Jimmy Bullard took Adam Thomas to task over their I’m A Celebrity row, which he claims was a lot longer and much more expletive ridden than was aired
09:57, 25 Apr 2026Updated 09:58, 25 Apr 2026
Jimmy Bullard spoke out(Image: ITV)
Jimmy Bullard ranted at Adam Thomas over their I’m A Celebrity spat during the live final last night.
In extraordinary live television, Jimmy had explained what really happened with the row between him and Adam over the Rancid Run trial. He said he had told everyone he planned to leave – after the trial was changed from collecting stars to staying in the competition.
He had said for his own reasons – thought to be his father’s health – he wanted to go home, but because of his contract, he would have to quit a certain way or he wouldn’t receive his full fee.
During an extraordinary moment last night, Jimmy said: “Listen, Adam and all of you can be upset with me and I absolutely threw him under the bus, I get it and I’ll wear that.
“But what I don’t stand on, is someone being abusive, aggressive and intimidating, I don’t stand on that.” He then asked Ant and Dec – who were hosting the show – to share their opinions.
“You [Ant and Dec] were there and you didn’t show any of that footage. You didn’t show any of the C-bombs, it’s a liberty,” Jimmy told them. Ant then argued back: “The reason we didn’t air the C-bomb is because that is unbroadcastable. I was there and I didn’t think it was intimidating. I was there Jim.”
David Haye then stepped in to back Jimmy over Adam, who was sat in front of him. Adam then stepped in to say: “Let the finalists speak,” as he was cheered on by the audience.
Adam then said: “I take full responsibility for my actions and yes emotions were definitely running high in that moment. I have nothing but love for Jimmy in that moment. I have apologised to Jimmy on numerous occasions and I do take everything that he is saying into account and the only thing I can do is apologise.
“That is not how I want to show myself off and I have never shown myself off like that before or after that. I do apologise Jimmy.”
David then said: “Funny way of showing it,” as Ant and Dec stopped him from speaking.
“I like to say how I see it, I like to keep it real and what I have seen is a lot of editing to make this poor guy [Adam] the victim so the people will support him,” David continued to say, as boos filled the audience, “We all had banter back and forth, a lot of it was cut out from their side. But I think it is time for the truth.”
Sinitta then stormed off stage as she told the audience: “Guys, you weren’t there, I was there and it was aggressive and abusive, we were shaking.” Gemma, who is a support for Adam, also walked off the stage.
“You can’t be aggressive, abusive and intimating, it doesn’t matter if Adam said sorry. I will not take you [Ant] saying it wasn’t aggressive, abusive and intimating, you can’t say that. Show it, let everyone watch it, let’s play it now!” Jimmy said.
Ant and Dec then closed things off, saying: “Right, let’s leave it there. We’ll agree to disagree Jim.”
Adam Thomas is the I’m A Celebrity South Africa winner 2026 despite ‘unbroadcastable’ row
22:30, 24 Apr 2026Updated 22:53, 24 Apr 2026
Adam was the winner in a controversy filled final
Adam Thomas defeated the bullies and the other finalists to be crowned the winner of I’m A Celebrity All Stars in South Africa.
In a live final back in London, the actor beat runner up Mo Farah, third placed Harry Redknapp, and Craig Charles in fourth to be named an I’m A Celebrity ‘legend’.
Looking surprised and a bit shaken after a night of controversy, Adam said: “Thank you guys, thank you so much. I love ya.”
Earlier in the live show there had been chaos as he came face to face with David Haye and Jimmy Bullard and the verbal clash led to two other campmates – Gemma Collins and Sinitta – storming off stage.
The 37-year-old actor had faced abuse in camp from boxer Haye, had a row with quitter Jimmy Bullard and also got emotional at times on the ITV show. But he put it all behind him to come out on top.
Before he did his final trial in South Africa, Adam admitted there had been “a lot of drama” in camp. And there was a lot of drama in the final too as hosts Ant and Dec struggled to stay on top of things as it got chaotic with the crowd booing comments and celebs speaking out of turn.
Just minutes before Adam was crowned champ there were awkward scenes in the studio as Jimmy Bullard said Adam was “aggressive, abusive and intimidating” when Jimmy quit and Adam feared his own jungle adventure was also over. Thankfully the other campmates let him stay in the camp.
