Celebrity legend named in intense live finale of I’m A Celebrity
The live finale of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! South Africa featured a dramatic conclusion to a tension-filled series. The focus keyphrase, celebrity legend named, refers to Adam Thomas, who was crowned the public’s king of the jungle after a heated final night.
Finalists and intense moments
The final included well-known personalities such as Adam Thomas, Craig Charles, Mo Farah, and Harry Redknapp. The show, a spin-off set in South Africa, brought back past contestants for a second series. Thomas, who had previously finished third in the regular 2016 series, faced a challenging and eventful jungle stay.
Tensions peaked during the live final when Thomas launched a fierce tirade at footballer Jimmy Bullard. The argument erupted after Bullard forfeited a trial by saying, “I’m a celebrity get me out of here,” which nearly caused Thomas’s elimination. Thomas responded with an expletive-laden rant, criticizing Bullard for quitting the challenge and questioning his commitment to the show.
Hosts Ant and Dec intervened to control the heated exchange, which also led to singer Sinitta and TV personality Gemma Collins walking off the set. Despite the confrontation, Thomas was saved when the other campmates unanimously voted for him to stay.
Behind the scenes and contestant experiences
Craig Charles revealed that Thomas’s full outburst was not broadcast, describing it as “unbroadcastable” and “deeply traumatic.” Bullard called Thomas’s reaction “pathetic” and explained his decision to quit was motivated by a desire to go home.
Thomas later reflected on his time in the jungle, acknowledging the drama but emphasizing the positive moments. He wrote on Instagram about the laughter, love, and warmth he experienced, as well as the physical challenges he faced due to psoriatic arthritis.
The series also saw other notable events, including the withdrawal of former Coronation Street star Beverley Callard after passing out during the show’s Bush Telegraph segment. Callard later revealed a breast cancer diagnosis and was unable to attend the final on medical advice.
Boxer David Haye, who had called Thomas “weak” and “brittle-spirited,” faced controversy for remarks about women during the series. After being voted out, Haye chose Gemma Collins to leave alongside him. Collins had returned to the show 12 years after her initial appearance but struggled to adapt to jungle life.
Craig Charles made an emotional return to the show after previously withdrawing due to the sudden death of his brother. Other contestants included TV star Scarlett Moffatt, singer Ashley Roberts, and comedian Seann Walsh.