Why Maura Higgins didn’t enter I'm A Celeb last night after fans left wondering where she was

After what's felt like an eternity of waiting, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! finally graced our screens once again last night (17 November).

And it's clear that ITV viewers are in for a right treat this season, based on the antics of Sunday's episode - which already saw two mentions of the whole 'Wagatha Christie' saga.

Now, we were introduced to 10 celebrities last night, including Coleen Rooney, McFly singer Danny Jones, Strictly Come Dancing legend Oti Mabuse, Loose Women star Jane Moore, Radio 1's Dean McCullough, N-Dubz legend Tulisa, and boxing promoter Barry McGuigan.

Radio DJ Melvin Odoom, Coronation Street star Alan Halsall, and internet sensation GK Barry also joined the mix.

However, amid all the hype online following the release of the latest series, many viewers were left scratching their heads over one key detail after tuning in.

To jog your memory, fans were extremely excited for the new season ever since the first rumoured line-up came to light some weeks back. This line-up left many under the impression that Love Island icon, Maura Higgins, would be joining the gang Down Under.

Additionally, the first line-up also saw former BBC radio host, Reverend Richard Coles, announced as one of the celebs set to take on the challenge this year, but he was also missing from the original cast photo.

I'm A Celeb fans have since rushed to social media to share their confusion following Maura's absence, with one X user hitting out: "Where the bloody hell is Maura?"

"When is Maura coming?" asked a second, while a third wondered: "How long till Maura comes in?"

Another penned: "I’m so excited watching this but I want to see Maura!"

ITV viewers were baffled over Maura Higgins absence in last night's episode (Instagram/@maurahiggins)

And a final X user declared: "Get Maura Higgins in that jungle immediately I'm bored already."

So, why wasn't the former Islander in last night's episode?

Well, any seasoned I'm A Celeb fans will know that the beloved TV show starts off with 10 contestants - the ones currently in the official line-up group photo - before the final two contestants join the rest of the stars as latecomers.

The Sun reports that Maura will be going into the jungle, but will be a late addition. Her and the Rev are set to enter camp one week in.

Last year's late arrivals were Italian jockey Frankie Dettori and former professional boxer Tony Bellew. In 2022, Tory politician Matt Hancock and comedian Seann Walsh were the final two additions to the line-up.

So, I guess we'll simply have to wait to see if Maura - as well as the Rev - will grace our screens in the days to come.

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! airs every night except Saturdays at 9pm on ITV.

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