Comedian Seann Walsh has become the first campmate to leave ‘I’m A Celebrity South Africa’ 2026, eliminated on Thursday, 16 April, in a shock exit that surprised many viewers who expected boxer David Haye to be the first to go, with the decision ultimately made by fellow campmate Harry Redknapp after losing a Bushtucker Trial eating challenge.
The ITV series, now in its second instalment of the South Africa All Stars format, is filmed on location in the South African bush and has been airing to large UK audiences since its launch earlier in April.
Walsh’s elimination came before the public vote stage, with Redknapp, the veteran football manager, given the unenviable task of choosing who would leave camp.
How Walsh’s exit unfolded
The elimination was triggered when Redknapp lost the episode’s key challenge, a Bushtucker Trial involving eating tasks.
Under the series’ rules, the losing party was required to select a fellow campmate for elimination. Redknapp chose Walsh, prompting a moment that quickly circulated on social media: Redknapp mistakenly called Walsh “Stuart” as he delivered the news, a slip-up that the comedian took in good humour.
“It was one of those moments that only happens in the jungle,” Redknapp said during the episode, according to reporting by TV Guide UK on 17 April 2026.
“I had a job to do and I did it. I hope Seann understands.” Walsh, responding to his exit in scenes broadcast on Thursday night, said the experience had been “mad, brilliant and something I would never trade.”
Why David Haye’s continued presence has divided viewers
Viewer reaction online has been notably split, with a significant portion of the audience expressing frustration that Haye, whose behaviour in camp attracted criticism during the series’ first few episodes, remains in the competition.
Entertainment Daily reported on 17 April 2026 that fans were “not happy” with the outcome, having widely expected Haye to face the first exit.
The series features returning fan favourites alongside newer faces, and the South Africa setting remains a central draw of the format.
Filmed in a remote location in the South African bush, the show gives UK audiences a sustained and high-profile view of the country as a landscape, a point of ongoing interest for SA media observers tracking how international television portrays South Africa.
Who remains in camp after Walsh’s exit?
With Walsh’s departure, the remaining campmates continue to compete for the public’s backing as the voting stage of the series gets under way.
The full line-up and updated elimination standings have been confirmed by ITV and are available at itv.com.
The series airs on ITV and ITVX in the United Kingdom and is available to South African viewers via streaming platforms. SA streaming availability for the current series has not been officially confirmed by the broadcaster.
