Reality star Sam Thompson is crowned King Of The Jungle: I’m A Celebrity fan favourite says ‘all my dreams have come true’ as he beats boxing legend Tony Bellew in the final two after politician Nigel Farage finished third
I’m A Celebrity’s Sam Thompson has been crowned King Of The Jungle after beating boxing legend Tony Bellew who finished in second place.
The former Made In Chelsea star, 31, has been the bookies favourite to win for the past couple of weeks after proving popular with ITV viewers.
Sam jumped into the arms of runner-up Tony when hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly announced the results, before admitting he was ‘overwhelmed’.
He said: ‘I’m really overwhelmed, I didn’t think I’d even be invited on the show. I don’t know what to say.’
Asked what he had to say to those who had voted for him, he tearfully said: ‘I’m so grateful, thank you so much. I’ve dreamed of doing this show for years and years and you’ve made a boy’s dream come true.’
I’m A Celebrity’s Sam Thompson has been crowned King Of The Jungle as he beat Tony Bellew who finished in second place
The former Made In Chelsea star, 31, has been the bookies favourite to win for the past couple of weeks after proving popular with ITV viewers
Sam jumped into the arms of runner-up Tony when hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly announced the results, before admitting he was ‘overwhelmed’
Sam and Tony had struck up a close bond while living in the jungle together
Tony wasn’t too disappointed to have finished second as he felt his new friend was a more than worthy winner.
He said: ’10 days ago, I knew. I knew when I first met him, I’ve never met a person like him… He deserves it more than anything and I couldn’t be happier.’
Sam had been open about being a superfan of the show and admitted it was ‘100 times’ better than he had expected it to be.
Interviewed alongside Tony ahead of the result, he was asked if it had lived up to his expectations and said: ‘It did so much more, I’ve never been so shocked in my life, times 100 everything, the little moments are the best moments as well.
‘My favourite time in the entire jungle was when Snake Rock came back and we had the entire family back together… The vibe was so amazing and I thought, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever been as happy as I am now.’ ‘
Meanwhile, boxer Tony admitted he had found life in camp ‘very, very difficult’ so was thankful for his friendships with Sam and JLS singer Marvin Humes.
He said: ‘You’re alone with your own thoughts and my mind isn’t the best, it wasn’t easy. It was very very difficult and you think to yourself, ‘What am I doing here?’
‘I definitely think I was put here to be around Sam and get to know him, Marvin was a huge part of it as well, I can’t believe he’s not sitting here.
Following his win, Sam was reunited with his best pal Pete Wicks, who had flown out to Australia to support him
Sam appeared delighted to be reunited with his friend Pete again
The whole cast turned up to watch Sam be crowned the winner of the show
He said: ‘I’m really overwhelmed, I didn’t think I’d even be invited on the show. I don’t know what to say’
Asked what he had to say to those who had voted for him, he tearfully said: ‘I’m so grateful, thank you so much’
‘Everyone was amazing… I know this is called ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ but I’m not one of them, a celebrity and no one felt like a celebrity, they were just normal. It’s the first time in my life I’ve sat with a bunch of strangers and just thought, ‘You’re all sound people’. ‘
Following his win, Sam was reunited with his best friend and TOWIE star Pete Wicks, who had flown out to Australia to support him.
Pete was their for Sam in lieu of his girlfriend Zara McDermott, who was unable to fly out to support him due to clashing work schedules.
Despite being unable to be their in person, Zara has been sharing her support online as she watched the series play out from home.
Zara shared the moment she discovered Sam had been crowned King Of The Jungle as she hosted a viewing party for his loved ones.
Alongside a video of Sam’s family and friends jumping in the air, she wrote: ‘The moment we all found out… OUR KING OF THE JUNGLE!!!!’
Alongside a video of Sam’s family and friends jumping in the air, she wrote: ‘The moment we all found out… OUR KING OF THE JUNGLE!!!!’
Sam pictured with his girlfriend Zara, who was unable to fly out to Australia
Fans of the radio presenter branded him ‘the most deserving winner ever’, as they took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their delight
Fans of the radio presenter branded him ‘the most deserving winner ever’, as they took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their delight.
One person, wrote: ‘Well deserved. I am over the moon for you Sam Thompson. You were my King Of The Jungle from the start of the series.’
Another, said: ‘Sam’s the King Of The Jungle!!! Most deserving winner ever!!!’
