Ryan Thomas and Lucy Mecklenburgh are reportedly feeling 'closer than ever' following the fallout from Adam Thomas' explosive time on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa. The all-stars series saw Adam, 37, crowned Jungle Legend, but his victory was overshadowed by heated confrontations with David Haye and Jimmy Bullard, leaving the Waterloo Road star deeply affected.
Family Unity Through Adversity
According to a source, the ordeal has strengthened the bond between Ryan, 41, and Lucy, 34. 'Ryan and Lucy have really got closer through this. She's realised how much she cares for Ryan, and seeing the trauma has reminded them both of what he went through in Celebrity Big Brother. There are some very heightened emotions right now,' the insider revealed.
The couple, who have delayed their wedding plans, were united in their distress over Adam's suffering. 'They're very upset because they feel what happened ruined his finest moment. They're a very protective family, and Ryan and Lucy are livid with David and Jimmy. They thought it was real bullying – and they know Adam isn't a softie. He's not ultra-sensitive, so they knew it was bad,' the source added.
Echoes of Ryan's Past
The situation resonated deeply with Ryan, who faced his own ordeal during Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, when Roxanne Pallett accused him of deliberately punching her during a play-fight. She later apologised, but Ryan was left devastated. 'This brought back what happened to Ryan because it was another miscarriage of justice,' the source explained. 'Ryan is so supportive because he knows exactly what Adam's been through. He's had people judge and point the finger, too. So there's a lot of support and a lot of love.'
Lucy has been a pillar of strength for Ryan, offering a listening ear as he processes the trauma. 'Lucy is supporting Ryan because it has been quite traumatic, and she's just there and listening. The brothers are so close, and if someone hurts one of them, they all feel it. Ryan and Lucy are feeling closer than ever as a couple, and as a family,' the source said.
Adam's Jungle Struggles
Adam's time in the jungle was marked by conflict. David Haye called him 'useless' and 'lazy' for not participating in challenges, despite Adam feeling unwell with an autoimmune condition. Adam later said the comments 'broke' him. A more intense row with Jimmy Bullard erupted when Jimmy refused to take part in a trial, leading Adam to storm off set in tears. He told campmate Scarlett Moffatt he wanted to stay for his children, Teddy and Elsie-Rose.
On Instagram, Adam admitted his experience was 'one of the toughest things I've ever been through, physically, mentally and emotionally. Watching it back hasn't been easy at all. There were moments I felt pushed to my absolute limit, and if I'm honest, times I didn't even recognise myself.'
Brotherly Support
Ryan publicly defended Adam on Instagram, writing, 'It's hard to put into words what you mean to me bro. You've always been more than a brother… you've been my backbone, my reality check, and the person who always champions me & everyone else around you.' He urged Adam to stay true to his feelings, adding, 'I look up to you in so many ways, sometimes I wish I was more like you. You're not just my little brother… you're my best friend & I'd be lost without you.'
Aftermath and Moving Forward
The live final saw further tensions, with Sinitta and Gemma Collins walking out. After being crowned winner, Adam skipped the spin-off show Unpacked, instead thanking viewers on social media. His wife Caroline posted, 'Our Legend, Our King. What should have been a night of celebration for everyone turned into a glimpse of a real jungle, watching a pack of vultures attack!'
Despite the support, the family remains wary of the lingering effects. 'It has been stressful for the family because they didn't know how he would be portrayed or how the public were going to take it all. They are just so thankful for everyone's support,' the source concluded.
