I’m A Celeb’s Sam Thompson wins ITV show by a HUGE landslide as voting figures are revealed
I’m A Celeb’s Sam Thompson was crowned King of the Jungle on Sunday by a landslide, voting figures have revealed.
The former Made in Chelsea star, 31, came out on top with over 50% beating Boxer Tony Bellew, 41, finished in second place and Nigel Farage, 59, third.
ITV released two sets of figures which showed the percentages for the top three before voting was frozen and later re-opened for the final two.
In the first round Sam raked in 43.35% which was miles out in front of Tony who got 30.87% and Nigel with 25.78%.
Then in the final vote Sam’s lead only increased as he bagged 56.64% of viewers votes beating Tony’s 43.36% by a whopping 13%.
I’m A Celeb ‘s Sam Thompson, 31, was crowned King of the Jungle on Sunday by a landslide, viewing figures have revealed.
The MIC star (centre) came out on top with over 50% after Boxer Tony Bellew, 41 (left) finished in second place and Nigel Farage , 59 (right) third
Sam had 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.’
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.
ITV released two sets of figures which showed the percentages for the top three before voting was frozen and later re-opened for the final two
In the first round Sam raked in 43.35% which was miles out in front of Tony who got 30.87% and Nigel with 25.78%
Then in the final vote Sam’s lead only increased as he bagged 56.64% of viewers votes beating Tony’s 43.36% by a whopping 13%
‘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’
‘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”.’
Sam is reportedly set to earn millions after catching the attention of TV bosses who are keen to sign him up for projects.
A source told the Daily Star: ‘They know Sam is a star.
‘The big bosses are all keeping a very close eye on what he does next because they see him as the next big thing.
‘The wonderful thing about Sam is he is just unapologetically himself and that’s what people love.
Asked what he had to say to those who had voted for him, he tearfully said: ‘I’m so grateful, thank you so much’
‘He is set to become a very very rich man when he steps outside that jungle life.
‘And not just him, his girlfriend Zara, is expected to do well too, with them seen as the new power couple.’
Following his win, Sam was reunited with his best friend and TOWIE star Pete Wicks, who had flown out to Australia to support him.
Viewers breathed a sigh of relief after Pete managed to stay on his feet when series winner Sam leapt into his arms at the end of the finale episode.
After his interview with Ant and Dec, Sam walked across the rope bridge out of the jungle where he was greeted by his best pal, former The Only Way Is Essex and Staying Relevant podcast co-host Pete, 35.
After setting his eyes on Pete, Sam ran at full speed towards his friend before leaping into the air and throwing himself into his arms while gripping his legs around his waist and shuddering with excitement.
Pete stumbled and was forced to steady himself as he took the full force of reality star Sam throwing himself at him, with fans taking to social media to express their relief that Pete clung onto the bridge’s rope to stop himself falling over the edge and plummeting down into the jungle below.
I’m A Celeb viewers breathed a sigh of relief after Pete Wicks managed to stay on his feet when series winner Sam Thompson leapt into his arms at the end of the finale episode on Sunday
Taking to Twitter, one person laughed: ‘The end where Pete was like “we’re going to fall off this bridge”.’
While someone else noted: ‘I was scared one of them was going to go over the side.’
‘I thought the Bridge was going to break,’ wrote another viewer. ‘Congratulations Sam! Love Sam and Pete’s friendship.’
‘Jeez, I’m so glad Pete held onto the rails though,’ wrote another show fan.
And someone else posted: ‘Pete thankfully held the rope.. but wow.’
Pete was there 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 there 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!!!’
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.
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.