Adam reflected on it and said he had apologised to Jimmy several times. Looking serious he said: “Listen I take full responsibility for my actions. Yes emotions were definitely running high in that moment. But, you know, I have got nothing but love for Jimmy.”
When David Haye tried to interrupt him Adam also said “will you just let the finalists speak”. Adam then said: “I take everything he said into account. That is not how I want to show myself off and I have never showed myself off in that light before that or after that. And I am sorry Jimmy.”
Adam was given a final eating trial in South Africa called Swallow the Odds, and looking ahead to the prospect of winning said: “I am gonna be a legend baby” He then proceeded to smash the trial, eating five courses with the likes of five pig teats, two century fermented eggs, tarantula and fermented tofu.
He even cheered himself on, saying “come on Adam, ” in between mouthfuls. After watching Gemma said: “You done so well, you amazing.”
But he also had to cope with a backlash from other contestants, as David Haye interrupted the show at this point and said: “Do you think you deserve to win it after calling Jimmy the C-word a couple of times?”
Adam replied: “After that trial I deserve it yeah.”
Trying to restore order, host Dec said: “We are going to come to this a bit later.”But David continued: “Don’t you think you should ask Jimmy…a lot of that stuff was cut out.”Ant said: “There was a lot of stuff which was unbroadcastable which is why, look we will get into this later in the show.”Dec added: “I knew it was going to smoothly.”
Actor Adam first appeared on the show in 2016 making the final.
Asked about the South African version he said: “It was completely different but at the same time, so much better because of the people there. Everything was stepped up a lot, especially the trials and challenges. It was like going back to being a kid again. In my eyes there’s no comparison, this was definitely for the legends and it felt legendary.”
He had paired up with Jimmy Bullard for a trial where the bottom two left the show, but when Jimmy refused to take part and said “get me out of here” Adam had been due to leave too and verbally attacked Jimmy. He was so furious the scenes were edited down, something Jimmy is unhappy about. During the final he urged ITV to show the full contents of Adam’s rants.
Commenting on his clash with Jimmy Bullard when the ex-footballer quit, Adam had said on Thursday: “It was just really random and unexpected to be honest. I didn’t see it coming.
“Safe to say, I don’t think I was too happy about it. The fact I felt like I was leaving because of someone else just really broke my heart more than anything as I wanted to do my kids proud. Emotions can get the better of you in there and in hindsight, I probably would never have reacted the way I did but I was just really upset.”
On social media this week he had claimed even getting to the final he had felt a winner. But he had also said in a podcast chat with his brother this week he was still getting therapy for the way he had been treated in camp by David Haye.
Writing obituaries is a sacred, tricky task. Major news organizations compose advance obits on major figures, a just-in-case endeavor that feels both hugely important and somewhat macabre.
Several years ago, it fell to me to compose an advance death notice for the legendary conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, who was confronting a terminal brain cancer diagnosis by doubling down on his performance schedule and delivering — by all accounts — spectacular performances.
The piece lay blessedly dormant for longer than anyone thought possible as Tilson Thomas persevered in the face of his illness — an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. And then, yesterday morning, it became necessary to publish. There was a rush to update the writing, to fact-check the timeline, to be sure that all salient points were included. Here was the final story of a remarkable human’s life. The sense of responsibility cannot be overstated.
I was surprised to learn that a former colleague at the paper had also written an advance obit on Tilson Thomas, so my editor worked to meld the two together. The other writer included information that I had missed and vice versa, so in many ways it turned out to be a good thing that we had mistakenly doubled up on the weighty task.
One detail that the other writer included that was formerly unknown to me: A Times story from 1985 reported Tilson Thomas walking off the stage at the Hollywood Bowl nearly 15 minutes into the hourlong second movement of Part II of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 8. Tilson Thomas did this, according to the archived news clip, because a noisy police helicopter simply would not go away.
A reader wrote in after the obituary went live to say that he had been there when it happened, and offered up this fresh insight:
“I was at the concert. The helicopter was hovering long, low and loud(!) with a bright searchlight scanning the trees behind the shell. It was an impossible situation which [Tilson Thomas] handled with quiet dignity. And when he returned to the stage he opted to re-start the Second Movement of Mahler VIII from the top! It was a long and memorable night at the Bowl.”
