Reality TV favourite Sam Thompson has declared he would rather "eat a bucketload of kangaroo balls" than ever face the Gladiators again, after feeling "stitched-up" during the show's festive special.
A Festive Beating from a Giant
The 2023 I'm A Celebrity... winner took part in the BBC's Celebrity Gladiators Christmas special, which is set to air on Christmas Day. He found himself pitted against the formidable Gladiator known as Giant, real name Jamie Christian-Johal.
Thompson joked about his daunting opponent to The Sun, stating: "I would rather eat a bucketload of kangaroo balls than take him on every day of the week! Giant hitting you over the head with one of the sticks is diabolical. I feel like I was a bit stitched-up."
He added: "He's a giant. The clue's in the name. When he came out, I literally went, 'Oh, no!' He was just laughing at me while I was hitting him. All hope left my soul."
A Silver Lining and New Friendships
Despite the bruising experience, the Made in Chelsea star insisted he didn't feel like a loser. This was largely because he forged a strong new friendship with fellow contestant, fitness coach Joe Wicks.
Joking about his best friend Pete Wicks, Sam said of Joe: "We're brothers in arms. There's no losers because he just takes me with him. It's great. Now I have another Wicks in my life."
Joe Wicks echoed the sentiment, revealing they made a video for Pete Wicks, joking: "There's a new Wicks in town." He also noted that fans often confuse him with Pete when he's out in public.
Looking Ahead: Rest and Recovery
Following a hectic few years since his jungle triumph, Sam Thompson is planning to slow down. He revealed his intention to take some time out in 2026 to rest and consolidate.
This period of reflection comes after a challenging personal year. Thompson sought therapy following his break-up with Zara McDermott last Christmas, after five years together.
He told Mail Online: "I don't know one person who enjoys going through a break-up. I needed therapy to help me process that change in my life... I worked so hard last year, I neglected friends and family, even myself a bit."
Sam is now in a relationship with DJ and model Talitha Balinska, whom he reconnected with earlier this year. Meanwhile, Zara McDermott has moved on and is now dating former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.
The Celebrity Gladiators Christmas special, also featuring model Vogue Williams and boxer Nicola Adams, airs on BBC One on Christmas Day.
