Adam Thomas, the 37-year-old actor renowned for his roles in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, has been crowned the ultimate victor and "ultimate legend 2026" of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa. His triumph, decided by public vote, came after a live finale broadcast that dramatically devolved into an unscripted and acrimonious confrontation among former campmates, overshadowing the celebratory atmosphere typically associated with such reality television conclusions. The episode, aired on Friday, April 24, 2026, saw a series of heated exchanges and accusations, particularly centered around Thomas’s conduct during the pre-recorded jungle experience.
Understanding I’m A Celebrity… South Africa: The All-Star Format
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa represented a unique iteration of the globally popular I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! franchise. Unlike the flagship series, which typically features a mix of new celebrities and is broadcast live from the Australian jungle, this "all-star" edition brought back a roster of memorable and often controversial contestants from previous seasons. Filmed in the Kruger National Park in South Africa, the series was pre-recorded in autumn 2025, with the final public vote and live studio discussion taking place in April 2026. This pre-recorded format later became a point of contention during the chaotic finale, as allegations of selective editing were raised. The series aimed to revisit beloved figures, pit them against new and familiar bush tucker trials, and crown an "Ultimate Legend" from among those who had already faced the jungle’s challenges. The format allowed for intense character development and rekindled rivalries, which ultimately boiled over in the live setting.
Adam Thomas’s Path to Victory
Adam Thomas first endeared himself to the public during his initial stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2016, where he finished in third place, demonstrating a cheerful disposition, a willingness to tackle any trial, and a genuine camaraderie with his fellow campmates. His return for the South Africa all-star series was met with anticipation, as viewers were keen to see how he would fare against a cohort of seasoned jungle veterans. Throughout the pre-recorded series, Thomas once again proved to be a popular figure, engaging in the often-grueling trials and forming strong bonds. However, his journey was not without its challenging moments, particularly the development of a fractious relationship with former professional boxer David Haye and an explosive argument with ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard, both of which became focal points of the live finale. His consistent performance and perceived good nature ultimately resonated with the public, securing him the most votes in the final tally.
The Seeds of Discord: Pre-Recorded Camp Feuds
The underlying tensions that erupted during the live finale had their origins in the pre-recorded camp life in South Africa. Adam Thomas found himself embroiled in significant disagreements with two of his male campmates. His feud with David Haye was particularly intense, with Thomas openly stating that Haye "broke" him and pushed him to his limits within the camp environment. While the exact nature and full extent of these interactions were subject to editing for broadcast, it was clear that a deep-seated animosity had developed between the two.
Separately, Thomas also had a heated row with Jimmy Bullard. This confrontation was later described by Bullard as an incident where Thomas used "c-bombs" – expletives that Bullard claimed were strategically omitted from the televised version of the show. Bullard suggested that the severity of Thomas’s language and aggression had been downplayed by the production, a claim that would later resurface dramatically. These pre-existing tensions set a volatile stage for the live reunion, where the participants were no longer constrained by the jungle environment or the presence of producers actively shaping narratives.
The Live Finale Unravels: Accusations and Confrontations
The live segment of the finale, hosted by long-standing presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, quickly veered off script. The initial discussions were meant to reflect on the contestants’ journeys and celebrate the series’ conclusion. However, the conversation rapidly turned confrontational when Jimmy Bullard brought up his past argument with Adam Thomas. Bullard reiterated his accusation that Thomas had been "abusive, aggressive and intimidating" during their row in the camp, specifically referencing the alleged "c-bombs" that he claimed were not aired. Bullard directly appealed to Ant and Dec for validation, stating they had "front row seats" to the events.
However, Ant McPartlin immediately disagreed with Bullard’s characterisation, firmly stating, "No it wasn’t, I was there." This direct contradiction from one of the show’s most authoritative figures signaled a departure from a typical light-hearted post-mortem. Adam Thomas, attempting to de-escalate, responded by taking "full responsibility" for his actions and affirming he had "nothing but love for Jimmy." This conciliatory gesture, however, was not enough to quell the rising tension.
David Haye’s Dramatic Intervention and Claims of Editing Bias
The situation escalated dramatically when David Haye, known for his outspoken nature, interrupted the exchange. Addressing Thomas, Haye sarcastically remarked, "You’ve got a funny way of showing it." This comment reignited the underlying feud between them. When pressed by the hosts about his own controversial comments made during the series, Haye retorted, "I like to say it like I see it." He then directly accused the show’s producers of biased editing, claiming they had deliberately manipulated footage to make Adam Thomas appear as a "victim." Haye asserted, "We all had banter back and forth, and a lot of it was cut out from their side," implying that the audience had not seen a balanced portrayal of the camp dynamics, particularly concerning Thomas’s interactions.
Haye and Bullard then jointly appealed to their fellow contestants, attempting to garner agreement that Thomas had indeed been "abusive, intimidating and aggressive" in his interactions with Bullard. This move created a visible divide among the assembled celebrities, forcing them to take sides in a very public and uncomfortable setting.