Our obituary described Tilson Thomas as storming off the stage. Not so, said the reader.
“More determination than storm,” he wrote.
And suddenly I could picture it, that moment from more than 40 years ago, with Tilson Thomas displaying the singular determination and love for his craft that would sustain him much later in life when he faced down death with the same quiet grace, the same unwavering resolve. And the music … I can hear it over the chop-chop-chop of the helicopter, until Tilson Thomas is all that remains.
I’m Arts editor Jessica Gelt feeling grateful for stories past. This is your arts and culture news for the week.
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The week ahead: A curated calendar
FRIDAY
Craft Contemporary hosts CLAY LA this weekend.
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
CLAY LA Emerging and established ceramic artists gather their wares for Craft Contemporary’s ninth annual fundraiser, a vibrant marketplace with complimentary refreshments, music and hands-on air-dry clay activities. Fun fact: The museum was founded by Edith R. Wyle, grandmother of “The Pitt’s” Noah Wyle. Market Preview Night, 6-9 p.m. Friday, $20 general admission, $15 members; weekend market, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday (free with $9 museum admission) and Sunday (pay-what-you-wish admission); regular museum hours, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; noon-8 p.m., the first Thursday of the month. Craft Contemporary, 5814 Wilshire Blvd. craftcontemporary.org
Music director James Conlon of at L.A. Opera will conduct his farewell concert Friday at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
(Ariana Drehsler/For The Times)
James Conlon Farewell Concert The maestro, who is stepping down after 20 years as LA Opera’s music director, leads the organization’s full orchestra and chorus for an evening of Mozart, Verdi and Wagner as his grand finale. The event is followed by a celebratory gala on the stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. 7 p.m. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laopera.org
SATURDAY John Adams & Conrad Tao The LA Phil’s John and Samantha Williams Creative Chair conducts the orchestra in a program that includes Piazzolla’s “Two Tangos,” Stravinsky’s “Song of the Nightingale” and Prokofiev’s “Lieutenant Kijé Suite,” plus pianist Conrad Tao performing Adams’ composition “Century Rolls,” inspired by 1920s self-playing pianos. 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laphil.com
Brewery Artwalk & Open Studios This free semi-annual event at the former Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery north of downtown features more than 100 artists sharing, discussing and (ideally) selling their work in the very spaces that much of it is created. 11 a.m.-6 p.m Saturday and Sunday. Brewery Arts Complex, 2100 N. Main St., L.A. breweryartwalk.com
Jerrika Hinton and Bradley Gibson in “Fremont Ave.” runs April 25-May 23 at South Coast Repertory.
(Marc J. Franklin)
Fremont Ave. The world premiere of Reggie D. White’s multi-generational drama about three Black men in L.A. and the woman who is the glue in their lives. Directed by Lili-Anne Brown. Part of the Pacific Playwrights Festival. Previews, 8 p.m. Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday; opening night, May 1; regular performances, May 2-23. South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. scr.org
The Liminary It’s 2042 in Last Call Theatre’s latest immersive experience and the U.S. is run by a nationalistic, isolationist government. Do you dare join the resistance? With interactive exhibits on immigration, community and hope, plus multiple endings and narratives inspired by the saga of immigrants. 8 p.m Saturday; 8 p.m. May 1-2, May 7-9 and May 14-16. 1919 3rd Ave. L.A. lastcalltheatre.com
Liz Larner, “smile (abiding),” 1996-2005; Rachel Harrison, “The Prepper,” 2024; and Rebecca Morris, “Untitled (#15-25), 2025” from the exhibition “planchette” at Regen Projects.
(Regen Projects)
planchette A group exhibition featuring contemporary abstract sculptures and paintings by influential artists Rachel Harrison, Liz Larner and Rebecca Morris. Opening reception, 6-8 p.m.; exhibit runs through May 23. Regen Projects, 6750 Santa Monica Blvd. L.A. regenprojects.com
SUNDAY Gabriel Kahane & Roomful of Teeth The eclectic singer-songwriter-composer teams up with the multi-Grammy-winning vocal group to perform music from their recently-released collaborative album, “Elevator Songs.” 7 p.m. Sid The Cat Auditorium, 1022 El Centro St., South Pasadena. sidthecat.com
WEDNESDAY
The Australian Chamber Orchestra comes to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Wednesday, April 29.
