Sam Thompson shares emotional update to fans after I'm A Celeb victory
So wholesome! ❤️
Last updated 13th Dec 2023
Following his empathic victory on this year's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!, radio presenter Sam Thompson is returning back to the UK to see his loved ones! Before getting on his flight home, King of the Jungle Sam shared an emotional message with his Instagram followers, thanking them for their support over the last month.
Sharing a photo of himself at the airport, Sam wrote: 'I’M GOING HOME!!!! I only just got my phone back this morning, and I don’t quite know where to begin, but I want to start first of all by saying thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, there aren’t quite the words to describe how grateful I am for each and everyone of you who supported me during my time in the jungle. You made a young boys dream (now slightly older) 😂 come true, and I will never ever forget that. When I first stepped foot in that jungle, I didn’t know what to expect, and I was a bit nervous about whether I was going to make myself look like a d--k as I know I’m a bit full on especially when there’s a lot of people and energy around at all times.
'Coupled with not knowing what was going on in the outside world, I would be lying if I didn’t say I was nervous! Having said that, being on a show I genuinely never thought I’d get a chance to do, and getting to meet Ant and Dec and do all of these iconic experiences that I’ve always watched on the TV just made me so damn happy that I stopped worrying about all that on day 2! 😂
'I had no idea of all the support, love and kindness that you all showed me, and reading some of your comments and messages, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude!!! Never in my wildest dreams, did I expect to be crowned King of the Jungle, or that I’d get to do CYCLONE! Every time Ant and Dec walked into camp, I convinced myself that it was going to be me that went next. There’s no way that people were actually voting for me. But each time I stayed another day, I felt more and more humbled and emotional.'
He concluded: 'Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!! I have a couple more soppy posts up my sleeve, but my first thank you had to be to all of you. I Love you. ❤️'. (sic)
Check out all the I'm A Celeb winners below:
1. Tony Blackburn
Tony Blackburn was the first celebrity to win the show back in 2002.
2. Phil Tufnell
England cricketer Phil Tufnell won the show with his hilarious personality in 2003.
3. Kerry Katona
Kerry Katona was the first woman to win the show in 2004.
4. Joe Pasquale
Joe Pasquale won the show when it returned later in the year of 2004.
5. Carol Thatcher
Journalist Carol Thatcher won the show in 2005 when she beat soap stars Sheree Murphy and Sid Owen.
6. Matt Willis
Busted member Matt Willis was a popular winner in 2006.
7. Christopher Biggins
Lovable Biggins shared the jungle with the likes of Katie Hopkins and Janice Dickinson and went on to win the show in 2007.
8. Joe Swash
Cheeky chap Joe Swash swapped EastEnders for the jungle and won the show in 2008.
9. Gino D'Acampo
The nation fell in love with Gino in 2009.
10. Stacey Solomon
After showing off her bubbly personality on The X Factor, Stacey Solomon entered the jungle and won the show in 2010.
11. Dougie Poynter
McFly guitarist Dougie Poynter was crowned King of the Jungle ahead of TOWIE's Mark Wright in 2011.
12. Charlie Brooks
EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks couldn't believe it when Ant and Dec announced her as the winner in 2012.
13. Kian Egan
After 22 days in the jungle, Westlife star Kian Egan was crowned the King in 2013.
14. Carl 'Foggy' Fogarty
Retired world super bike racer Carl 'Foggy' Fogarty won over the viewing public in 2014.
15. Vicky Pattison
Vicky Pattison showed a different side to her usual Geordie Shore antics, winning over the public and being crowned Queen of the Jungle.
16. Scarlett Moffatt
Former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt was crowned Queen of the Jungle after winning the show in 2016.
17. Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo
Made In Chelsea star Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo won the show in 2017 after beating Jamie Lomas.
18. Harry Redknapp
Former football manager Harry Redknapp is the current King of the Jungle after beating Emily Atack in 2018.
19. Jacqueline Jossa
Despite the likes of Ian Wright and Caitlyn Jenner signing up for the 2019 series, it was former EastEnders actress Jac Jossa who was crowned Queen of the Jungle, beating Coronation Street's Andy Whyment in the final.
20. Giovanna Fletcher
Podcaster Giovanna Fletcher became the first ever Queen of the Castle in 2020, going up against the likes of Shane Richie, Vernon Kay and Mo Farah!
21. Danny Miller
Emmerdale actor Danny Miller became the first ever KING of the Castle in 2021 after a hectic series. He went up against the likes of David Ginola, Simon Gregson and Frankie Bridge!
22. Jill Scott MBE
Former England footballer Jill Scott MBE topped her amazing year off by being crowned the Queen of the Jungle in November 2022. Jill won the show ahead of Owen Warner and Matt Hancock.
23. Sam Thompson
Radio presenter and TV personality Sam Thompson took the crown in 2023, winning the public's hearts and votes ahead of Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage.
24. Danny Jones
Following the epic Busted vs McFly tour in 2024, the legendary Danny Jones also found time to be crowned the King of The Jungle! Danny won the 24th series, after receiving more votes than his fellow campmate finalists Coleen Rooney and Reverend Richard Coles.
Following his victory over professional boxer Tony Bellew during the final last Sunday (10th December), viewers called for the pair to land their very own spin-off show, after Tony invited Sam over for Christmas.
After seeing their bromance, fans think ITV/STV bosses should give them a show, and it sounds like Tony is totally up for it! Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he said: "I don't know we will see, whatever Sam wants to do, I will do it."
The I'm A Celeb coming out show airs on ITV/STV at 9pm tonight (Wednesday 13th December).
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