READ MORE: I’m A Celeb star Nigel Farage finishes the show in THIRD place
A third, wrote: ‘Well done Sam! King Of The Jungle. Seeing him reunite with Pete again had me in tears #ImACeleb.’
A different viewer, wrote: ‘So happy Sam’s King Of The Jungle! Loved Tony and his friendship with Sam but feel the right person won.’
One person sweetly penned: ‘Thank you Great Britain for embracing someone who is different but someone who is also brilliant! Sam Thompson deservedly is the King Of The Jungle!’
Earlier in the evening, Nigel Farage was announced to have come third and admitted he was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to have done so.
He said: ‘I’m not surprised [too be third], I’m absolutely thrilled..’
Asked about being a divisive figure, the former politician admitted he hoped he had shown his ‘human’ side.
The cast posed for a playful picture with the show’s winner Sam
Tony, Sam and Nigel were this year’s finalists on the show
Tony and Nigel were the gracious runners up as they celebrated Sam’s win
Sam couldn’t believe his ears as he was announced as the show’s winner, admitting that the situation was a ‘dream come true’ to him.
Speaking on Sam’s win, Tony said: ‘Listen, ten days ago, I knew when I first met him. I’ve never met anyone like him in my life. He deserves it more than anyone.’
Nigel finished the show in third place and was greeted by his ‘secret’ girlfriend Laure Ferrari on the jungle bridge.
The former UKIP leader, 59, made it to the final three campmates, finishing in the same place as fellow politician Matt Hancock who took part last year.
During the final, Nigel faced his biggest fear yet as he took on the final Bushtucker Trial of the series during Sunday night’s episode.
After managing 23 days in camp, Nigel spoke to Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly about his jungle journey.
Speaking about his journey, Nigel said: ‘Because I had time to do it, 60 next birthday and I’m going to reach an age where I won’t be able to do it [the show]. Very pleased I did it, I did my best to show no fear at all, I gave you nothing.
‘I’m not surprised. I’m absolutely thrilled. Not everyone likes the stuff I campaigned for but no matter what people think I mucked in, threw myself into camp. But if you asked me would I do it again, I think I probably would!
‘Obviously there were people there with different views but I did think I managed to persuade them that we can respect the right to have different views. We had proper debates, no screaming, no big fall outs and I hope they understand.
‘The different backgrounds, different ages was a delight. I learnt that I can control fear in a way that I didn’t even know that I could.’
Nigel made his first public appearance with his girlfriend Lauren Ferrari as she greeted the politician on his exit out of I’m A Celebrity.
Upon hearing his exit, fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter to discuss Nigel coming in third place, penning he has been ‘fantastic’ on the show.
Congratulating Nigel, viewers wrote: ‘Say what you want, Nigel Farage has been a fantastic contestant.
Nigel faced his biggest fear yet as he took on the final Bushtucker Trial of the 2023 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! series on Sunday night
Upon hearing his exit, fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter to discuss Nigel coming in third place, penning he has been ‘fantastic’ on the show
After managing 23 days in camp, Nigel spoke to Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly about his jungle journey
I’m A Celebrity viewers were all saying the same thing after Nigel finished the show by claiming third place
Fans were quick to note that Nigel had experienced almost exactly the same trajectory as former Health Secretary Matt Hancock on the 2022 series
‘Regardless of who he is etc. Nigel Farage has been a great camp mate’.
‘I will never agree with Nigel Farage’s political views but think him going on #I’mACeleb will have changed peoples perceptions of him’.
‘Our King of the Jungle. Congratulations’
‘I was very impressed with Nigel Farage in the jungle. I think he came across as quite a sound guy’.
But fans were also quick to note that Nigel had experienced almost exactly the same trajectory as former Health Secretary Matt Hancock on the 2022 series – as he also reached the final and claimed third.
Matt was beaten only by Jill Scott and Owen Warner to first and second place respectively, defying all expectations.
Fans were quick to note the coincidence, with viewers taking to social media to declare it ‘weird’.
One said: ‘As if Nigel Farage got the same position that Matt Hancock got last year.’
Another joked: ‘So which controversial politician will finish in 3rd place next year?’
A third said: ‘If I had a nickel for every time a politician finished third on I’m A Celeb I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird it’s happened twice.’
