Joel Dommett has revealed the real reason he will not be returning to Australia for this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked.
The TV presenter, 41, fronted the ITV spin off show during the 2024 and 2025 runs.
But when the broadcaster unveiled this year’s presenting line up, Joel’s name was nowhere to be seen.
His announcement comes as Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly prepare to head back to Australia for the 26th series of I’m A Celebrity later this year.
Joel Dommett confirms he’s quit 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 includes a chat with Ant and Dec. Former campmates and celebrity guests also join the discussion to look back at all the latest jungle action.
Once the public votes begin, each evicted celebrity also heads straight to the Unpacked studio for an interview.
Joel presented the show alongside Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers last year. But he will not be in the anchor seat in 2026.
View this post on Instagram
The dad-of-two has now addressed his exit, revealing he wants to stay at home with his family instead of travelling to Australia. His wife Hannah only gave birth to their second baby 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 live 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 present I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked by themselves 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 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! will return as part of its autumn schedule for 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 start date for the 2026 series.
As for who could be entering the jungle, the rumour mill is already in full swing. Names linked to the line up include Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, ice skating legend Christopher Dean and former Strictly professional Nadiya Bychkova.
There is still plenty of summer to enjoy first, but it will not be long before another group of famous faces heads into the Australian jungle.