I'm A Celebrity Winners: Every King And Queen Of The Jungle From 2002 To Present

For more than twenty years, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has crowned a new King or Queen of the Jungle.

Unlike many reality competitions, there are no judges deciding the result and no professional skills required to lift the crown. Instead, viewers spend weeks watching celebrities tackle Bushtucker Trials, adapt to camp life and reveal sides of themselves rarely seen in public before voting for a winner.

That makes becoming King or Queen of the Jungle a unique achievement. The champions are often those who leave the strongest impression through their personality, memorable moments and contribution to camp life.

Some winners arrived as household names, while others left Australia with careers transformed. Together, they tell the story of one of Britain's most successful reality television formats.

Tony Blackburn (2002)

Broadcaster Tony Blackburn became the first ever King of the Jungle when I'm A Celebrity launched in 2002. At the time, nobody knew whether the format would succeed. Blackburn therefore occupies a unique place in the programme's history because his victory helped establish the blueprint for every winner that followed. His relaxed attitude, sense of humour and willingness to embrace the unusual environment made him popular with viewers from the beginning.

The first series was very different from the slick production audiences know today, but Blackburn's success proved that people enjoyed seeing familiar faces removed from their comfort zones. More than two decades later, he remains an important part of the programme's history as the original jungle champion.

Phil Tufnell (2003)

Former England cricketer Phil Tufnell followed Blackburn by winning the second series in 2003. Already known for his laid-back personality during his sporting career, Tufnell brought exactly the same attitude into the jungle. While other contestants sometimes became stressed by camp life, he appeared remarkably comfortable with the experience and rarely seemed flustered by events around him.

Viewers enjoyed his humour and ability to laugh at himself. His victory reinforced an early lesson for future contestants: audiences often reward people who appear genuine and comfortable in their own skin rather than those trying too hard to impress. Tufnell's win helped cement the programme's growing popularity during its formative years.

Kerry Katona (2004)

Kerry Katona's victory in 2004 remains one of the most significant in the programme's history because of what happened afterwards. Already known as a singer and television personality, Katona used the jungle as an opportunity to show a more personal side of herself. Audiences saw someone who was open, emotional and determined, creating a connection that translated into strong public support.

Winning dramatically raised her profile and turned her into one of the most talked-about celebrities in Britain. Few winners can point to such an immediate impact on their public career. Her success demonstrated that I'm A Celebrity could become far more than a reality show. For some contestants, it could completely transform how they were perceived by the public.

Joe Pasquale (2004)

Comedian Joe Pasquale became King of the Jungle later in 2004 and delivered one of the programme's most entertaining winning performances. Already a familiar face thanks to his comedy career, Pasquale used his quick wit and natural humour to become a central figure in camp. He consistently provided laughs for both viewers and fellow contestants, ensuring he remained at the heart of many memorable moments.

Importantly, his success was not built solely on comedy. He embraced the challenges of camp life and fully committed to the experience, which helped audiences see beyond the stage persona they already knew. His victory remains one of the defining moments from the programme's early years.

Carol Thatcher (2005)

Journalist Carol Thatcher delivered one of the most unexpected victories in I'm A Celebrity history when she became Queen of the Jungle in 2005. As the daughter of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, she entered camp with a level of public recognition that carried certain assumptions. However, viewers quickly discovered a practical, determined and down-to-earth personality that differed from what many expected.

Throughout the series, Thatcher threw herself into camp life and approached challenges with enthusiasm. Rather than relying on her famous surname, she allowed audiences to see her own qualities and sense of humour. Her victory perfectly illustrated one of the programme's greatest strengths: revealing unexpected sides of familiar public figures.

Matt Willis (2006)

Busted star Matt Willis entered the jungle in 2006 at a time when he was already one of Britain's most recognisable musicians. What made his series memorable was the opportunity viewers had to see beyond the pop-star image. Willis spoke openly about aspects of his life, developed strong relationships with campmates and demonstrated a level of honesty that resonated with audiences.

His journey showed that I'm A Celebrity could provide a very different platform from music or acting. Rather than performing for an audience, contestants simply had to be themselves. By the end of the series, Willis had earned enough public support to be crowned King of the Jungle, adding another significant achievement to his career.