Like Nigel, Matt had also entered the jungle so viewers could see a ‘lighter side’ to him – as both figures proved divisive throughout their respective careers in politics.
Fans were quick to note the coincidence, with viewers taking to social media to declare it ‘weird’
Nigel across the bridge to greet his girlfriend Laure
The couple looked delighted to be back in each other’s company
Laure had flown out to the country to be with Nigel when he left the jungle
They posed for pictures at the end of the bridge
‘Obviously there were people there with different views but I did think I managed to persuade them that we can respect the right to have different views. We had proper debates, no screaming, no big fall outs and I hope they understand.
‘The different backgrounds, different ages was a delight. I learnt that I can control fear in a way that I didn’t even know that I could.’
Matt himself said, regarding his exit: ‘I just wanted to show what I’m like as a person. Lots of people come to me with pre-conceived ideas for obvious reasons, but I just wanted to be myself.
‘Politicians as a whole, we don’t come across as human enough. This is an extreme way of doing that.’
Nigel made his first public appearance with his girlfriend Lauren Ferrari as she greeted him on the bridge as he exited the jungle.
Nigel left the camp for the very last time to meet his French politician girlfriend Laure, 44, with the moment being the couple’s first public appearance together.
Nigel stood with his arm around Laure as she proudly turned to pose for pictures with her partner.
Nigel has been romantically linked to Laure, a French right wing politician since 2017 after she moved into his £4million Georgian home in Chelsea and was seen taking the bins out.
At the time Nigel dismissed the idea of an affair as ‘crackers’ as he had just announced the separation from his wife of 18 years, Kirsten.
Laure, who is 15 years Farage’s junior, met the politician 10 years earlier in 2007 when she was working as a waitress in Strasbourg.
After the exchange with the then 28-year-old, Nigel appointed her as a parliamentary assistant in charge of environmental issues in the UK – her first job in politics.
In 2017 – right when she moved in with Nigel as a ‘lodger’ – she headed up a Eurosceptic think tank which was accused of illegally diverting £400,000 of public money to UKIP – before the UK General Election and Brexit referendum.
Amid these accusations, the pair were seen enjoying a drink at a London pub together locked in conversation before both discreetly exiting a chauffeur-driven Range Rover.
It was reported that ‘Farage’s attention was only on one woman all night’ but they appeared cautious to be seen together with Farage continually denying claims of a romantic relationship.
The politician took part in Panic Pit in the hope to win the three finalists desserts, himself a drink and a treat.
Nigel made it to the final three on Saturday night alongside former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson, 31, and boxer Tony Bellew, 41, after This Morning’s Josie Gibson was voted out by the public.
During the terrifying trial, Nigel had to remain in the pit for the duration of time and was joined by snakes.
Ant explained: ‘This is Panic Pit. For every two minutes you stay down there you win a star. Five stars on offer so that’s 10 minutes in total. But of course, you’re not going to be alone down there.’
Dec added: ‘The first three stars are for desserts for camp. The fourth star is for your drink, the fifth star is for your treat.’
As it began, Ant said: ‘You’ve got company now, Nigel.’
Tony and Sam were watching on as Nigel attempted to win them something sweet for dinner.
Sam said: ‘Oh, it’s a snake!’
Checking in on Nigel half way through his time, Dec asked: ‘Are you OK Nigel?’
Nigel replied: ‘Yeah, fine thanks, having a lovely time.’
Towards the end of the final trial of the series, the lights went out leaving the former UKIP leader in complete darkness.
After he earned the star for his drink, Nigel said: ‘Bloody lovely.’
Once the time was up Nigel managed to complete the Trial with a full house earning all five stars.
The former politician took part in Panic Pit in the hope to win the three finalists desserts, himself a drink and a treat
Nigel made it to the final three on Saturday night alongside former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson , 31, and boxer Tony Bellew, 41, after This Morning’s Josie Gibson was voted out
During the terrifying trial, Nigel had to remain in the pit for the duration of time and was joined by snakes before the lights were switched off
Once the time was up Nigel managed to complete the Trial with a full house earning all five stars for the campmates desserts, drink and treat
He said: ‘I didn’t flinch!’
Winning all five stars in his final challenge had seen him enjoy a starter of tuna sashimi, roasted duck and fine red wine for his main, and an apple tart with cream for dessert.
Earlier in the ITV show, Sam and Tony took on separate trials to win starters, main courses, drinks and treats.
