Celebrity chef trades kitchen for jungle spotlight in 'I'm a Celebrity' 2026

A chef persona has been added to the current sphere of contestants.

And it's none other than George Calombaris, celebrity chef and former MasterChef Australia judge.

He is set to enter the South African jungle, joining I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! as a late arrival this Sunday night.

Calombaris will make his debut on the series at 7pm on Network 10, adding a culinary edge to a camp that has so far been relying on basic rations and some confronting eating trials hosted by presenters Robert Irwin and Julia Morris.

From masterchef judge to jungle intruder

Best known as one of the original judges on MasterChef Australia, Calombaris enters the competition as a so-called “intruder”, tasked with integrating into an already-established camp dynamic.

His arrival positions him as the show’s resident chef, with producers teasing daily “mystery box” challenges that will see him cooking under extreme conditions, limited ingredients and mounting camp pressure.

Whether Calombaris can lift morale — or become a lightning rod for tension — remains to be seen.

Pressure builds as another elimination looms

Calombaris’ entrance comes as emotions continue to run high in camp, with another celebrity expected to exit the competition next week.

Upcoming episodes promise further high-intensity trials designed to test contestants physically and mentally, as alliances shift and patience wears thin.

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! continues Sunday at 7pm on Network 10 and streams on 10Play.

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