searches for much needed culinary leadership following a string of stomach churning eating trials.
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The I’m A Celebrity 2026 cast pictured (L–R): Matt Zukowski, Cyrell Paule, Luke Bateman, Nath Valvo, Rachel Hunter, Barry Williams, Rebekah Elmaloglou, Mia Fevola, Gary Sweet, Deni Hines, Concetta Caristo, Dyson Heppell and George Calombaris (image – 10)
His entry follows a strong opening week for the 2026 season, which began with the confirmation of rugby league romeo Luke Bateman days ahead of launch, followed by international supermodel Rachel Hunter and AFL A-lister Dyson Heppell, both confirmed on Sunday just hours prior to the premiere.
Premiere night then saw ten celebrities enter camp, including Hollywood sitcom star Barry Williams, jungle princess Mia Fevola, soap royalty Rebekah Elmaloglou, stand-up star Nath Valvo, 90s pop star Deni Hines, Logie-winning actor Gary Sweet and radio queen Concetta Caristo.
Beauty bridezilla Cyrell Paule and reality bad boy Matt Zukowski later entered the jungle on night two as additional late arrivals, but not before a stop at the Elephant’s Graveyard for an alternate entry into camp life.
With tensions already simmering in camp and another elimination looming, Calombaris’ arrival is expected to shift dynamics quickly, particularly as food once again becomes a central battleground for the remaining celebrities.
For Calombaris, the jungle marks a return to the spotlight and an opportunity to reintroduce himself to audiences beyond food television, as he takes on the physical and psychological demands of one of Australia’s most watched reality formats.
Calombaris’ return to Network 10 follows his 2019 exit from MasterChef Australia alongside Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston after contract negotiations broke down amid broader scrutiny of his restaurant businesses, making the jungle a high profile opportunity to reframe his public narrative.
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George Calombaris will enter the jungle on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! this Sunday, January 25, at 7pm on 10.
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