Who is Craig Charles? I’m a Celebrity South Africa contestant and actor

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The next episode of I’m a Celebrity… South Africa airs tomorrow night, and it promises some unexpected moments for viewers.

As hinted at during tonight’s show, Gemma Collins and Craig Charles are joining the jungle as latecomers. Interestingly, they both previously competed on the same season of the show.

This year’s season of I’m a Celebrity features returning stars who are heading to South Africa to compete in tough challenges. They’re all hoping to be named the ultimate I’m a Celebrity Legend.

Craig Charles, known for his roles in science fiction and soap operas, is joining the cast for the show’s second season. Wondering what he’s been doing lately? Here’s an update on his career.

Who is Craig Charles?

Age: 61

Job: Actor and DJ

You can find Craig Charles on Instagram at @craigcharlesfunkandsoul. He’s a 61-year-old actor and radio DJ originally from Liverpool. He started out as a stand-up comedian and became famous in 1988 for his role as Dave Lister in the sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf, appearing in every episode of the show. Later, in 2005, he joined Coronation Street as taxi driver Lloyd Mullaney, a role he played for ten years before leaving in 2015 to resume filming Red Dwarf.

He’s hosted several TV shows, such as Robot Wars and The Gadget Show on Channel 5, and was also the English-language voice for the popular Japanese game show, Takeshi’s Castle.

Craig is a radio host who specializes in funk and soul music. He’s been on BBC Radio 6 Music since October 2021, where he presents the weekday afternoon program.

What season of I’m a Celebrity was Craig Charles on?

Craig appeared on the fourteenth season of I’m a Celebrity in 2014, but unfortunately had to withdraw after just four days when his brother, Dean, unexpectedly passed away. He’s now back on the show hoping to have the complete I’m a Celebrity experience.

Why is Craig Charles returning to I’m a Celebrity?

Craig Charles has often wondered how far he could have gotten on ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ if he hadn’t been forced to leave the show early.

He shared that his brother Dean’s death deeply affected him during his previous appearance on ‘I’m A Celebrity…’ At the time, he was 50, his brother was 52, and he’d been acting on ‘Corrie’ for a decade. Dean’s passing caused him to reflect on his life and consider whether he’d be content with his accomplishments if he were in the same situation.

I decided the answer was no. After ten years on the show, I felt stuck in a routine. I was having a great time on ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ when it ended sooner than expected, and that made me want to try new things. However, I’ve spent years wondering ‘what if?’ and it feels good to finally move on and stop questioning that decision.

I’m a Celebrity… South Africa continues on Tuesday 7 April at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

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Authors

Phoebe Kowhai BarnesFreelance Writer

I’m a big fan of pop culture and entertainment, so I always enjoy reading Phoebe Kowhai Barnes’ work for TopMob. She’s a freelance writer there now, but she’s got a strong background in editing – she used to be a Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab, running their local team. She really knows her stuff, with a degree in English Literature from the University of Nottingham, which definitely shines through in her writing!

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2026-04-07 00:34