Christopher Biggins (2007)

Christopher Biggins brought decades of entertainment experience into camp when he competed in 2007. Known for his infectious personality, Biggins quickly became one of the most important figures around camp. Whether sharing stories, lifting spirits or simply making people laugh, he played a major role in creating a positive atmosphere throughout the series.

His victory was built largely on his ability to entertain while remaining approachable and genuine. Viewers enjoyed spending time with him and appreciated the enthusiasm he brought to every aspect of the competition. Even years later, Biggins remains one of the programme's most fondly remembered winners.

Joe Swash (2008)

Former EastEnders actor Joe Swash became King of the Jungle in 2008 and later developed one of the closest relationships with the franchise of any winner. Swash's humour and easy-going personality quickly made him popular both inside and outside camp. He embraced challenges, formed strong friendships and consistently provided entertaining television throughout the series.

His victory was only the beginning of his association with I'm A Celebrity. In the years that followed, he became involved in spin-off programmes and presenting roles connected to the franchise, ensuring his name remained closely linked with the show. Few former winners have remained so strongly associated with I'm A Celebrity long after leaving camp.

Gino D'Acampo (2009)

Celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo delivered one of the most memorable winning performances the programme has ever seen. His natural charisma and larger-than-life personality made him impossible to ignore. Whether participating in challenges or interacting with campmates, D'Acampo consistently generated memorable moments that kept viewers entertained.

The jungle also introduced him to a much wider audience than he had previously enjoyed through cooking programmes. His victory helped accelerate a television career that would later include numerous successful presenting and entertainment projects. Few winners have used the platform as effectively as D'Acampo, making him one of the programme's most influential champions.

Stacey Solomon (2010)

Few contestants have turned a jungle victory into long-term success quite like Stacey Solomon. Having first found fame through The X Factor, Solomon entered camp with public recognition but left as one of the programme's most popular winners. Viewers responded to her humour, relatability and ability to find positivity even in difficult situations.

Unlike some reality television personalities whose popularity fades quickly, Solomon used her jungle success as a foundation for a career that has continued to grow for more than a decade. Today, she is widely regarded as one of the biggest success stories in I'm A Celebrity history, proving that a jungle victory can become the start of something much bigger.

Dougie Poynter (2011)

McFly bassist Dougie Poynter entered the 2011 series with an established fanbase but quietly built support far beyond that audience. Rather than dominating headlines, Poynter gradually earned respect through his contribution to camp life and his willingness to take part in challenges. His thoughtful personality and modest approach contrasted with some of the louder characters around him.

Many viewers appreciated the way he grew in confidence throughout the competition. By the time voting closed, he had become one of the strongest contenders despite not always being the centre of attention. His victory demonstrated that contestants do not need to dominate every episode to leave a lasting impression.

Charlie Brooks (2012)

EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks entered the jungle carrying the baggage of playing one of soap's most infamous villains. For many viewers, that made her victory particularly interesting because the programme revealed a very different side to the actress behind Janine Butcher.

Brooks impressed audiences with her determination and willingness to tackle difficult situations. She consistently pushed herself during challenges while maintaining a positive attitude around camp. Her victory highlighted one of the recurring themes of I'm A Celebrity: allowing viewers to separate performers from the characters they play and discover the real person underneath.

Kian Egan (2013)

Westlife star Kian Egan completed the first decade of jungle winners when he became King of the Jungle in 2013. Egan established himself as one of the strongest all-round contestants of the series. He contributed consistently around camp, supported fellow celebrities and approached challenges with confidence.

While some winners are remembered for one standout moment, Egan's success was built on reliability and consistency throughout the competition. Week after week, he remained a positive presence and earned the respect of both campmates and viewers. By the time the final arrived, he had become a worthy champion and brought the programme's first decade of winners to a fitting conclusion.

Carl Fogarty (2014)

Four-time Superbike World Champion Carl Fogarty brought a formidable sporting reputation into camp in 2014, but his jungle victory was about far more than past achievements. He approached trials with the same focus that had defined his racing career, while also revealing a dry sense of humour and a much more relaxed side away from competition. His willingness to take responsibility around camp made him a dependable presence, and viewers saw someone who could be competitive without making the experience entirely about winning. Fogarty’s victory felt like recognition for a contestant who combined strength, discipline and genuine enjoyment of camp life.

