Jesy Nelson has reportedly withdrawn from the 2026 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! just weeks before the show’s premiere. The former Little Mix singer is said to be prioritizing the health of her twin daughters, Ocean and Story, as they continue to navigate a serious medical condition.
The decision comes as the production prepares to return to Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia. While Nelson had been heavily linked to the lineup for the 26th series, her commitment to her children’s care has taken precedence over the high-profile reality appearance.
Family Health and SMA Advocacy
Nelson’s daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, were born in March 2025. Following their birth, the twins were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 1, a rare and severe genetic condition that affects motor neurons and muscle control. Because the diagnosis occurred after irreversible nerve damage had already begun, Nelson has become a prominent advocate for early detection.
Her efforts included a petition that garnered over 150,000 signatures, eventually leading to a government pilot program for newborn SMA screening. This initiative aims to identify the condition at birth, allowing for treatment to begin before symptoms manifest. Given the intensive care and physical therapy required for children living with SMA type 1, a weeks-long stint in the Australian jungle would have been difficult to reconcile with her role as a primary caregiver.
Schedule and Potential Lineup
The 2026 series of I’m A Celebrity is officially scheduled to premiere on Monday, November 16, 2026. This start date is slightly later than the show’s traditional Sunday launch, a shift made to accommodate ITV’s live coverage of the UEFA Nations League match between England and Spain.
With Nelson reportedly out of the running, attention has turned to the remaining celebrities expected to join hosts Ant and Dec in camp. While ITV traditionally keeps the final lineup confidential until shortly before the launch, several high-profile names have been circulated in media reports, including former footballer Wayne Rooney and television presenter Jeremy Clarkson.
Addressing the ongoing rumors regarding the 2026 cast, an ITV spokesperson stated that any names suggested for the show at this stage are “pure speculation.” The official cast reveal is expected in the days leading up to the November 16 premiere.
