Adam Thomas has been crowned the winner of I'm a Celebrity... South Africa 2026, the all-star edition of the popular ITV show. The Waterloo Road and Emmerdale star, who originally finished third in 2016, was handed the floral crown and ceremonial staff after a dramatic live final that saw Gemma Collins and Sinitta walk off stage following heated arguments with hosts Ant and Dec.
The final also featured former boxer David Haye and footballer Jimmy Bullard voicing strong opinions about their time in the jungle. Thomas, visibly drained by the evening's events, said his motivation for returning was to make his children proud: 'To do this show and let them watch it and go to school – that’s one of the reasons why we do these things, so we can put a smile on our kids’ faces.'
The all-star line-up included familiar faces from previous series: Ashley Roberts (runner-up in 2012), Scarlett Moffatt (winner in 2016), David Haye (third place in 2012), Beverley Callard (contestant in 2020), and comedian Seann Walsh (contestant in 2018). Roberts, now a Heart Radio DJ, said the show transformed her career: 'Since doing the programme, I’ve gone on to have so many different life experiences.'
Scarlett Moffatt, who won the show in 2016, admitted she needed the prize money for a new bathroom. 'I am ten years older now and it is a big challenge for me,' she said. 'I hope I can do [the trials]. I am going to give it my all, but I have everything to thank this show for.' David Haye, who made headlines for showering naked in the jungle in 2012, said the allure of South Africa drew him back: 'I’ve never been to South Africa before and when they asked me if I’d like to take part, I thought ‘perfect, lets go’.'
Beverley Callard, who first appeared during the pandemic in a Welsh castle, was 'gobsmacked' to be asked but said the South African jungle offered a true experience. The 68-year-old Coronation Street star, currently undergoing breast cancer treatment, had filmed before treatment began. Seann Walsh, a more recent contestant, completed the line-up.
