Six I’m A Celebrity stars who have passed away from sudden deaths to heath battles

The ITV show is set to return for a brand new series as we take a look back on the stars sadly no longer with us
20:16, 16 Nov 2025
Eric Bristow, world champion darts player, passed away from a heart attack in 2019 (Image: ITV)
ITV’s popular reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is set to return tonight (November 16) for a brand new series.
The star-studded line-up includes Shona McGarty, Eddie Kadi, Aitch, Alex Scott MBE, Jack Osbourne, Lisa Riley, Kelly Brook, Angry Ginge, Ruby Wax OBE and Martin Kemp.
Presenters Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly are back at the helm, with the stars set to take on two challenges during the first episode in a bid to win a luxury stay in camp.
Five celebrities parachute onto a beach for their first task of the series, whilst others are seen with their heads in boxes with snakes.
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As anticipation builds for the 2025 season, we take a moment to remember some contestants who’ve sadly passed away since their time on the show, reports the Mirror.
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson came second in the first series of I’m A Celebrity(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Tara appeared in the first-ever series of I’m a Celebrity, and just missed out on being crowned Queen of the Jungle after coming runner-up to Tony Blackburn.
The British socialite passed away in January 2016 aged 45, with her death treated as ‘unexplained.’
Tara’s heartbroken sister later shared that her cause of death was peritonitis and a perforated ulcer.
Blue band member Duncan James and Tara’s close friend paid tribute at the time. He wrote: “Heartbroken and numb I have lost one of my oldest and dearest friends. I’m going to miss your laughter most shmooey. Rip sweetheart.”
David Gest
David Gest passed away in 2016(Image: ITV)
David was hugely popular on the show back in 2006, after coming in at fourth place and winning over viewers with his hilarious anecdotes.
The US producer died aged 62 in 2016 after suffering a stroke while in a hotel in London.
Nine years ago at the time of his death, his former I’m A Celebrity co-star and EastEnders legend Dean Gaffney said: “Never have I lost a best friend before and this pain hurts harder than anything I’ve ever experienced. RIP David Gest, I love you brother.”
Annabel Giles
Annabel Giles entered the jungle back in 2013(Image: ITV/REX)
Annabel sadly died in November 2023 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. She entered the jungle back in 2013.
The TV presenter’s children, Molly and Tedd shared a joint statement confirming that she had died.
In their statement, Annabell’s children’s wrote: “In July, Mum was diagnosed with a stage 4 Glioblastoma, a fast-growing and highly aggressive malignant brain tumour.
“In the four months that followed, she displayed remarkable resilience and strength, despite undergoing brain surgery and countless radiotherapies.
“In her final weeks, she was passionate about raising awareness for Glioblastoma, embodying her lifelong commitment to helping others.”
Eric Bristow
Eric Bristow, world champion darts player, passed away from a heart attack in 2019 (Image: ITV)
Eric, who appeared on the jungle series in 2012, was gutted he came in in fourth place.
He told Ant and Dec at the time: “I had a great time but I would have liked to make the last three. I would have liked to have a go at the grubs for my kids”.
The world champion darts player passed away from a heart attack in 2019 while visiting a Premier League Darts event in Liverpool.
Fellow darts player Bobby George said at the time: “In the afternoon, I was doing a show at a pub opposite the Premier League (darts) building, and he just came in, said, ‘Hello’ and had a pint, then said, ‘See ya’, I said, ‘See ya’ because I was working… he went across the road, and two-and-a-half hours later, he was gone.”
Freddie Starr
Freddie Starr was a campmate in 2011(Image: ITV)
Freddie was a campmate on the ITV show back in 2011, however he had to leave for health reasons after suffering an allergic reaction.
At the time, the stand-up comedian said: “I was sorry to hear the news about what the doctors said -that I was allergic to something, to play it safe and best for me not to go back in.”
Freddie passed away at his home in Costa Del Sol in 2019 due to heart disease.
Bobby Ball
Bobby Ball was a contestant on the ITV show in 2005(Image: ITV/REX FEATURES)
Comedian Bobby appeared on the show back in 2005 alongside campmates Carol Thatcher and Sid Owen.
He sadly passed away due to COVID-19 complications in October 2020. He was best known for being part of the Cannon and Ball duo with co-star and TV partner Tommy Cannon.




