Simon Barnett set to appear on Celebrity Treasure Island 2026

More FM’s own Simon Barnett is heading back to Celebrity Treasure Island in 2026, more than 20 years after his first appearance on the show.

Barnett originally featured on the series in 2004, but this return comes with a far more personal motivation.

This season’s winner will secure $100,000 for a charity of their choice, with Barnett backing the White Matter Brain Cancer Trust, which he says winning the prize for the cause would be “life-changing”.

There’s also a twist to kick things off.

In a first for the show, two castaways will remain hidden until after the teams go head-to-head in their opening challenge. The winning team will then choose their Kaihautū (leader), with Barnett and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe revealed as the captains.

They’ll be joined by a stacked lineup, including former All Black Frank Bunce, Shortland Street actors Ben Barrington and Ria Vandervis, along with content creators Louis Davis and Nix Adams.

The 2026 season heads north, with the show returning to Northland. Contestants will be split into “Wisdom vs Fury” themed teams as they battle it out for the title and a chance to make a real difference off the island. Meet the full Celebrity Treasure Island 2026 cast:

• Ben Barrington, Actor.

• David Correos, Comedian

• Frank Bunce, former All Black

• Georgia Lines, Singer/Songwriter

• Harrison Keefe, The Edge Radio host

• Liv Parker, Comedian

• Louis Davis, Content Creator

• Nix Adams, Content Creator

• Polly Gillespie, Media Personality

• Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Rugby player

• Ria Vandervis, Actor

• Sammi Poole, Miss World New Zealand 2025

• Simon Barnett, Broadcaster

• Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Actor

• Vinnie Bennett, Actor

• Zion Dayal, TVNZ sports reporter