Joanna Page in Advanced Talks to Join I'm a Celebrity 2026 Jungle

Welsh actress Joanna Page has entered advanced negotiations to appear on I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2026, with ITV producers reportedly wanting to position her as a central cast member on their marquee entertainment programme. Page's participation would mark a significant coup for the network, bringing one of the BBC's most recognisable stars to the competitive jungle environment.

The Negotiation Stage

According to industry sources, Page is progressing through formal discussions with the show's production team, with indicators suggesting the talks are moving in a positive direction. The 49-year-old actress has reportedly confided to associates that she is genuinely interested in the opportunity and keen to participate in the challenge. Insiders indicate that senior production figures view her involvement as strategically important, positioning her front and centre rather than as a secondary cast addition.

Her Television Profile

Page rose to prominence as Stacey Shipman, one half of the titular partnership in the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, which concluded its run on Christmas Day last year. The final episode attracted over 20 million viewers, underscoring the significant audience attachment to the show and its cast. Beyond her defining role, Page has demonstrated considerable range: she appeared in the 1999 BBC adaptation of David Copperfield, played Judy in the 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually alongside Martin Freeman, and featured in Doctor Who and Doc Martin.

In recent years, she has expanded into presenting and entertainment formats. She fronted two BBC programmes—Joanna Page's Wild Life and Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea, the latter in collaboration with opera singer Wynne Evans. She has also competed on ITV's The Masked Dancer in 2022, where she performed as Pig, surprising her children when her identity was revealed on their favourite programme. Additionally, she has appeared as a panellist on Loose Women and as a winning contestant on Taskmaster.

Precedent Within the Cast

Should Page sign her contract, she would not be the first from Gavin & Stacey's ensemble to enter the jungle. Larry Lamb, who portrayed Mick Shipman, competed in the 2016 series and finished in seventh position, establishing that the franchise's talent pool has proven appeal for the show's audience.