King Of The Jungle Sam Thompson receives a hero's welcome after his I'm A Celeb win as he arrives at luxury hotel with runners-up Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage

Sam Thompson received a hero’s welcome as he arrived back at his luxury hotel in Surfer’s Paradise on Sunday after winning I’m A Celebrity.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 31, has been the bookies’ favourite to win for the past couple of weeks and stormed to victory as he was crowned King Of The Jungle during the live finale.

He beamed broadly as he was reunited with his former campmates and was able to meet their loved ones outside the Marriott Gold Coast Resort.

Clad in his Jungle crown and brandishing his sceptre, the reality star looked in high spirits as he was cheered on by the likes of Josie Gibson and Marvin Humes.

Runner-up Tony Bellew also looked delighted upon his return to civilization as he was reunited with his four children after finishing in second place, while third place star Nigel Farage wasted no time snapping selfies with his fans.

After his win, Sam took to Instagram to thank his fans for their support, saying: ‘Thank you so much for making my Jungle experience.

‘If I’m honest with you I didn’t even think I’d be invited on this show and to be here is completely down to you and I can’t even explain how grateful I am.

‘You’ve made my dream come true and I’m a very, very lucky person so thank you so much.

‘I really appreciate every single one of you, thank you. King of the Jungle baby! Come on!’

Picking up his sceptre and brandishing it in the air, he continued: ‘I’m sweaty, I look terrible but I don’t care!’

Former campmate Jamie Lynn Spears – who quit the show on medical grounds – was quick to offer her congratulations, commenting: ‘so happy for Sam!!!!!!!!’

Making his first TV appearance since his big win, Sam appeared on Monday’s episode of Lorraine and confessed: ‘I’m having the best day of my life!’

Asked how he managed to maintain his sunny persona, he revealed: ‘It’s hard not to be happy when you’re doing the experience of your dreams.

‘I never thought I’d be asked to do it… it was the quickest thing I’ve ever said yes to in my life!’

Asked about his camp bestie, Tony, Sam confessed: ‘I love him so much, he’s the nicest bloke in the world. He’s softest soul with a hard shell which you have to break through and then he’s all gooey inside with a soft inside you want to tickle!

‘I’m so grateful to have had him in there, he made the experience, as did Marvin and the others.’

Lorraine then revealed she had a gift made for Sam and shipped out to Australia, presenting the star with a pillow featuring Tony’s face on the front.

Giddy Sam exclaimed: ‘It’s so soft! Jut like Tony’s hugs, he’s so soft.’

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.

‘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.

‘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.

‘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.

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!!!!’
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.

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.

I’m A Celebrity’s Nigel Farage makes first public appearance with girlfriend Laure Ferrari as French politician proudly poses with former UKIP leader after he finishes series in third place

After walking across the rope bridge to meet show hosts Ant McParlin and Declan Donnelly, 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.

Upon hearing news of his exit, fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter to discuss Nigel coming in third place, writing that he had been ‘fantastic’ on the show.

Congratulating Nigel, viewers wrote: ‘Say what you want, Nigel Farage has been a fantastic contestant.

‘

‘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.

‘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.

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.

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.