(Nic Walker)
Australian Chamber Orchestra The ensemble from down under performs Purcell’s “Fantasia on One Note,” Handel’s “Concerto Grosso in A Major, Op. 6 No. 11,” a new work by John Luther Adams titled “Horizon,” Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending” (arranged by Adam Johnson), and Schubert’s ”Death and the Maiden” in the candlelit intimacy of the Samueli Theater. 7 p.m. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. scfta.org
Jason Delane, left. and Chuma Gault in “Hymn” at the Odyssey Theatre.
(Cooper Bates)
Hymn In this drama by British playwright Lolita Chakrabarti, best known for her stage adaptations of the novels “Life of Pi” and “Hamnet,” two Black men meet at a funeral and discover a life-changing connection. Gregg T. Daniel directs this co-production between the Odyssey Theatre and the Lower Depth Theatre. Previews 8, p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and May 1; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (an Wednesday, May 27); 3 p.m. Sundays (except May 31), through June 14. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. odysseytheatre.com
THURSDAY
Los Angeles Ballet presents “Giselle” with Kate Inoue at the Ahmanson Theatre, April 30-May 3.
(Alex Lopez)
‘Giselle’ The Los Angeles Ballet’s staging of this classic supernatural romance features the original 1841 choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot (updated by Marius Petipa) and score by composer Adolphe Adam. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-May 2 and 2 p.m. May 3. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. losangelesballet.org
The 1967 romantic comedy “Barefoot in the Park,” starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, opens the TCM Classic Film Festival on Thursday.
(Paramount Pictures)
TCM Classic Film Festival Hollywood Boulevard comes alive with four days of movie magic beginning with the opening night presentation of the 1967 romantic comedy “Barefoot in the Park,” starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. Other screenings include “Alice In Wonderland” (1951), “A Place In The Sun” (1951), “Gaslight” (1944), “Out Of The Past (1947) , “Modern Times” (1936), “The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951) and “The Magnificent Seven” (1960), with appearances by Fonda, Barbara Hershey, Carol Burnett, John Turturro and many more. Thursday-May 3. TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX, 6925 Hollywood Blvd.; Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel; TCL Chinese 6 Theatres multiplex, 6801 Hollywood Blvd.; El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd.; Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd. filmfestival.tcm.com
Arts anywhere
New and recent releases of arts-related media.
French Violinist Renaud Capucon, seen performing during the 2024 Paris Olympics, has a new live album featuring the works of composer Ernest Chausson.
(Kristy Sparow / Getty Images)
Chausson This concert album pairs two pieces by French Romantic composer Ernest Chausson: “Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Quartet, Op. 21.,” performed by violinist Renaud Capuçon, the late pianist Nicholas Angelich and the Ébène Quartet, and “Poème” for violin and orchestra, featuring Capuçon and the Brussels Philharmonic led by conductor Stéphane Denève. The show was recorded live in 2020. Warner Classics/Erato: Digital ($10) and CD ($17).
The City Unseen Emmy-winning producer-director Daniel Sackheim, whose credits include “Law & Order,” “The X-Files” and “The Americans,” is also a serious photographer. His new book of black-and-white images casts Los Angeles as the protagonist in a noir landscape of nocturnal beauty where its darkest secrets lurk in the deepest shadows. Hat & Beard Press: 108 pages, $60.
International Jazz Day The 15th annual event is Thursday in Chicago, but you can celebrate early with PBS’ broadcast of last year’s International Jazz Day All-Star Concert from Abu Dabai. Hosted by Jeremy Irons, the lineup includes Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, Jose James, John McLaughlin, Helene Mercier, Danilo Perez, Arturo Sandoval and more. 10 p.m. Friday. PBS SoCal and streaming at pbssocal.org
— Kevin Crust
Culture news and the SoCal scene
Attendees walk around the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s new David Geffen Galleries in Los Angeles on Sunday, April 19, 2025.
(Ariana Drehsler/For The Times)
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art news did not stop last week as it threw a glitzy opening gala for the new David Geffen Galleries, and — a few days later — welcomed members for previews prior to opening its doors to the general public on May 4. I attended the gala and checked in with a number of wonderful artists, including Mark Bradford, Ed Ruscha and Jeff Koons, about their thoughts on the new building. Then, on Sunday, we sent a team to get member reactions to the new space. Later in the week we published critic Leah Ollman’s review of the inaugural installation. Spoiler alert: Nope, not gonna give you one. You’ll have to read it.