Tony took on the first trial of the day, Stakeout, to win the first three starters for their last meal in the jungle.
Ant explained: ‘This is ‘Stakeout’. You’re going to be strapped down to the giant plate and you must stay on it and endure the jungle critters that will join you on there.
‘For every two minutes you manage to stay on the plate that’s a star up for grabs.’
Dec added: ‘The first three stars you win are for starters for you and your other campmates. The fourth is for your drink of choice tonight and the fifth is for a very special treat for yourself.’
As soon as the trial started, Tony shouted: ‘Why am I picked for this? This is a joke.’
However, he managed to face the critters and earn all the stars.
Sam took on the second trial, Bonanza, to win the main course for the other celebrities.
Meanwhile Tony took on the first trial of the day, Stakeout, to win the final three starters for their last meal in the jungle
Sam took on the second trial, Bonanza, a eating trial where he had to eat witchetty grub, camel toe, pig’s vagina and a camel’s penis
Facing the eating trial, he was presented with five dishes, the first being a witchetty grub which he didn’t even hesitate to eat.
Next up, Sam had to eat a section of camel’s toe to win Tony’s main course before facing a fish eye and a scorpion.
To earn his drink the radio presenter had to eat a pig’s vagina, Sam said: ‘I don’t think I can do that one…’
To encourage the reality star, the others started singing JLS’s Everybody In Love to try and help Sam through it.
Completing his final trial of the series, Sam faced a camel’s penis, Nigel encouraged his: ‘Don’t look at it, just do it.’
Sam earned all five stars meaning the finalists got to enjoy a three course meal with a drink and a treat for their last night in the jungle.
Tony’s meal of choice was salt and pepper calamari and garlic bread with cheese to start, before moving onto fillet steak with peppercorn sauce, mash and veg.
He finished up with treacle sponge with extra thick cream, while his drink pick was a salted caramel milkshake and his treat was Malteasers.
Sam had a starter of prawns pil pil with bread and salted butter, a main of wagyu steak with bernaise sauce, chips and vegetables.
His dessert was sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice-cream, while h e had an oreo milkshake to drink and salt and vinegar crisps as his treat.
Nigel had a starter of tuna sashimi, a main of roasted duck, potatoes and vegetables. And a dessert of apple tart with double cream.
As his drink he had a glass of Australian red wine. Nigel’s treat was some milk chocolate.
I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates
NIGEL FARAGE
Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party and leader of the Brexit Party.
Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty.
Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news.
Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore.
Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields
DANIELLE HAROLD – VOTED OUT!
Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.
Phobias: Rats. I hate them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too!
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either.
Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.
FRED SIRIEIX – VOTED OUT!
Claim to fame: First Dates star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp.
Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning.
Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient!
Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.
NELLA ROSE – VOTED OUT!
Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star.
Phobias: I am fearful of everything!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book.
Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it!
Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele.
NICK PICKARD – VOTED OUT!
Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star.
Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.
Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop!
Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock.
FRANKIE DETTORI – VOTED OUT!
Claim to fame: Champion Jockey
Phobias: I am not sure as I don’t walk across rooftop planks in the middle of the day nor do I have any snakes or rats in the house!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: None. I’ve lived in the public domain for as long as I can remember so I’d hope everyone knows me well.
Role in camp: To have fun with everyone, I am a happy-go- lucky person.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? Travelling. I have spent my whole life at airports and I’ve got to like it!
Best & worst attributes: I am outgoing and I am a fighter. Worst? I can’t sit still and I am impatient.
Dream camper: Robbie Williams would be fun.
JAMIE LYNN SPEARS – WALKED!
Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.
Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone.
Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed.
Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot.
Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.
SAM THOMPSON
Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter.
Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!
Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things.
Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle!
JOSIE GIBSON – VOTED OUT!
Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.
Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information!
Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on!
Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry.
Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her.
MARVIN HUMES – VOTED OUT!
Claim to fame: JLS star.
Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too.
Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food.
Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.
GRACE DENT – WALKED!
Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic.
Phobias: Horrible people.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour.
Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep.
Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour!
TONY BELLEW
Claim to fame: Former champion boxer
Phobias: Like most normal people, I am scared of almost everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People will portray me as something I am not because of the profession I have had. I am just a normal person.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I am domesticated so hopefully I can help out.
Best & worst attributes: I do get hangry…who doesn’t! But I am easy going and I get on with everyone.
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