Why has Gemma Collins returned to I'm a Celebrity 2026?

I'm a Celebrity has returned for a new all stars edition this spring, featuring famous faces who have dared to enter the jungle before and are now giving it another chance.

Some of this year's celebrities include former winners such as Jimmy Bullard and Scarlett Moffatt, and some who didn't have enough time during their original stint including Craig Charles and Gemma Collins.

Craig and Gemma were two late entries into the jungle and for the latter, many have found themselves wondering why she decided to return given her tough time of things back in 2014.

"I can't remember many who were in there with me because it was such a traumatic time," Gemma said of her previous time on the show.

So, just why is Gemma Collins back on I'm a Celebrity? Scroll on to find out more.

Who is Gemma Collins?

Age: 45

Job: TV personality

Instagram: @gemmacollins

Gemma Collins is a TV personality who rose to fame during her time on reality series The Only Way Is Essex, which skyrocketed her into reality TV superstardom.

Since then, she has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, Celebs Go Dating, Dancing on Ice and, of course, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

Gemma didn't have the best time during her original jungle stint and withdrew after a short time, after believing she had caught malaria and struggled with the lack of food.

Why is Gemma Collins back on I'm a Celebrity?

It's a question many asked themselves when Gemma Collins was announced as a returnee, but she is ready to redeem herself.

"Going on all stars is a real moment for me in my career – it's redemption," she said in an interview with ITV ahead of her time on the show.

"To be able to do this again is the greatest honour ever. I am going to be the best campmate and get those stars. None of us will be starving under my watch."

As soon as she got the invitation to appear on the new series, her intuition told her to say yes immediately.

She explained: "I've never been to South Africa before. I think that is why they made a show on Essex people, because none of us have really left Essex! The fact I am now here is amazing."

How long was Gemma Collins on I'm a Celebrity in 2014?

Gemma Collins lasted just 72 hours in the I'm a Celebrity jungle.

"There were no highlights for me," Gemma reflected. "I just hated it from the minute I got in there and I couldn't wait to get out."

Gemma spent so little time in the jungle she didn't do any trials, saying: "Being in the jungle jail was the worst possible scenario for me."

I'm a Celebrity... South Africa continues Monday to Friday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

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