Adam Thomas has declared that winning I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 'doesn't matter' as he reflected on his triumph, following a whirlwind week. The former Emmerdale star's victory was overshadowed by a chaotic live final last Friday, during which Jimmy Bullard accused him of being 'abusive, aggressive and intimidating' during an expletive-laden row in the pre-recorded show last year.
Family First
This year's All Stars series has been plagued by bullying rows and controversial spats between feuding campmates, including Adam, Jimmy, and David Haye. However, above all the drama, Adam has realised what matters to him most: his family. Sharing pictures of his son Teddy, 11, beaming after winning his dance competition, Adam insisted: 'That's what winning should feel like.'
Adam wrote: 'My boy came home this weekend with four trophies from his dance comps!! But honestly, it wasn't even about the trophies… it was his face. Just pure happiness, proper proud of himself. That's what winning should feel like, super proud of the boy. One thing I've learnt though is as you get older you start to realise, it's not about trophies or crowns, none of that really matters. I already won a long time ago. Everything I need is right here.'
Confrontation and Controversy
Adam failed to appear on the spin-off show Unpacked after a confrontation with rivals Jimmy Bullard and David Haye during the dramatic episode. Former footballer Jimmy accused Adam of being 'abusive, aggressive and intimidating' during an expletive row in the pre-recorded show last year, before boxer David claimed he was playing the victim. Adam and David had a fractious relationship during their time together in the jungle, which was filmed in September last year, with David being accused of 'bullying' after he branded the soap star 'useless' for excusing himself from a trial due to his health.
Birthday Tribute
Just hours later, Adam took a swipe at his fellow campmates in a heartfelt birthday tribute to his wife, Caroline Daly, on Saturday. Taking to his Instagram, the actor posted a beaming snap of himself and Caroline, with whom he shares son Teddy and seven-year-old Elsie-Rose. He penned: 'I walked through this journey with my heart first, no matter what came my way… It was not always easy, there were moments that could have broken me, but I stayed true to myself and that is something I will always be proud of.'
He went on: 'I have realised that when people try to dim your light, it says more about them than it ever will about you. This experience has shown me my strength in ways I never imagined. Not because of any title or recognition, but because I stayed kind, I stayed grounded and I stayed real. Family means everything to me, and there is one person who has been my rock through it all. Happy birthday to my beautiful wife, you have stood by me when things were tough and reminded me of my strength when I needed it most. I would not be who I am without you.'
Adam continued: 'To everyone who supported me, who believed in me and showed love, thank you, it means more than I can ever put into words. And to those who doubted me or tried to bring me down, I carry no negativity towards you. I have already won in the ways that matter most. I have love, I have happiness and I have stayed true to myself, and that is something no one can ever take away from me. I hope one day you can do the same.'
