I’m A Celebrity will have a huge shake-up for the series launch after bosses have axed one of the most popular challenges in favour of a brand new thrill-seeking trial. 

For seven years, Walk The Plank has opened the show with half of camp having to face the terrifying heights of the 314ft Focus building in Surfers Paradise.

Last year, ITV bosses put a terrifying twist on the classic challenge, by replacing it with two flimsy flagpoles with the celebrities made to race each other  110 metres in the air.

But producers have planned a brand new entrance for the campmates, promising the task will be ‘equally as terrifying and exhilarating’.

It is being kept strictly under wraps so the celebrities won’t know what to expect ahead of the show launch on November 17.

+4
View gallery

I’m A Celebrity will have a huge shake-up for the series launch after bosses have axed one of the most popular challenges in favour of a brand new thrill-seeking trial

+4
View gallery

Last year, ITV bosses put a terrifying twist on the classic Walk the Plank challenge, by replacing it with two flimsy flagpoles with the celebrities made to race each other

A source told MailOnline: ‘The new challenge promises to be one of the most exciting ever as some of the campmates will truly be put to the ultimate test before they enter camp which they won’t be expecting.

‘It won’t be an easy ride into camp for the celebrities this year, bosses are pulling out all the stops to ensure the show has a spectacular launch that viewers won’t want to miss.’

MailOnline has contacted I’m A Celebrity for comment.

The ITV1 jungle reality show will return to screens on Sunday November 17, with Ant and Dec at the helm,

Insiders have promised the stars who have signed on to star in it this time round will make for ‘compulsive viewing’ for fans.

Following months of speculation, Coleen Rooney and Maura Higgins will be heading Down Under, alongside longtime soap star Alan Halsall and legendary sportsman Barry McGuigan.

Rounding out the lineup are Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse, Loose Women star Jane Moore, DJ Dean McCullough, Tulisa, radio presenter Melvin Odoom, Reverend Richard Coles and podcast presenter GK Barry.

Stripped of luxuries and creature comforts, stars will have face a string of Bushtucker Trials in a bid to win food for the camp, and only one will leave as the King Or Queen of the Jungle.

+4
View gallery

But producers have planned a brand new entrance for the campmates, promising the task will be ‘equally as terrifying and exhilarating’ as Walk The Plank (pictured hosts Ant and Dec)

This year I’m A Celebrity have also announced it will be launching a brand new spin-off show called I’m A Celebrity…Unpacked this autumn on ITV2.

The show will be hosted by former jungle star Joel Dommett, 39, Capital radio DJ Kemi Rodgers, 29, and reining King of the jungle Sam Thompson, 32.

During the spin-off show the trio will dissect everything that goes on in camp, before speculating about what may be in store, all the while giving their opinions and taking part in fun debates.

I’M A CELEBRITY 2024: MEET THE ALL STAR LINE UP

COLEEN ROONEY 

Coleen Rooney rose to fame as the wife of footballer Wayne

AGE: 38

OCCUPATION: WAG

FAMOUS FOR: Wagatha Christie case against arch rival Rebekah Vardy.

Reports claim that she has been offered the biggest deal in the show’s history, exceeding Nigel Farage’s £1.5million from last year.

MAURA HIGGINS  

Maura Higgins became an instant TV favourite during her stint on Love Island

AGE: 33

OCCUPATION: Television personality

FAMOUS FOR:  Series five of Love Island (20190 and Dancing On Ice (2020).

Maura is said to have replaced Tommy Fury after he pulled out at the last minute.

OTI MABUSE  

Oti Mabuse has already two Strictly glitterballs under her belt

AGE: 34

OCCUPATION: Professional dancer

FAMOUS FOR: Oti is best known for being a professional dancer on the British television series Strictly Come Dancing, which she won in 2019 and 2020.

DANNY JONES 

Danny Jones is one of the bookies’ favourites to win this year’s I’m A Celeb

AGE: 38

OCCUPATION: McFly singer

FAMOUS FOR:  Danny is one of the lead vocalists and the lead guitarist for pop-rock band McFly.

He is also a coach on The Voice UK.

BARRY MCGUIGAN 

Former boxer Barry McGuigan is heading into the jungle

AGE: 63

OCCUPATION: Retired professional boxer

FAMOUS FOR:  Barry was nicknamed The Clones Cyclone and held the WBA and lineal featherweight titles from 1985 to 1986.

GK BARRY

GK Barry is a TikTok star who recently joined the ITV family on Loose Women

AGE: 25

OCCUPATION: TikTok star

FAMOUS FOR: Grace is known for her comedic commentary on culture, lifestyle, and fashion. She has over 3.6 million followers and recently joined the Loose Women panel.

DEAN MCCULLOUGH 

ITV bosses are hoping Dean McCullough will ruffle feathers in the camp

AGE: 32

OCCUPATION:  Radio 1 DJ

FAMOUS FOR:  Radio 1 DJ Dean has been signed by I’m A Celeb bosses, in the hope that he will ruffle feathers with his outspoken views.

Earlier this year it was announced Dean would be taking over the BBC Radio 1 Early Breakfast Show, after previously fronting the afternoon slot.

JANE MOORE  

Jane takes on the challenge following her high-profile split from  her husband

AGE: 62

OCCUPATION: Journalist

 FAMOUS FOR:  PrJane is best known as a panellist and anchor of Loose Women between 1999 and 2002.

She returned as a regular panellist from 2013 onwards.

Jane takes on the challenge following her high-profile split from husband of 20 years, Showbiz agent, Gary Farrow.

MELVIN ODOOM  

AGE: 44

OCCUPATION: DJ and TV presenter

FAMOUS FOR: His work on radio. Melvin was previously courted by I’m A Celeb bosses back in 2021, but turned down the offer at the last minute.

He also had a primetime stint on Strictly back in 2016.

REV RICHARD COLES 

Richard’s last reality stint was when he took part in Strictly in 2017

AGE: 62

OCCUPATION: Radio presenter 

FAMOUS FOR:  Richard is a former member of pop group The Communards.

They achieved three UK top ten hits, including the No. 1 record of Don’t Leave Me This Way.

ALAN HALSALL  

Alan Halsall is best known for his role as Tyrone Dobbs on Coronation Street

AGE: 42

OCCUPATION: Actor

FAMOUS FOR: Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall was forced to withdraw from I’m A Celeb last year, after undergoing ACL Reconstruction surgery.

Bosses have now convinced the actor to sign up again, and no doubt he will draw in a huge fanbase thanks to his long-running role as Tyrone Dobbs on the soap.

TULISA  

Tulisa is making her career comeback after reuniting with N-Dubz last year

AGE: 36

OCCUPATION: Singer and former X Factor judge

FAMOUS FOR: Tulisa reunited with N-Dubz last year for a tour after first finding fame with the band in 2007.

In 2011, she became a judge on The X Factor and went on to launch her debut solo album, The Female Boss.

She released her fourth album with N-Dubz last year.