Vicky Pattison (2015)

Vicky Pattison entered the 2015 series already known through reality television, but the jungle allowed her to reach a much broader audience. Instead of relying on the image viewers may have associated with her previous programmes, she showed quick wit, self-awareness and a willingness to speak openly about herself.

Her jungle journey became an important turning point, helping her move into presenting, broadcasting and writing after the show. Pattison’s win remains notable because it demonstrated how effectively the programme can allow a contestant to reshape public perceptions and establish a new direction in their career.

Scarlett Moffatt (2016)

Scarlett Moffatt arrived in camp as one of the breakout personalities from Gogglebox, and her conversational humour immediately translated well to the jungle. She had a natural ability to make ordinary camp moments entertaining, whether discussing her fears, reacting to trials or simply chatting with other contestants.

Her enthusiasm made her easy to root for, while her familiarity as a television viewer herself gave her reactions an especially relatable quality. Winning in 2016 led to further presenting opportunities and confirmed that a personality first discovered through observational television could successfully become the central figure in a major entertainment show.

Georgia Toffolo (2017)

Georgia Toffolo, widely known as Toff, entered the 2017 series with an established following from Made in Chelsea, but she quickly won support beyond her existing audience. Her sunny approach and ability to remain upbeat became defining features of her time in camp, particularly when she faced uncomfortable trials or difficult living conditions.

Rather than being overwhelmed by the jungle, she appeared fascinated by the experience and determined to make the most of it. That positivity gave her journey a clear identity and helped her become one of the programme’s most popular modern winners.

Harry Redknapp (2018)

Harry Redknapp’s jungle experience became memorable because of the stories he told rather than any carefully planned television persona. The former football manager entertained campmates with tales from his career, amusing observations about everyday life and frequent affectionate references to his wife Sandra.

Those conversations gave viewers a warm and intimate picture of a public figure they had previously known mainly through football. His 2018 victory was one of the most widely celebrated in the programme’s history because it felt as though viewers had simply enjoyed spending three weeks in his company.

Jacqueline Jossa (2019)

Jacqueline Jossa entered camp in 2019 best known for playing Lauren Branning in EastEnders, but the jungle gave her a platform entirely separate from her soap career. She was open about moments of self-doubt and did not attempt to hide when the experience became difficult, yet she continued taking on trials and participating fully in camp life.

That mixture of vulnerability and persistence shaped her journey and encouraged viewers to see her as more than the character she had played on screen. Becoming Queen of the Jungle marked a successful new chapter in her public career.

Giovanna Fletcher (2020)

The 2020 series was unlike any previous edition because it was filmed at Gwrych Castle in North Wales during the pandemic. Giovanna Fletcher became the first Queen of the Castle after establishing herself as a calm, reassuring presence during an unusual and emotionally charged year.

Her ability to listen to others, offer practical support and maintain morale gave her a distinctive role within camp. Viewers saw her as someone who helped hold the group together, making her victory particularly fitting for a series defined by cooperation and companionship.

Danny Miller (2021)

Danny Miller became the second and final King of the Castle when the programme remained in Wales for 2021. Best known as Aaron Dingle in Emmerdale, he entered camp shortly after becoming a father, and his conversations about family gave his time on the show a strong emotional centre.

He was also willing to confront his fears directly, including during trials that challenged him more than he expected. The contrast between the intense soap character viewers knew and the emotional, humorous person they saw in camp helped make his victory especially meaningful to long-term fans.

Jill Scott (2022)

Jill Scott entered the jungle only months after helping England win UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, yet her sporting achievement never overshadowed her natural humour and team-first attitude in camp. She treated chores and trials with the same sense of responsibility she had shown on the football pitch, while her quick one-liners became a regular highlight.

Viewers also saw how easily she mixed with contestants from very different backgrounds. Her victory completed an extraordinary year and gave the country another opportunity to celebrate one of the Lionesses’ most respected figures.

Sam Thompson (2023)

Sam Thompson approached the 2023 series with the excitement of someone who appeared genuinely thrilled simply to be there. He celebrated successful trials enthusiastically, formed a particularly memorable friendship with Tony Bellew and often reacted to jungle life with an almost childlike sense of wonder.

