Adam Thomas has disclosed that he has begun attending therapy sessions, attributing his need for professional help to the emotional toll of his participation in I'm A Celebrity: South Africa. The spin-off series, known for its heightened drama, proved particularly taxing for the former Emmerdale star, who faced persistent criticism from campmate David Haye prior to the boxer's elimination. In a recent episode, Thomas engaged in a heated confrontation with Jimmy Bullard during a trial after the footballer uttered the iconic phrase, leading to both their eliminations. However, Thomas was subsequently reinstated due to the perceived unfairness of his departure.
Emotional Aftermath
Speaking on his podcast At Home With The Thomas Bro's on Wednesday, 22 April, Thomas reflected on the experience, which was filmed in September of the previous year. 'I'm not the same person as I was,' he confessed to his brothers, Ryan and Scott. 'It's changed me, and that's no over-exaggeration. I'm in therapy now because of it. It's messed with me mentally because I just thought, how is this happening? I'm a 37-year-old man—how am I letting some other person do this to me in here?'
Referring to Haye's treatment, Thomas explained that in a different environment, he would have simply walked away from the situation. 'But because you're in an environment like that, there's nowhere to hide. You just have to grin and bear it. I said to my therapist, why did I never stick up for myself?' He added that he refrained from drawing attention to the issue while in camp. Breaking down in tears, he stated that if he had witnessed such behaviour towards anyone else, he would have intervened. 'But I couldn't do it for myself. I just became like a little kid again.'
Further Struggles
Thomas also revealed that another campmate, whom he chose not to name, made him feel isolated during the show. 'There was just something that was niggling me when I was in there, and because of this whole experience, I'm not taking nonsense anymore,' he said. 'A campmate messaged me this morning, and it was a lovely message—lovely guy—but there were moments where I was like, nah, I wouldn't do that to you. Why did you do that to me? So I messaged him this morning.' He elaborated that the campmate initially seemed a good friend but later stopped communicating with him, especially after new campmates arrived. 'He just made me feel a little bit lonely. It hurt my soul a lot because we were mates, and then all of a sudden, he just brushed me off a bit. I was gutted about that.'
On Sunday, Thomas admitted that Haye had 'broken' him during the show, particularly after the boxer called him 'useless' for not completing a Bushtucker Trial while feeling unwell. Haye was heard saying, 'Who gives a damn if he doesn't feel well? He's a grown-ass man. I don't like guys who are a bit useless. I hate those useless guys.' Thomas noted that Haye later apologised for his behaviour.
Presenters Weigh In
Even hosts Ant and Dec addressed the altercation on the show's companion podcast, with Dec commenting, 'It's kind of crossed the line from banter. I don't find it comfortable to watch.' Following the trial with Bullard, Thomas angrily confronted him, saying, 'You're taking the mickey!' and 'If you wanted to go, go—don't do it on my watch!' Bullard later claimed that the show edited out Thomas' outburst, alleging that fellow campmate Sinitta heard the 'c-word' being used. Bullard posted on Instagram: 'Wow thanks @thesinittaofficial shame that wasn't shown! My version will be told Friday! Can't wait to see you all…well some of yous!!'
