All I’m A Celebrity contestants that have sadly died since taking part on show
As the new series approaches, here's a look at some of the contestants we've loved and lost
Yes, it is that time of year already where the latest batch of contestants have set off to Australia, where the creepy crawlies await them in I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!
The latest celebs to don the infamous khaki outfits and red bodywarmers are Shona McGarty, Eddie Kadi, Aitch, Alex Scott MBE, Jack Osbourne, Lisa Riley, Kelly Brook, Angry Ginge, Ruby Wax OBE and Martin Kemp.
Over the years, a whole host of famous faces have gone into the jungle and been challenged.
From Bushtucker Trials to memorable shower scenes, the show has entertained us all since 2002, with Ant & Dec encouraging (and sometimes mocking) the celebs who regret their choice to sign up for this instead of Strictly.
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Sadly, several former contestants are no longer with us. Here are some of the late stars of the show.
Tara Palmer-Tompkinson
Tara Palmer-Tompkinson starred in the first-ever series of I'm a Celeb and finished as the runner-up, with Tony Blackburn taking the crown.
She sadly passed away in January 2016 at the age of 45.
Her sister shared that Tara died of
Duncan James of Blue paid tribute to the star, writing: "Heartbroken and numb, I have lost one of my oldest and dearest friends. I’m going to miss your laughter most shmooey. Rip sweetheart."
David Gest
Hollywood star David appeared on the show in 2006.
He finished fourth in the competition and won over viewers with his hilarious anecdotes.
David died at the age of 62 in 2016, and it was reported that he tragically suffered a stroke while in a hotel in London.
At the time of his death nine years ago, his former I'm a Celebrity co-star and EastEnders legend Dean Gaffney said in a heartfelt statement: "Never have I lost a best friend before and this pain hurts harder than anything I've ever experienced. RIP David Gest, I love you brother."
Annabel Giles
Annabel Giles died in November 2023 from a brain tumour after starring in I'm A Celebrity back in 2013.
Her children shared a statement following her death: "In July, Mum was diagnosed with a stage 4 Glioblastoma, a fast-growing and highly aggressive malignant brain tumour. In the four months that followed, she displayed remarkable resilience and strength, despite undergoing brain surgery and countless radiotherapies. In her final weeks, she was passionate about raising awareness for Glioblastoma, embodying her lifelong commitment to helping others."
She entered the jungle on Day 5 as a late entrant, but was then the first to leave the jungle just ten days later.
Eric Bristow
World champion darts player Eric competed in 2012.
He had hoped to place one better, as he finished fourth.
He told Ant and Dec: "I had a great time but I would have liked to make the last three. I would have liked to have a go at the grubs for my kids".
Eric sadly died of a heart attack in 2019 in Liverpool at a Premier League Darts event.
Darts player Bobby George recalled: "In the afternoon, I was doing a show at a pub opposite the Premier League (darts) building, and he just came in, said, 'Hello' and had a pint, then said, 'See ya', I said, 'See ya' because I was working...he went across the road, and two-and-a-half hours later, he was gone."
Freddie Starr
In 2011, comedian Freddie Starr appeared on the show but was forced to back out on medical grounds after an allergic reaction.
He said: "I was sorry to hear the news about what the doctors said - that I was allergic to something, to play it safe and best for me not to go back in."
Freddie died in 2019 at his home in Costa Del Sol from heart disease.
Bobby Ball
Comedian Bobby, real name Robert Harper, died of COVID-19 complications in October 2020.
He starred in series six and finished fifth.
Topics: ITV, TV, Im A Celebrity
Jen Thomas