We also ran a lovely profile by contributor Tara Anne Dalbow about Eileen Harris Norton whose jaw-dropping art collection is currently on display at Hauser & Wirth in downtown L.A. “Few people have done more to shape Los Angeles’ art scene than Eileen Harris Norton,” writes Dalbow. “The third-generation Californian, born and raised near Watts Towers in South Los Angeles, bought her first artwork at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, co-founded Art + Practice in Leimert Park, and has spent 50 years collecting artists who were, in many cases, her friends and neighbors.”
Joey Stromberg and Jenny Soo in “For Want of a Horse” at the Echo Theater Company.
(Cooper Bates)
Times theater critic Charles McNulty was — as always — incredibly busy, publishing two reviews and a feature in the past week. First up, his take on “For Want of a Horse” by Olivia Dufault, currently receiving its world premiere in an Echo Theater Company production at Atwater Village Theatre. “The subject is zoophilia, not to be confused with bestiality, though for many of us it will be a distinction without much of a difference,” McNulty writes. Curious? Read on.
McNulty also delivered a thoughtful profile Nicholas Christopher, who he dined with on a recent trip to New York. “A new Broadway star emerges each season, and this year the spotlight has alighted on Nicholas Christopher, who has been dazzling audiences and insiders alike as part of the awe-inspiring triumvirate powering the thrilling new revival of the musical ‘Chess,’” McNulty writes.
Finally, McNulty reviewed “Eat Me,” by Talene Monahon, having its world premiere at South Coast Repertory. A fan of Monahon‘s previous work, McNulty was not as impressed at he would have liked. The play, he writes, “is a relentlessly quirky work that gorges on its own dark whimsy.”
In other news, I got the scoop that new media artist Refik Anadol’s museum of AI arts, Dataland has set its opening date for June 20.
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Elinor Gunn in “Joan” at South Coast Repertory. SCR has announced its 2026-27 season.
(Scott Smeltzer)
South Coast Repertory announced an expanded 2026-27 season, featuring nine productions, including “Hamlet,” starring Raymond Lee; Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s “Into the Woods;” Lauren Yee’s “Mother Russia;” and Oscar Wilde’s classic, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” “The 2026-27 season reflects programming changes established in SCR’s recently adopted strategic plan, which includes more classics, modern masterpieces and the continuation of an annual musical on the Segerstrom Stage,” a news release notes.
Jimmy Bullard, described as “a massive joker”, is set to reunite with Adam Thomas for the live I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here finale months after that bust-up
Jimmy Bullard has caused a stir on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here… South Africa(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
ITV bosses are understood to be nervously counting down to the reunion amid uncertainty over what might unfold between Bullard and Thomas, whose bust-up in scenes that aired this week was described as the programme’s biggest ever row. It is reported Bullard, 47, remains “seething” over the argument, which happened several months ago as the I’m a Celeb spin-off is pre-recorded until the final.
But sources believe the former professional footballer is ready to give his version of events tonight. One insider said: “Jimmy is a larger-than-life character with a wicked sense of humour and will be revelling in the opportunity to make everyone sweat.
“He’s a massive joker, so they don’t know what he’s going to say or do in the live final. He is also not afraid to say exactly what he thinks — and that means he won’t be toeing ITV’s line… It’s the ultimate sweet revenge.”
I’m A Celeb: Adam confronts Jimmy after he backs out of trial
Adam, an actor who is in Waterloo Road, and Jimmy clashed on the show as they teamed up for a Bushtucker Trial which would end with the losing duo being sent home. Former Fulham midfielder Jimmy quit the challenge and, in an angry confrontation, Adam raged at him: “You’re taking the p***!”
Campmates, including Harry Redknapp and Craig Charles, will now gather for the last time in tonight’s programme. Despite the row, Adam was allowed to remain in the camp and so battles to win the competition tonight.
But it will be the first time the former Emmerdale star comes face to face with his rival since the bitter spat, recorded last autumn. It was unclear whether dad-of-two Jimmy would attend the series finale because he remains so furious over the edit of his dramatic clash with Adam. Boxer and fellow campmate David Haye had said in an interview: “It was a lot more intense.”
