I’m A Celebrity viewers can expect a noticeable change when the jungle returns later this year — with Joel Dommett absent from the presenting line-up of companion show I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked.

The 41-year-old presenter had been a familiar face on the spin-off during the 2024 and 2025 series, joining the team in Australia to dissect the biggest camp moments, interview departing celebrities and bring viewers extra behind-the-scenes entertainment.

However, when plans for the 2026 edition were announced, Joel’s name was notably missing.

Instead, Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers have been confirmed as the hosts of Unpacked this year, marking a significant shake-up to the programme’s presenting team.

No detailed explanation has been given for Joel’s absence from the newly announced line-up.

A New-Look Team for the Jungle Spin-Off

I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked is set to return alongside the main series when the hugely popular reality show heads back to Australia later in 2026.

The companion programme airs after the main jungle action, giving fans an extended look at the latest developments from camp.

Viewers can expect behind-the-scenes stories, unseen footage, celebrity guests and plenty of discussion about the moments everyone is talking about.

Once eliminations begin, departing campmates traditionally make their way to the Unpacked studio, where they can reflect on their jungle experience shortly after leaving camp.

Last year, Joel presented the show alongside former King of the Jungle Sam Thompson and radio presenter Kemi Rodgers.

For 2026, however, the hosting duties will belong to Sam and Kemi.

The broadcaster’s announcement described the pair as the faces who will bring viewers the latest backstage secrets, exclusive interviews and previously unseen moments from the jungle.

They will also be joined throughout the series by celebrity guests and familiar faces offering their opinions on the biggest stories unfolding in camp.

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are also expected to make appearances on the companion programme, discussing the latest jungle developments after hosting the main show.

Joel’s Absence Quickly Becomes the Biggest Change

For viewers who watched Unpacked over the previous two series, Joel’s absence is likely to be immediately noticeable.

The presenter is no stranger to the I’m A Celebrity world.

Before becoming a major television host, Joel competed as a celebrity campmate himself in 2016, eventually finishing as runner-up.

His experience in the jungle gave him a unique perspective when discussing the pressures, friendships and challenges faced by later contestants.

He subsequently became one of British television’s most recognisable entertainment presenters, fronting major programmes including The Masked Singer UK.

His energetic presenting style also made him a natural fit for the fast-moving, informal atmosphere of Unpacked.

That is why confirmation of a two-person presenting team for 2026 represents such a noticeable change.

While Joel has not been included in the newly confirmed line-up, no dramatic reason for the change has been publicly announced.

For now, fans will have to wait and see whether he addresses his departure from the programme himself.

Sam Thompson Returns After His Jungle Success

Sam Thompson’s return to Unpacked will come as little surprise to longtime viewers.

The former Made in Chelsea star became one of the franchise’s most popular recent contestants after winning I’m A Celebrity in 2023 and being crowned King of the Jungle.

His enthusiasm for the programme continued long after he left camp, making his move into presenting the companion show a natural progression.

Now he will take on an even more prominent role alongside Kemi Rodgers.

The pair will be responsible for reacting to each night’s biggest developments while bringing fans additional material that does not appear in the main broadcast.

With celebrity guests, former campmates and Ant and Dec expected to appear throughout the series, Unpacked will once again serve as the place for viewers wanting even more jungle conversation after the main show ends.

When Will I’m A Celebrity Return?

The main series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has been confirmed to return as part of the 2026 autumn television schedule.

Ant and Dec will once again head to Australia to oversee another group of celebrities as they swap their comfortable lives for camp beds, basic rations and the show’s famously challenging trials.

An official launch date has not yet been announced.

Last year’s series began on Sunday, November 16, 2025, meaning a similar mid-November launch appears possible this time around.

If the programme follows a comparable schedule, Sunday, November 15, 2026 could be a potential date — although viewers will need to wait for official confirmation.

Who Could Be Heading Into the Jungle?

Attention is also beginning to turn towards the all-important celebrity line-up.

As always, speculation is expected to intensify in the months leading up to the new series.

Among the names already linked with a possible jungle appearance are Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page, skating legend Christopher Dean and former Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova.

At this stage, however, viewers should treat potential contestant names as speculation unless officially confirmed.

Part of the excitement surrounding I’m A Celebrity each year comes from trying to guess which famous faces will eventually make the journey to Australia.

And with the programme returning for its 26th series, expectations will once again be high.

A Familiar Show — But With One Very Noticeable Difference

Much of the familiar I’m A Celebrity formula will remain in place.

Ant and Dec will be back. The Australian jungle will once again provide the backdrop. Celebrity campmates will face trials, unexpected friendships and the daily challenges of life away from home.

Unpacked will also return to extend the conversation beyond the main programme.

But there will be one obvious difference.

After appearing as part of the presenting team in both 2024 and 2025, Joel Dommett will not be among the confirmed hosts for 2026.

Instead, Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers will lead the companion show as a duo.

Whether Joel’s absence is simply the result of a scheduling or creative change remains unclear, but his omission from the line-up is certain to catch the attention of viewers familiar with the previous format.

With autumn approaching and speculation over the celebrity cast already building, the countdown to another season of jungle drama has officially begun.

And this year, fans will be returning to a slightly different Unpacked than the one they remember.