King Gil, or: Secrecy-Claus, the I. - Gil Ofarim wins I'm a Celebrity 2026 amid emotional debates and past scandals
Gil Ofarim has been crowned King of the Jungle 2026 after a dramatic final. The singer won with the highest number of public votes from the very first day of I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! His victory came amid controversy, as past allegations resurfaced during the show, sparking heated debates among viewers and fellow contestants.
The final round saw Gil Ofarim, Hubert, and Samira each score an impressive 14 out of 15 stars—one of the best results in the show's history. Ofarim faced his last trial blindfolded inside a glass helmet, while Hubert had to complete his without speaking. Samira, meanwhile, tackled hers with noticeable calm. In the end, Ofarim and Samira reached the final two, with the public vote declaring him the winner.
Emotions ran high as Ofarim broke down in tears upon hearing the result. He later revealed plans to record a song with fellow contestant Jan Köppen, celebrating his victory. The win also prompted Simone Ballack, Ofarim's wife, to announce her departure from reality TV.
The series, marking its 20th anniversary, had already been contentious before the finale. Co-contestant Stephen Dürr publicly confronted Ofarim about his 2021 false accusation of antisemitism against a Leipzig hotel employee—a claim that led to a court case, a guilty plea, and a €10,000 fine. Dürr demanded an apology, criticising Ofarim's silence as unsatisfactory. Ofarim eventually responded by alleging the incriminating video evidence had been manipulated.
Hubert secured third place, outperforming Matthias Mangiapane's 2018 fifth-place finish. The show's producers have hinted at fresh debates and new contestants for future seasons.
Ofarim's victory caps a turbulent season, blending record-breaking performances with unresolved controversies. His win ensures continued discussion around the show's legacy as it approaches two decades on air. Meanwhile, his planned musical collaboration and Ballack's exit signal further developments beyond the jungle.
