Adam Thomas, the 37-year-old actor, has emerged as the winner of I'm A Celebrity… South Africa, captivating audiences with his journey to the top. The live final, held on Friday night, witnessed Thomas' triumph as he earned the title of 'ultimate legend 2026'. This marks a significant moment in the show's history, as Thomas' victory comes amidst a backdrop of intense drama and controversy. The competition was fierce, with Olympian Mo Farah finishing in second place, former football manager Harry Redknapp in third, and actor and DJ Craig Charles in fourth. The final saw a resurgence of tensions between Thomas, former footballer Jimmy Bullard, and former boxer David Haye, mirroring earlier rows that had played out during the series. Bullard accused Thomas of being 'abusive, aggressive, and intimidating', while Haye joined the fray, claiming the show had been edited in Thomas' favor. The heated exchange was a stark contrast to the friendly banter and camaraderie that often characterizes the show. Host Anthony McPartlin defended Thomas, asserting that the incident was not as portrayed by Bullard. Thomas took responsibility for his actions and expressed his love for Bullard, while Haye's comments about 'saying it like it is' and the show's editing sparked further debate. The drama extended to the departure of Sinitta and Gemma Collins, who defended Thomas and walked off set in solidarity. Despite the controversies, Thomas' victory was celebrated, with the actor describing his time on the show as a 'blast'. The final four contestants faced challenges in a series of pre-recorded trials, competing for stars for their final jungle banquet. The show also paid tribute to Beverley Callard, who left the camp due to undisclosed health issues, later revealed to be the early stages of breast cancer. The live final concluded with Thomas' triumph, marking a memorable chapter in the show's history, leaving audiences with a mix of emotions and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the contestants.
