Ant and Dec shocked to learn I'm A Celeb theme tune samples one of their OWN songs
No way?!
Last updated 7th Oct 2026
With the show celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2027, it's safe to say the I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! theme tune is one of the most iconic around!
Known for it's iconic drum beat at the start, you'd think hosts Ant and Dec would have realised if it sampled one of their own songs from their PJ and Duncan era... But it appears not!
In a segment on their Belta Box podcast, the boys received a message from a listener which said: 'My daughter Lori somehow figured out that the iconic drum beat intro on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here is actually a sample from 'Tonight I'm Free (Cool Mix)' by PJ and Duncan. Do Ant and Dec even know this fact?'
In shock, the boys played the track and realised Lori was in fact CORRECT!
Ant exclaimed: "OMG IT IS."
Dec then jokingly said: "Right, somebody's getting sued", before saying to Ant: "I'm going to sue you." Ant replied adding: "Yeah and I'm going to sue you. I'm going to counter sue."
READ MORE: Ant and Dec are desperate for a civilian version of I'm A Celeb
As their alter-ego's PJ and Duncan, the boys released the track way back in 1993 when they were on Byker Grove, way before I'm A Celeb officially hit our screens in 2002.
However, it seems 'Tonight I'm Free (Cool Mix)' isn't the only song that features the iconic drum sample, with fans pointing out in the comments that the original sample is actually from 'Africano' by Earth, Wind & Fire.
One commented: '@antanddec The original sample is from Africano by Earth, Wind & Fire (1:17)… Nice find though!'. (sic)
Another said: 'It’s a really famous drum sample from the song Africano by Earth Wind & Fire. You can also hear it in Midnight Gloria by Keiino, among many other songs 🥁'. (sic)
A third wrote: 'Pretty sure it’s from Earth Wind & Fire’s Africano track, about 1m16s in on streaming'. (sic)
READ MORE: Full line-up 'confirmed' for I'm A Celeb spin-off show
It's a busy time for Ant and Dec, not only are they gearing up for the 2026 series of I'm A Celeb, they've also just wrapped filming on new I'm A Celeb spin-off show The Wild Frontier.
The pair have been in Canada for the last month filming the show, which is set to air on ITV/STV sometime in 2027.
Check out which celebs are rumoured for I'm A Celeb 2026 below:
Chloe Burrows
KISS Breakfast host and former Love Island star Chloe Burrows is reportedly 'in advanced talks' to join the line-up for the 2026 series, with reports suggesting bosses 'love her'.
Wayne Rooney
Former Manchester United and Everton footballer Wayne Rooney is reportedly in 'advanced talks' to join the 2026 series, which will see him follow in the footsteps of his wife Coleen. According to a source, Wayne would be the the show's biggest signing to date.
Jesy Nelson
Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson is apparently in talks with bosses to appear on the 2026 series. A source said: "Jesy has been negotiating with ITV for weeks and now the talks are at a very promising stage. For Jesy, doing I'm A Celebrity would be a huge boost for her professionally as well as personally."
Ricky Wilson
After years of rejecting offers, Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson has reportedly signed up for the 2026 series! A source said: "I'm A Celeb bosses have been trying to sign Ricky up for years, but he's always politely declined. Now he's finally given in. Bosses are overjoyed and think he will be a great addition to the camp."
Junior and Princess Andre
Their parents famously met in the Australian jungle during I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! back in 2004, and now it seems Junior and Princess Andre are eager to follow in their footsteps. Speaking to Hits Radio Breakfast in July 2026, the siblings confessed they'd love to go on I'm A Celeb together, admitting they are 'jungle babies'.
Joanna Page
Welsh actress Joanna Page, who plays the iconic role of Stacey in hit BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey, is reportedly in advanced talks for this year's show. A source told The Sun: "Joanna is in the advanced stages of talks for I'm a Celebrity and all the signs are looking positive. She's a huge BBC star and it would be a coup if ITV can get her to sign her contract and put her front and centre on their biggest entertainment show."
Su-Elise Nash
Mis-Teeq singer Su-Elise Nash is reportedly set to follow in the footsteps of her band mate Sabrina Washington, who appeared in 2009. A source said: "Su was incredibly supportive of Sabrina's jungle experience and now she could get her own shot. There have been early talks for her to be considered. The reunion has reminded everyone just how much love there still is for Mis-Teeq."
Ade Adepitan MBE
Paralympic athlete and TV presenter Ade Adepitan MBE is reportedly in 'advanced negotiations' with bosses to become the first wheelchair user to take part in I'm A Celeb.
Ben Stokes
Following his announcement on 28th June 2026 that he's retiring from International cricket, England star Ben Stokes is now being tipped to sign up for I'm A Celeb. According to Betway, Ben is priced at 4/1 to appear on the popular show.
Perri Kiely
Former KISS Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely has confirmed he's been asked to take part in the show a number of times, but he's had to turn it down due to 'scheduling issues'. However, during a chat with Jordan Banjo on their Brothers Uncovered podcast in 2026, Perri seemed to hint he would say "yes" if his schedule let him!
Jeremy Clarkson
Thanks to the success of Clarkson's Farm, rumours were rife that Jeremy Clarkson is in demand with reality TV shows, with I'm A Celeb reportedly top of the list!
Jools Oliver
When hosts Ant and Dec invited TV chef Jamie Oliver to appear on the show, he quickly declined, saying: "Thanks for the offer boys, I would love to come on I'm A Celeb. I think it's an amazing show, but honestly, you couldn't give me enough olive oil in the world to make me eat a witchetty grub or a kangaroo's a--e, no way."
However, he did nominate his wife Jools, adding: "But what I can give you is my wife Jools, she would love to be on the show. Go on Jools."
Nick Ferrari
Reports suggested bosses were determined to get TV and Radio host Nick Ferrari on the line-up in 2025, but he didn't appear. Maybe they'll go back with a new offer in 2026.
Olivia Attwood
As fans will know, reality star Olivia Attwood was forced to quit the 2022 series due to medical reasons, leaving her gutted. Olivia later hinted she could return for the 2023 series, admitting she'd had chats with bosses during an appearance on Loose Women.
Although she's in demand right now and very busy with radio, podcast and TV jobs, we have to admit we'd love to see Liv back in the jungle at some point!
Danny Dyer
Ever since Danny Dyer left his iconic role as Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter on EastEnders, he's been heavily rumoured for I'm A Celeb.
Of course, his family are no strangers to reality TV, with Danny's daughter Dani winning Love Island back in 2018.
Denise van Outen
The lovely Denise van Outen has appeared on the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Gogglebox in recent years. Denise has previously admitted she turned down the offer in 2021, so could she appear in 2026?
Author: Alex Ross
Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.