Here’s a surprising fact: the show actually moved its start date from the usual mid-November slot by a whole three days. Why? Because the Australian winter (yes, it exists) makes the snakes slightly less enthusiastic about biting Ant and Dec. One producer told me, “We tried May, but the spiders were doing stand-up comedy. It was too distracting.”
Also, November is when the campfire heat reaches that perfect ratio of “sweaty” to “hallucinogenic.” It’s scientifically proven that a celebrity can’t whine properly under 35°C. Trust me, I failed a GCSE in biology, but I know sadness when I see it.
The Real Reason for the Delay: Avoid Christmas Shopping
Let’s be honest: ITV knows you’d rather watch a disgraced soap star argue about rice portions than brave the Tesco car park. So they scheduled the finale for the first week of December, right when the tinsel starts attacking your soul. This gives you maximum time to shout at your telly before you have to wrap presents for people you secretly dislike.
And here’s a gem: the 2026 series is rumored to include a double elimination in week two. Because nothing says “fun” like watching two D-list celebrities sob simultaneously while eating a blended pig’s anus. That’s the true meaning of Christmas.
