The tense finale saw Adam Thomas crowned winner as past contestants clashed on stage over controversial moments.
Category: Arts & Culture
The live final of I’m a Celebrity: South Africa, aired on April 24, 2026, became a chaotic spectacle as past contestants clashed over unresolved tensions from the pre-recorded series. Adam Thomas was crowned the winner, securing 58% of the public vote, followed by Mo Farah with 32% and Harry Redknapp with 10%.
This second installment of the all-stars series, which first aired in 2023, saw Myleene Klass crowned as the first ultimate 'legend'. The show’s return was highly anticipated, but the finale revealed deep-seated conflicts among contestants that had been simmering throughout the season.
During the live broadcast, Jimmy Bullard confronted Thomas, accusing him of abusive behavior and claiming that ITV had edited footage to downplay the severity of their earlier disputes. The confrontation escalated, prompting hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly to intervene as tensions rose on stage.
Viewers witnessed a dramatic showdown as Bullard and fellow contestant David Haye questioned the production choices of ITV. Haye accused the network of manipulating the narrative to paint Thomas as a victim, a claim that was met with disagreement from McPartlin, who insisted he did not find Thomas’s behavior intimidating.
As the live final unfolded, Bullard repeatedly accused Thomas of being "abusive, aggressive and intimidating," which led to a heated exchange where the audience began chanting Thomas's name in support. The situation became so tense that Sinitta, another contestant, walked off the set in protest, stating, "It was abusive – you weren’t there," in response to the accusations being leveled at Thomas.
Following the tumultuous final, which attracted around 2.8 million viewers, a source from the production team revealed that some contestants were uncomfortable sharing the stage with Bullard and Haye, leading to their early exit during the post-show segment.
The all-stars format of I’m a Celebrity has proven to be a mixed bag for ITV. The first run of the spin-off in 2023 was met with positive ratings, leading to high expectations for the second series. Yet, the finale’s chaotic nature has raised questions about the future of this format. According to reports, another all-stars version is not expected until 2029, with a regular series slated to air in November 2026.
Producers aimed to create a unique viewing experience, emphasizing that the all-stars series would not become an annual event like the traditional format. A source told *The Sun*, “The aim was never for it to be made or be on air in 2027, even though there may be an appetite for that right now.” This decision reflects a desire to maintain the special nature of the all-stars series.
In the aftermath of the live final, the personal toll on Thomas became evident. In his first post following the show, he expressed his emotional challenges throughout the competition. He stated, “I walked through thisjourney with my heart first, no matter what came my way... It was not always easy, there were moments that could have broken me, but I stayed true to myself and that is something I will always be proud of.” His words resonate with many viewers who appreciate the vulnerability displayed by contestants.
As the dust settles from the chaotic finale, the focus turns to the future of I’m a Celebrity. With the next all-stars series not expected until 2029, the upcoming regular season will feature a fresh lineup of contestants, aiming to recapture the magic of earlier seasons without the baggage of previous conflicts. This move is seen as a necessary step to restore the show's reputation and viewer engagement.
In addition to the regular series, the production team will likely analyze the fallout from the live final to understand how to prevent such confrontations in the future. Viewers have expressed a desire for a more straightforward and entertaining experience, free from the kind of drama that overshadowed the recent finale.
Meanwhile, Thomas’s victory has sparked a wave of support from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Emmerdale actress Laura Norton publicly celebrated his win, commenting on his Instagram post, "Beautiful man. Through and through." This public endorsement from a fellow television star highlights the camaraderie among contestants, even in the face of controversy.
Looking ahead, the upcoming series of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! is scheduled to air in November 2026. As producers gear up for the new season, they will be tasked with balancing the expectations of a loyal fan base with the lessons learned from the tumultuous all-stars finale. The show's future will depend on its ability to navigate these challenges and continue to deliver engaging entertainment.