Ant McPartlin couldn’t hide his excitement as he was spotted at Heathrow Airport on Monday morning, preparing to fly back to South Africa to continue filming the highly anticipated new season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

The beloved TV host, 49, looked relaxed and cheerful as he made his way through the terminal, flashing a wide grin to onlookers and waving at a few lucky fans who caught sight of him before his flight. Dressed down in a casual black T-shirt, grey jogging bottoms, and white sneakers, Ant embodied easy-going travel style — effortlessly cool yet unmistakably Ant.

A Return to the Wild

The presenter, who co-hosts the hit reality series with long-time partner Declan Donnelly, is heading back to South Africa as production resumes for the show’s much-talked-about All-Stars edition. The spin-off series, filmed in the rugged wilderness of Kruger National Park, features a lineup of former campmates returning for a second shot at jungle glory.

Sources close to ITV confirmed that both Ant and Dec are “buzzing” about this year’s filming, promising even more extreme challenges, unexpected twists, and celebrity clashes. “They absolutely love it out there,” said an insider. “South Africa’s landscapes, the incredible wildlife, and the unpredictable conditions make it one of the most ambitious versions of I’m A Celebrity yet. Ant in particular has been counting down the days to get back into it.”

High Spirits After a Wholesome Break

Ant’s upbeat mood comes after a cozy few weeks back in the UK, where he was seen walking his beloved dog Hurley and spending time with wife Anne-Marie Corbett. The couple, who married in 2021, were recently photographed enjoying a stroll near their London home — a rare, peaceful moment for the busy TV presenter before his return to the demanding jungle schedule.

Friends say the downtime did him good. “Ant’s been in such a great place lately,” one pal told the Mail. “He’s been enjoying the quiet moments at home, catching up with friends, and recharging. But work is where he really thrives — he’s excited to get back on set with Dec and the crew.”

A Global Hit That Just Won’t Quit

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has been one of ITV’s biggest global successes, drawing millions of viewers each season since its debut in 2002. The South African edition, which first aired in 2023, quickly became a fan favorite for its high-stakes format and jaw-dropping scenery — a shift from the Australian jungle that gave the show a fresh, dangerous edge.

This year’s installment is rumored to feature “the toughest challenges yet,” with producers teasing that even the most seasoned celebrity campers will be pushed to their limits. “They’ve taken everything fans love — the bugs, the trials, the campfire drama — and turned the intensity up to ten,” teased an ITV source.

Partnership Goals: Ant and Dec Back in Action

Of course, I’m A Celeb wouldn’t be the same without its iconic duo. Ant and Dec, who’ve been television’s most loved pairing for over two decades, are set to bring their trademark banter and warmth back to screens later this year.

“They’re the heartbeat of the show,” said a crew member. “It’s not just about celebrities eating bugs — it’s about the laughter, the teasing, and the moments between Ant and Dec that make everyone feel like part of the fun.”

The two are said to have spent time in meetings finalizing production details before their flight. “They always like to arrive early to check on everything personally,” another insider said. “Their hands-on approach is one of the reasons the show still feels fresh after all these years.”

Stylish Yet Simple

Fans couldn’t help but notice Ant’s laid-back airport look — proving that comfort doesn’t mean losing style. His minimalist outfit was paired with dark sunglasses and a black duffle bag slung casually over one shoulder. The look was effortless and practical — perfect for a long-haul flight to Johannesburg before transferring to the wilderness camp.

“He always keeps it simple,” one onlooker said. “Black tee, comfy joggers — but he somehow makes it work. He just looked really happy, like someone doing exactly what they love.”

Looking Ahead

While ITV has remained tight-lipped about the celebrity lineup for the upcoming season, rumors are already swirling that some of the most memorable contestants from previous years are set to make dramatic returns. Names like Joey Essex, Georgia Toffolo, and Gillian McKeith have all been whispered — though producers refuse to confirm.

Ant and Dec are expected to spend several weeks in South Africa before heading back to London in early November. The new season of I’m A Celebrity: South Africa is slated for release in early 2026, with fans already counting down the days.

As Ant boarded his flight, smiling and chatting with airport staff, it was clear that TV’s favorite host was in his element once again — ready to swap the comfort of home for the chaos of the jungle.

Because if there’s one thing Ant McPartlin knows how to do — it’s survive the wild.