A Star-Packed Season Begins with Unexpected Backlash
The long-running reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! officially returned to ITV for its 25th anniversary season on November 16, and while excitement was high, frustration quickly took over social media. The newly announced cast had generated buzz earlier in the week, featuring well-known names such as Martin Kemp, Kelly Brook, Angry Ginge, Lisa Riley, Ruby Wax, and Alex Scott, setting expectations for a lively season. Yet only moments after the premiere began, viewers expressed irritation over what they felt were predictable reactions and repetitive production choices (Entertainment Daily).

Traditional Helicopter Jump Sparks Debate Again
As expected, the launch opened with the show’s classic stunt: celebrities parachuting from a helicopter, with hosts Ant and Dec guiding them through the challenge. Despite this being a tradition maintained every year, several celebrities appeared shocked when informed they would need to jump mid-air. According to viewers, these reactions felt exaggerated and unnecessary. Many pointed out that any participant joining the show should already know what the launch entails, questioning why the cast acted surprised. Social-media users commented that the dramatic screaming “happens every season” and wondered why contestants kept pretending the helicopter jump was unexpected (TV Guide UK). The reaction generated a wave of online discussion, with viewers insisting the moment had become too predictable to be entertaining.

Calls for a Fresher, More Creative Format
Beyond the contestants’ responses, a separate group of fans directed their criticism at the show’s producers, urging them to evolve the opening format. Some argued that after 25 seasons, the show should innovate instead of relying on the same parachuting sequence. A number of viewers described the repetitive structure as “boring” and “uninspired,” suggesting that the production team should rethink the launch entirely and introduce challenges that better reflect how much the series has grown over the years (Entertainment Daily). The sentiment highlighted a growing expectation among fans that long-standing shows must adapt to remain fresh and engaging.

Technical Glitches and Branding Changes Stir More Frustration
Additional issues compounded viewer dissatisfaction. Many fans were unable to vote for the first Bushtucker Trial due to errors in the ITV voting app, with users unable to verify their phone numbers despite repeated attempts. Reports from The Independent confirmed widespread technical problems, leaving a large portion of the audience unable to participate in one of the show’s main interactive features. On top of that, viewers reacted negatively to the programme’s revamped opening titles. The classic block-letter logo was replaced with a starry visual design, which long-time fans described as unnecessary and out of touch with the show’s jungle identity. Some even called for ITV to restore the original style they had grown attached to over the years (The Independent).

Strong Ratings Show the Show’s Enduring Power
Despite the backlash, the premiere delivered impressive ratings. Early figures reported an average of 6.6 million viewers, peaking at 7.3 million, making it one of ITV’s most successful entertainment launches of the year (The Independent). Radio Times further noted that the episode captured an 83% share among viewers aged 16 to 34, marking a notable increase compared with the previous season. These strong numbers indicate that the show continues to hold a dominant place in British television culture, even when its audience is openly critical.

What This Means for the Season Ahead
As the series moves forward, fans will be watching closely to see whether producers acknowledge the feedback or continue relying on the formula that has sustained the show for decades. Some viewers still appreciate the traditional touches that have defined I’m A Celebrity since its inception, while others are eager for modernization and fresh ideas. What remains undeniable is that the show continues to spark conversation, attract millions of viewers, and generate the kind of controversy that keeps it relevant every year.