Tom Simons, better known online as TommyInnit, is appearing on Celebrity MasterChef after building a career from his energetic personality and love of Minecraft. The Nottingham-born entertainer, now 22, has turned an online hobby into a career spanning YouTube, comedy, books, podcasts, television and the Celebrity MasterChef kitchen.
From Minecraft hobby to online fame
Long before millions knew him as TommyInnit, Tom was simply a teenager interested in computers, games and making videos. His journey into YouTube began early, with him experimenting on different channels before creating the TommyInnit channel that became his main platform.
Minecraft quickly became a major part of his content, but gaming alone was not what made him stand out. Tom had an ability to turn ordinary gaming moments into comedy, talking rapidly, exaggerating situations, arguing with friends and shouting when things went wrong. For viewers, it felt less like watching someone play a video game and more like being invited into a chaotic friendship group, a style that became his trademark.
Breakthrough with the Dream SMP
TommyInnit's huge breakthrough came during the explosion of Minecraft content online, particularly through his involvement with the Dream SMP. The server brought together some of the biggest Minecraft creators and turned the game into a mix of gaming, improvisational storytelling and entertainment.
Tom became one of its most recognisable personalities. His collaborations with creators such as Dream, Tubbo, Wilbur Soot and Technoblade helped introduce him to an enormous audience. His streams could attract hundreds of thousands of viewers, and his YouTube videos regularly reached millions.
Records and net worth
By the age of 17, Tom had already passed one billion YouTube views and had broken Guinness World Records connected with Minecraft streaming. His exact net worth is not publicly confirmed, and figures reported online vary considerably. His income has come from several sources, including YouTube, livestreaming, merchandise, live shows and other entertainment projects.
Heartbreaking loss
One of the people who had the greatest impact on Tom was fellow Minecraft creator Technoblade, whose real name was Alex. Tom originally looked up to Technoblade as a fan before becoming his friend. In 2021, Technoblade revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer, and he died in June 2022 at just 23 years old. His death deeply affected Tom and the wider Minecraft community.
Following the death of his friend, Tom became involved with charitable work supporting sarcoma research and helped keep his friend's memory connected with positive causes. Celebrity MasterChef is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
