Why Piers Morgan Will Never Do “I’m A Celebrity” Again: The ITV Reality Show He Keeps Rejecting

Piers Morgan, the outspoken British journalist and TV personality, has once again declined the opportunity to join ITV’s hit reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, reinforcing his firm stance that he will never participate in the jungle challenge. Despite the show’s massive popularity and high viewership, Morgan’s career choices and his complex relationship with ITV have kept him away from the reality TV format. This article explores the reasons behind Morgan’s refusal, his career trajectory, and the broader context of his media presence.

Piers Morgan’s Repeated Rejection of “I’m A Celebrity”

Piers Morgan has long ruled himself out of entering the I’m A Celebrity jungle. Back in 2017, he publicly stated on ITV’s breakfast show that he had been offered the chance multiple times but chose to decline. His recent refusal continues this pattern, confirming that he will never take part in the reality series, despite its status as one of the UK’s most-watched TV programs.

The show itself remains a powerhouse for ITV, drawing around 11 million viewers on average and consistently topping UK ratings charts. The jungle’s appeal lies in putting celebrities through tough physical and psychological challenges, a format that contrasts sharply with Morgan’s preferred media style.

Career Focus and Media Style: Why Morgan Avoids Reality TV

Preference for Controlling the Narrative

Morgan’s career spans decades as a journalist and television presenter, with a focus on talk shows, interviews, and commentary where he can express his opinions freely. His departure from ITV’s Good Morning Britain in 2021 after a controversial on-air dispute about Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey highlighted his insistence on unfiltered expression. Morgan criticized ITV for censoring him and framed his exit as a stand for free speech.

His current platform, Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV, exemplifies his preference for formats that allow editorial control and outspoken commentary without the constraints typical of reality TV shows. Participating in I’m A Celebrity would require adapting to a format where personal control is limited and the focus is on endurance and entertainment rather than debate or journalism.

Strained Relationship with ITV

Morgan’s exit from Good Morning Britain was acrimonious, involving tens of thousands of complaints to Ofcom and public criticism of his views on mental health and the royal family. This fallout has contributed to a chilly relationship with ITV, reducing the likelihood of him joining one of their flagship reality shows.

Although Morgan made a brief return to Good Morning Britain in early 2025, the reception was frosty, especially from co-host Susanna Reid, underscoring ongoing tensions4. His reluctance to engage with ITV reality formats like I’m A Celebrity can be seen as part of this broader distancing from the network’s mainstream programming.

Public and Media Reactions to Morgan’s Career Choices

Popularity of “I’m A Celebrity”

I’m A Celebrity remains ITV’s crown jewel in reality TV, with millions tuning in for the final episodes and close voting results. The show’s format, which pushes celebrities out of their comfort zones, contrasts with Morgan’s media persona, which thrives on debate and controversy rather than physical challenges.

Mixed Reception to Morgan’s Media Ventures

Post-ITV, Morgan’s projects have drawn mixed reactions. His interviews, such as the heated exchanges with controversial figures like Ye (formerly Kanye West), continue to generate headlines but also criticism. Public figures and commentators have both mocked and supported his media presence, reflecting his polarizing status.

Summary: Why Piers Morgan Will Never Enter the Jungle

• Repeated refusals: Morgan has turned down I’m A Celebrity multiple times, reaffirming he will never do the show.
• Career alignment: His preference is for talk shows and platforms where he controls the narrative, such as Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV.
• Network tensions: His acrimonious split from ITV and ongoing strained relations reduce the likelihood of him participating in ITV reality format.
• Personality and format mismatch: The physical and endurance challenges of I’m A Celebrity do not suit Morgan’s media style or public persona.
• Public and media context: While I’m A Celebrity thrives as a top-rated show, Morgan’s career continues to focus on outspoken journalism and commentary, often courting controversy rather than reality TV participation.

Piers Morgan’s steadfast refusal to enter the jungle reflects both his personal brand and his professional priorities. As ITV’s I’m A Celebrity continues to dominate reality TV ratings, Morgan’s media journey follows a different path—one defined by outspoken commentary, editorial control, and a contentious but high-profile presence in British media.