Walk-Offs and Heated Exchanges: A Show of Support and Disgust
In response to the escalating accusations and the perceived unfair targeting of Adam Thomas, two prominent female campmates stepped forward in his defense. Singer Sinitta and reality television personality Gemma Collins vocally supported Thomas, rejecting the claims made by Haye and Bullard. The tension reached its peak when, in a dramatic show of protest, both Sinitta and Collins walked off the set during the live broadcast. Gemma Collins, visibly agitated, was heard commenting that David Haye was "disgusting" for his behaviour and accusations. This unprecedented walk-off underscored the depth of the divisions and the raw emotion present in the studio, illustrating the profound impact of the pre-recorded events on the contestants’ relationships.
The Wider Context: Haye’s Past Controversies and Reality TV Editing Debates
The contentious live finale also served as a platform for Ant and Dec to subtly reference David Haye’s own controversial past remarks. McPartlin light-heartedly, but pointedly, joked that the "scariest thing" the celebrities had faced this series were "David Haye’s views about women." This was a direct allusion to Haye’s previous comments on "ugly birds" while discussing his girlfriend Sian Osborne, which had caused significant public "uproar" during the series’ broadcast. The hosts’ decision to include this remark, even in jest, highlighted the broader public scrutiny Haye had faced for his often-provocative statements.
Haye’s allegations of biased editing also tapped into a long-standing debate surrounding the authenticity of reality television. Critics and former participants frequently raise concerns about how narratives are constructed through selective footage, potentially misrepresenting individuals or events to create desired dramatic arcs. While ITV, the broadcaster, did not issue an immediate official response to Haye’s specific claims, such accusations inevitably spark discussion about the ethical responsibilities of production companies in portraying real-life interactions. The incident raised questions about the fine line between entertaining storytelling and factual representation, particularly when contestants’ reputations are at stake.
The Coronation: Thomas’s Triumph Amidst Turmoil
Despite the live broadcast’s tumultuous nature, the main purpose of the finale — to crown the "Ultimate Legend" — proceeded. Adam Thomas was ultimately declared the winner, a testament to his enduring popularity with the viewing public. The coveted title was presented by reality TV star Sam Thompson, who himself won the original I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! series in 2023. Upon receiving the accolade, Thomas expressed his gratitude and joy, describing his experience on the all-star show as a "blast," a reflection perhaps of his overall positive journey despite the dramatic ending.
The Runners-Up and Their Reflections
The finale also celebrated the achievements of the other top finalists. Olympian Sir Mo Farah, a national hero, secured second place. Farah reflected positively on his time in the South African jungle, hailing the experience as "amazing" and "entertaining." In third place was former football manager Harry Redknapp, a previous winner of the main I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! series. Redknapp, known for his charming anecdotes and down-to-earth personality, stated he "really enjoyed" his time on the all-star series. Craig Charles, the actor and DJ, was awarded fourth place, having also successfully navigated the challenging pre-recorded trials which involved facing various insects, reptiles, and other creepy crawlies to earn stars for their final jungle banquet. These contestants’ more serene reflections stood in stark contrast to the heated exchanges that dominated the live studio segment, highlighting the diverse experiences within the camp.
A Note of Concern: Beverley Callard’s Health Battle
Amidst the chaos and celebrations, Ant and Dec also took a moment to offer "support and love" to soap star Beverley Callard, who was notably absent from the live event. Callard had been forced to leave the camp earlier in the series due to undisclosed health issues. It was later revealed that her premature departure was linked to the initial stages of a breast cancer diagnosis. This poignant revelation served as a reminder of the real-life challenges faced by the celebrities beyond the glare of reality television, and the importance of health and well-being above all else. Her absence and the reason for it added a layer of somber reflection to an otherwise explosive finale.
Analysis: Implications for the Series and its Stars
The I’m A Celebrity… South Africa finale will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most chaotic and unscripted conclusions in the show’s history. The dramatic live confrontations between former campmates, particularly the allegations of editing bias and the subsequent walk-off, raise significant questions about the nature of reality television and the management of live broadcasts involving strong personalities.
For the series itself, the incident highlights the inherent risks and unpredictable nature of "all-star" formats, where pre-existing relationships and grudges among veteran contestants can lead to explosive live reunions. While controversy can often boost ratings and public discussion, such unmanaged chaos also risks alienating viewers or casting a shadow over the winner’s achievement.
For Adam Thomas, his victory is a clear endorsement of his public appeal, demonstrating that viewers sided with his narrative despite the accusations leveled against him. The controversy may even have cemented his status as a sympathetic figure for many. Conversely, David Haye and Jimmy Bullard’s public challenges to Thomas and the show’s editing could impact their public perception, potentially reinforcing their reputations as confrontational or aggrieved figures. The incident also serves as a potent reminder of the power and responsibility inherent in reality television production, especially when shaping narratives that can have real-world consequences for the participants’ careers and reputations.
In conclusion, Adam Thomas’s crowning as the "ultimate legend 2026" of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa was a moment of personal triumph, yet it unfolded against a backdrop of unprecedented live television drama. The finale became a microcosm of the intense dynamics within the jungle camp, proving that even a pre-recorded series can deliver raw, unscripted tension when its stars reunite live.
