The brand-new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! is just days away, and excitement is climbing as a fresh group of well-known faces prepares to head deep into the Australian jungle. As always, the celebrities will be pushed to their limits in Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly’s infamous Bushtucker Trials, which ITV has repeatedly teased will be “tougher than ever” this year (Daily Mail).

ITV has confirmed that the 2025 cast includes Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, Loose Women panellist Kelly Brook, musician Martin Kemp, comedian Eddie Kadi, broadcaster Alex Scott, actress Shona McGarty, and reality personality Jack Osbourne, among others (ITV press release). The diverse line-up is already generating significant buzz online, with many viewers predicting fiery clashes and standout personalities.

Lisa Riley to Be Exempt from Certain Trials

However, it has now been revealed that Lisa Riley will be exempt from some of the show’s most stomach-churning trials. The series famously involves contestants swimming with crocodiles, dangling from extreme heights, being locked in critter-filled boxes, and rummaging through snakes in search of stars that unlock meals for the entire camp.

Contestants also face gruesome food challenges featuring everything from “vomit fruit” to fish eyes, spiders, or animal testicles. But as a committed vegetarian, Lisa is expected to be excused from eating any animal-based items (The Guardian reporting on past vegetarian contestants).

Ahead of entering the jungle, Lisa said:
“It’s going to be ace! I will be there for everyone but I don’t suffer fools gladly. My inner Mandy Dingle will come out if someone is mean!” (ITV interview)

A Shift in Show Ethics

Back in 2019, I’m A Celebrity introduced major changes to its food trials following widespread criticism over the use of live insects. Wildlife expert Chris Packham publicly praised the decision, calling it “a first step” and noting on BBC Radio 5 Live that eating live invertebrates on TV was “abuse and exploitation for entertainment” (BBC News).

Since then, the production team has continued refining the format to avoid unnecessary harm to animals, aligning with broader public concerns about animal welfare.

Producers Promise the Toughest Year Yet

This year, executive producer Olly Nash insists the show will be more demanding than ever. Speaking to The Daily Mail, he said:

“It’s a tough and gruelling show, and there’s nothing wrong with driving that home. We need to see more celebrities earning their keep… We have more celebrities taking part in the trials than ever before, so it’s more of a competition.”

Nash also hinted that the harmonious cast from 2024 won’t repeat itself:

“Last year we had a great, positive, happy cast… This year they are going to have to fight more, earn more and play a bigger part in camp.”

New Rule to Prevent Repetitive Trials

In another shake-up, ITV has introduced a new rule to prevent the same contestants from being voted into trial after trial. They can now only take part in two consecutive Bushtucker Trials, and cannot be selected for a third.

A production insider told The Mirror:

“This is a great move for fans so we don’t see the same faces doing the trials, and it helps uncover new favourites. It’s a win-win for celebs too, who want more chances to show their personalities.”

With tighter rules, harsher conditions, and a bold, high-profile cast, viewers are expecting one of the most dramatic seasons yet—complete with emotional meltdowns, unexpected heroes, and unforgettable jungle moments.