Adam Thomas shares emotional statement saying David Haye 'broke' him on I'm A Celeb

David wasn't happy with Adam in South Africa

Adam Thomas and David Haye
Author: Alex RossPublished 20th Apr 2026

As the second series of I'm A Celeb: South Africa continues, fans have been watching through gritted teeth in recent episodes, thanks to David Haye's harsh treatment of fellow camp mate Adam Thomas.

In scenes which aired on Friday night's (17th April) episode, former boxing champion David wasn't happy with the Waterloo Road actor, after he admitted to the group he wasn't feeling up to taking part in the Termite Terror trial.

Whilst Adam's other camp mates were understanding, knowing he suffers with arthritis, the same couldn't be said for David, who said: "Dehydrated?! We've all got the same amount of water! Adam is doing it and that's it!

"When is your top form gonna come? Why aren't we forcing this dude to go and do it? Coincidentally, every time there's something to do, he's not feeling well!"

After hosts Ant and Dec confessed they thought David had taken things too far, Adam has now shared an emotional statement about his time in South Africa, admitted David 'broke' him.

He wrote: 'Not going to lie, this picture breaks my heart, as I know on the inside what I was dealing with and truth be told I thought it was all my fault. I now know that’s not the reality…

'My time in I’m a Celebrity South Africa was one of the toughest things I’ve ever been through, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

'Watching it back hasn’t been easy at all. There were moments I felt pushed to my absolute limit, and if I’m honest, times I didn’t even recognise myself. Living with arthritis is something I don’t really talk about, as much as I should do…but in there it really took its toll. My biggest fight was pretending to put on a brave face and trying to hide the pain! that can be exhausting within itself. There were days my body just didn’t want to keep going, but I did.

'I won’t sit here and say I handled everything perfectly, because I didn’t. I wish I spoke up for myself sooner. I wish I stood my ground instead of trying to keep the peace, but I’ve learned that being kind doesn’t mean being weak, and sometimes it takes going through tough moments to find your voice.

'Since coming out, I’ve taken time to process everything, and I’m in a much better place now. I let go of the anger, had the conversations I needed to have, and chose peace.

'What I’m most proud of, is at times like this I wanted to walk, I wanted to quit but I didn’t . Even when I wanted to walk away, even when it felt like too much, I never give up! and that means everything to me.

'He broke me in there, he pushed me to my limits, and I’ve told David this and he’s apologised and that’s that! I’ve moved on now, am not one to hold a grudge.

'But thank you for all your lovely messages and all the kind words ❤️

'We all face people and situations that try to break us, but sometimes those moments are what rebuild you stronger than ever.

'Be kind'. (sic)

Adam's family and friends were quick to comment on the post, sharing their support for the actor.

His twin brother Scott Thomas wrote: 'I wish I could have been there for you my brother…it makes me so angry that you went through that…but I’m so proud of how you’ve come out of the other side of all this…the strongest you’ve ever been and on an incredible journey…standing in your power 👊❤️💪✨'.

His older brother Ryan Thomas then commented: 'I would like to say i would stick up for you in there but hes not the guy to pick a fight with 🤣🤣🤣 we need to give @tonybellew a call bro 😂'. (sic)

Camp mate Scarlett Moffatt added: 'Awwww Adam I bloody love you. You’re one of the kindest men I know, if my little boy ends up being as caring as you then I know I’ll have done a good job a mam. Lots of love ❤️', with Ashely Roberts adding: 'Adam bless you. You have such a big heart. I’m sorry you struggled in there. ♥️🫶🏼'. (sic)

Check out all of this year's I'm A Celeb: South Africa camp mates below:

Adam Thomas: WINNER


Sir Mo Farah: SECOND PLACE


Harry Redknapp: THIRD PLACE


Craig Charles: FOURTH PLACE


Scarlett Moffatt: SIXTH OUT


Sinitta: FIFTH OUT


Ashley Roberts: FOURTH OUT


Jimmy Bullard: LEFT


Beverley Callard: LEFT for medical reasons


Gemma Collins: THIRD OUT


David Haye: SECOND OUT


Seann Walsh: FIRST OUT


I'm A Celeb: South Africa airs every night this week, with the live final taking place in London on Friday 24th April.

Now read:

Everything you need to know about I'm A Celeb: South Africa

Line-up announced for first ever full length series of The Celebrity Apprentice

At Home With The Furys renewed for third series

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