In a revealing insight into the behind-the-scenes drama of I'm A Celebrity... South Africa, a close friend of actor Adam Thomas has spoken out about his emotional struggles on the show. The 37-year-old star, known for his role in Waterloo Road, faced significant challenges in camp, not only from gruelling Bushtucker trials but also from heated clashes with fellow celebrities David Haye and Jimmy Bullard.
Confrontations and Tensions Escalate
During episodes aired recently, Adam Thomas found himself in a fiery exchange with former footballer Jimmy Bullard. The conflict arose when Bullard withdrew from the Rancid Run trial, a decision that jeopardised the camp's time and resources. In the heat of the moment, Thomas criticised Bullard, calling him a derogatory term, while Bullard retaliated by labelling Thomas's reaction as "pathetic." This incident followed earlier tensions with boxer David Haye, who had been accused by viewers of bullying Thomas through a series of harsh remarks.
Health Issues Exacerbate Strain
Amidst these confrontations, Adam Thomas revealed he was battling psoriatic arthritis, a chronic condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Despite informing his campmates of his health struggles, David Haye questioned Thomas's "mental strength" and branded him "useless" during challenges. This led to a heated confrontation where Thomas told Haye to "shut up," prompting an eventual apology from the boxer.
Insights from Friends and Co-Stars
Reflecting on the drama, Heart Radio Breakfast host Jason King, who knows Thomas well, commented on the actor's typically cheerful demeanour. King stated, "I know Adam very, very well and he is the loveliest, most cheerful, smiley, happy guy. If you've broken Adam, David, you've done something wrong." This sentiment was echoed by fellow contestant Ashley Roberts, who described the atmosphere as "tough" and praised Thomas for standing up for himself. Roberts noted, "It starts as lad banter, but we could tell it was going too far. And then finally Adam was like, 'I've just had enough' and we were like, 'Go on Adam!'"
Aftermath and Reconciliation
David Haye was voted out of camp shortly after these incidents. In his exit interview with hosts Ant and Dec, Haye claimed there was "no bad blood" between him and Thomas, attributing their clashes to banter. He remarked, "I won the world heavyweight championship against a seven-foot Russian giant. So when a grown man tells me that a fun TV show - where we're being paid handsomely every single day - is the hardest thing he's ever been through, it's just not a frequency I recognise." Haye added that he had spoken to Thomas and apologised, suggesting that upcoming episodes would provide more context.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, Adam Thomas expressed that Haye "broke me" in camp and "pushed me to my limits." He confirmed that Haye had apologised, and Thomas emphasised his willingness to move on, stating, "I've told David this and he’s apologised - that's that. I've moved on now, I'm not one to hold a grudge." He also highlighted how his psoriatic arthritis added to his difficulties, underscoring the physical and emotional toll of his time on the show.
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa continues to air weeknights at 9pm on ITV, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, offering viewers more glimpses into the unfolding dynamics among the celebrities.
