I’m A Celebrity undergoes major changes for star who uses wheelchair

Ade Adepitan is the first wheelchair user to take part in I’m A Celebrity (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) The I’m A Celebrity 2026 camp has undergone a makeover to ensure it’s accessible for Ade Adepitan. Ade, 53, joins names like Wayne Rooney, AJ Odudu, Ricky Wilson, and Joanna Page in the Australian jungle when Ant and Dec’s gruelling reality series returns on Monday. The TV star has enjoyed a long, successful career in sport, both as an accomplished wheelchair basketball player representing Great Britain at the Paralympics and as a presenter for the BBC. Ade is no stranger to making history as one of the first physically disabled presenters in the UK, and this year, he becomes the first-ever wheelchair user to take part in I’m A Celeb. To ensure Ade can live comfortably with his fellow campmates, the show has made various adaptations, and he was flown out earlier this year to identify areas that would need modifying. Get personalised updates on I'm A Celeb Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. ITV has revealed that conversations with production staff actually began in 2025, and now outlined the specifics of what has been altered. This year’s camp will also include the likes of Wayne Rooney, Claire Sweeney, Joanna Page, Chloe Burrows, AJ Odudu, and Ricky Wilson (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) How has the I’m A Celebrity camp been adapted? ‘The team has since been working with Ade to ensure camp is accessible for him,’ explained ITV ahead of the series launch. Pathways have been modified so they’re deeper, and the famous bridge where celebs head for Bushtucker Trials has been widened. Parking bays for Ade’s wheelchairs have also been created so he can transfer between his crutches and wheelchair, as he would outside of camp. What’s more, new areas have been installed for resting along the path from camp to the creek. A stairlift has also been installed to access the jungle shower. Camp adaptations include places for Ade to store his crutches (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) Pathways, including the famous trial bridge, have been widened (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) There are various seating areas around camp, including the new jungle swing (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) ‘Ade will have three wheelchairs in and around camp, along with three pairs of crutches left where needed, another wheelchair for the trials and an electric wheelchair that can handle more difficult terrain (e.g., a beach),’ the broadcaster added. They clarified that camp has been made accessible for Ade’s needs, not those of all wheelchair users. Additionally, ITV has made it clear that, despite collaborating with Ade on accessibility requirements, he has not been given any unfair advantages. ‘He has not been told any format points, Bushtucker Trials or anything else that has been planned for the new series – this will be a total surprise for him, just like everyone else.’ Benches have been added for resting (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) Ade will access the shower via stairlift (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) Why does Ade Adepitan need a wheelchair? Ade is unable to walk unaided after contracting polio in Lagos, Nigeria, as an infant. His left leg became paralysed, and he required crutches or leg braces growing up, encouraged by his parents. He began using a wheelchair to aid with daily tasks and playing sports, going on to become a wheelchair basketball medallist. Ade still has upper body strength and has sometimes been known to manoeuvre short distances on his hands and knees. Typically, though, he doesn’t walk independently in everyday life. Speaking ahead of entering camp, Ade, who caught bosses’ eye on Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, addressed the social media scepticism that he would be ‘cheating’ by having his needs met. Ade has required walking aids since childhood (Picture: Matt McNulty/Getty Images) To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video He admitted that such comments had been a niggle at the back of his mind but told The Guardian that living with a disability is like starting a race or a marathon ‘five miles behind anyone else’. Since childhood and attending school in callipers, Ade has been acutely aware of having ‘all eyeballs’ on him. ‘Even as a five, six-year-old child, I recognised that. I’ve carried that weight all my life, knowing that I have to, like, change people’s perspectives.’ ‘It’s almost like society is ashamed of us, and it’s almost brainwashed us into being ashamed of ourselves as well,’ he added. Still, Ade is certain that taking part in one of the country’s biggest TV shows is worth it to spark discussions, as the opportunity is bigger than just him. And while he is always conscious of what it means for people to be ‘seen’ on screen, there are two he’s especially keen to honour thanks to the sacrifices they made and how they ‘gave up everything’ to bring him and his sister to the UK. ‘To make my parents proud,’ he said when asked what his biggest hope is. ‘If they’re watching from up there.’ Deals of the Day 14,500 five-star reviews later, this cult sleep spray is discounted for Black Friday The Orlando holiday deal Disney fans shouldn't miss We're adding this discounted NEOM gift set straight to basket Want an LED face mask for less? This Black Friday deal could save you hundreds This teeth whitening sale could save you up to 64% before Black Friday I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2026 launches on Monday, November 16, on ITV1 and ITVX. Arrow MORE: Emmerdale breaks silence amid fears village set will be demolished Arrow MORE: When are Coronation Street and Emmerdale on as ITV drops soaps on Friday? Arrow MORE: Young disabled people need help – not their benefits being cut TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.