That energy could easily have become overwhelming, but it was balanced by moments of thoughtfulness and clear affection for his campmates. His victory reflected the enjoyment he brought to the series and the sense that he had treated the experience as a genuine adventure rather than another television job.

Danny Jones (2024)

Danny Jones entered the 2024 jungle with experience as a musician, television personality and member of McFly, but viewers quickly saw a quieter and more reflective side alongside his familiar humour.

He formed close bonds with other campmates, including former boxer Barry McGuigan, and tackled the series with a willingness to say yes to whatever was placed in front of him. His final victory came with 55.21% of the last public vote, ahead of Coleen Rooney, confirming the strength of the support he had built during the series.

Angry Ginge, Morgan Burtwistle (2025)

Angry Ginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle, became King of the Jungle in 2025 after making the leap from online football content to one of ITV’s biggest entertainment programmes.

Already known through Twitch and YouTube, he introduced himself to a much wider audience through camp conversations, trials and his relationships with the other celebrities. His victory showed that the programme’s definition of celebrity continues to expand, with digital creators now capable of building the same broad television following as actors, musicians and sports stars.

Which Jungle Winners Became The Biggest Success Stories?

Winning I’m A Celebrity can raise a contestant’s profile dramatically, but several champions have turned that attention into particularly substantial careers.

Stacey Solomon became one of Britain’s most recognisable presenters and lifestyle personalities, while Joe Swash remained closely connected to the franchise through spin-off work. Vicky Pattison expanded into presenting, broadcasting and writing, and Scarlett Moffatt moved from Gogglebox into wider entertainment television.

Gino D’Acampo’s victory helped accelerate his career as a television chef and presenter, while Harry Redknapp reached viewers far beyond football. More recent winners such as Jill Scott, Sam Thompson and Danny Jones entered camp with successful careers already established, but each left with a new audience who had discovered them in a more personal setting.

There is no single definition of the most successful jungle winner. Some have built long-running television careers, while others have used the experience to change public perceptions, reach a different generation or strengthen an existing career.

Why Winning I’m A Celebrity Matters

There are no judges awarding marks in I’m A Celebrity, and the crown is not decided by a specialist skill. The winner is chosen by viewers after weeks of watching how each contestant behaves during trials, shared meals, disagreements, celebrations and long conversations in camp.

That makes the result unusually personal. The public is not simply voting for the celebrity with the biggest name or the best performance in one episode. Support usually develops gradually as viewers decide whose company they have enjoyed, whose story has interested them and who has contributed most positively to the series.

The title of King or Queen of the Jungle carries no large cash prize, but it can be an important public endorsement. For some contestants it confirms existing popularity, while for others it creates a fresh start or introduces them to audiences who knew very little about them before the programme began.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.Who won the first series of I’m A Celebrity?

Tony Blackburn became the first King of the Jungle when he won the inaugural series in 2002.

2.Who is the most recent I’m A Celebrity winner?

Angry Ginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle, won the 2025 series and became the latest King of the Jungle.

3.Who won I’m A Celebrity in 2024?

McFly singer and guitarist Danny Jones won the 2024 series, defeating Coleen Rooney in the final public vote.

4.Has anyone won I’m A Celebrity twice?

No contestant has won the main UK series twice. Every main series has produced a different King or Queen of the Jungle.

5.Which winner became the most successful after the show?

Stacey Solomon is frequently regarded as one of the biggest post-jungle success stories because of the long television career she built after winning in 2010. Joe Swash, Gino D’Acampo, Vicky Pattison and Scarlett Moffatt also developed significant television careers following their victories.

6.What does the I’m A Celebrity winner receive?

The winner receives the title of King or Queen of the Jungle. The programme does not award a large cash prize for winning the main series.

7.How is the I’m A Celebrity winner chosen?

The winner is decided by the public vote. During the final stage, viewers vote for the remaining contestant they want to crown King or Queen of the Jungle.

Where To Watch I’m A Celebrity

I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! airs on ITV and is available to stream through ITVX.

Image Credits: All I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! images remain copyright of ITV, ITV Studios and associated rights holders. Images are used for editorial and reporting purposes only.

Sources: ITV, ITVX, official I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! programme information and broadcaster archives.