Joanna Page, who portrayed Stacey Shipman in the beloved BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, will compete in the 26th series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, launching on Monday, 16 November. According to BBC News, the 49-year-old from Swansea has set her sights on becoming the first Welsh Queen of the Jungle, with her co-star Ruth Jones offering enthusiastic support for the venture.
Ruth Jones, who played Nessa Jenkins in the comedy series, shared a message of encouragement on Instagram in Nessa's distinctive voice.
"O! Stace - they're gonna make you stick all manner of matter in your gob. And I'm not talking Gwen's omelettes... Just don't over do it, alrigh'? You knows what a weak constitution you has. You makes Barry very proud, I'm not gonna lie."The post resonated with fans of the show, with many commenting that they read the message in Nessa's characteristic accent.
Page anticipates that her fellow celebrities will be surprised by her arrival in the jungle but believes they will find her participation amusing.
"I also know they will find it funny. They know exactly what I am like and they will laugh."She expressed determination to complete the experience, stating
"I'm not going to crumble. I'm going to see this to the end and I'm going to be strong. I am going to get the most out of this."
As a mother of four, Page described the opportunity as transformative. She explained that the experience would allow her to reconnect with her identity beyond motherhood, away from the daily responsibilities of childcare and school routines.
"I can be me, I can be Jo and not just mummy all the time. I think that will be nice."She characterised her decision to participate as impulsive but deliberate, saying
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm very much an impulsive person and I just make a gut decision, so I said 'yes' straight away."
Who else is entering the jungle?
ITV has confirmed the full 11-person cast, which includes former footballer Wayne Rooney, TV personality Chloe Burrows, soap star Claire Sweeney, radio presenter Ricky Wilson, Paralympian Ade Adepitan, model Leomie Anderson, reality star AJ Odudu, influencer Jack Skipper, media personality Sharky, and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup. Page will share the camp with this diverse group of public figures across various entertainment and sports backgrounds.
Rooney is following in the footsteps of his wife Coleen, who finished as runner-up in the 2024 series. He expressed enthusiasm about finally participating in the show, joking that his brief managerial career has afforded him additional free time.
"I like to have fun and I like to think I am actually a fun guy to be around. I do like to mess around a bit and I do talk a lot. People will have their own opinions, but I hope they will see me as a genuine person."
Ade Adepitan will make history as the first contestant in a wheelchair to appear on the programme. The television presenter and Paralympian described the milestone with profound emotion.
"Words like 'honour' and 'privilege' are the ones I feel, but I don't think they sum it up enough. For me, this is a moment in time. Even if I go out in the first week, I will always be remembered as the person in a wheelchair. I am slightly overwhelmed. It's never been done before, and it never crossed my mind I would be the first."
When does the series begin and where is it filmed?
The series is set in New South Wales, Australia, and is scheduled to run for three weeks, hosted by Ant and Dec. The launch has been moved from its traditional Sunday slot to Monday, 16 November at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, avoiding a scheduling conflict with England v Spain in the UEFA Nations League.
The 2026 series will see a new champion crowned, as the 2025 series was won by YouTuber Angry Ginge, whom the incoming winner will succeed. Page's ambition to become the first Welsh Queen of the Jungle represents a significant personal goal as she embarks on what she describes as a life-changing adventure.