ITV, though, insists what viewers saw was an accurate and fair representation of events. It also denied wild claims Adam attempted to kick Jimmy. A spokesperson had told the Mirror: “This is categorically not true. Adam did not try to kick Jimmy.”
While Adam, from Manchester, was visibly angry over Jimmy’s decision and he did kick a door in the trial area, it was said to be “nowhere near” his co-star, and was included in the broadcast this week.
I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here fans were divided after Adam Thomas, who has been in Waterloo Road and Emmerdale, became locked in a feud with Jimmy Bullard, a former Premiership footballer
01:11, 23 Apr 2026Updated 01:32, 23 Apr 2026
Millions watched Adam Thomas and Jimmy Bullard’s bust-up(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Adam, who is in Waterloo Road, was seen yelling at Jimmy, shouting: “Are you f***ing taking the p***?… I am in there getting covered in f***ing ants.” Father-of-two Adam, 37, later appeared distressed as he attempted to talk to the camera following the trial.
But now an insider has claimed it is Jimmy who still remains upset by the spat even now, several months after the spin-off was pre-recorded in South Africa. The source said: “Jimmy is devastated by it all, it was supposed to be a celebration of I’m A Celeb, but Adam appeared to have let his temper get the better of him.” They said Jimmy, who played football for Wigan Athletic and Fulham among other sides, is “seething” following the argument.
Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were forced to step in and break Jimmy and Adam’s row. However, the clash — described as the programme’s biggest ever — was watched by millions, including former contestants. One of whom, Carol Vorderman, branded Jimmy “disgraceful” and said the scenes made her “angry, furious, crying”. The source, though, supported Jimmy, telling the Daily Mail: “Adam just completely lost it and went for Jimmy.”
Jimmy and former Emmerdale star Adam — brother of former Coronation Street actor Ryan — were joined by the likes of ex-Corrie star Beverley Callard, former The Only Way Is Essex’s Gemma Collins, Olympian Mo Farah and footballing legend Harry Redknapp for the second series of the I’m A Celeb spin-off — which features stars who have competed in previous series.
Although the rest of the series was pre-recorded, the finale is live — but it is thought Jimmy is unhappy about returning for this. The dad of two, from east London, was notably absent from the launch earlier this month too.
It is believed Adam and Jimmy have not spoken since the row. Those familiar with both men say that it is unlikely they ever be on good terms again. One insider said: “It’s got really, really bad. They know one another through mutual friends, but this has put paid to any kind of friendship now.”
In an emotional statement, I’m A Celebrity… South Africa star Adam Thomas admitted he struggled in camp due to his health and clashes with David Haye and Jimmy Bullard
Adam Thomas clashed with Jimmy Bullard in a trial (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
A friend of I’m a Celebrity… South Africa star Adam Thomas has spoken out after seeing the actor’s confrontational side on the show. The 37-year-old has faced a number of challenging moments in the all-stars series – and not just in the Bushtucker trials.
During the heated exchange, the actor criticised Jimmy for his decision to pull out and called him a “p***k”, while the sportsman branded his reaction “pathetic”.
The tension came after the Waterloo Road actor confronted David Haye over his behaviour in previous days. The boxer had been accused of “bullying” Adam by some viewers, following a series of remarks.
As tensions escalated, David branded his co-star “useless” and questioned his “mental strength” to complete challenges, despite Adam telling campmates he was unwell.
The actor eventually confronted David in a heated exchange, telling him to “shut up” before the boxer apologised.
Reflecting on the fallout, Ashley Roberts, who also appeared in the series, described the atmosphere as “tough” during a discussion on Heart Radio Breakfast.
The show’s host Jason King went on to say that seeing Adam in a more serious way on screen suggested he had been pushed to his limits.
“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,” he shared.
Ashley chimed in: “It was nice for him to stand up for himself. 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!’ It was tough in there at times, it was tough in general just being in there, let alone having to deal with all of that.”
David was voted out of camp on Monday night. In his exit interview with hosts Ant and Dec, he said there was “no bad blood” between him and Adam and claimed it was banter.
“I won the world heavyweight championship against a seven-foot Russian giant,” he shared.
“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. I was actually on my best behaviour in there, honestly.
“I’ve spoken to Adam, I’ve said my piece, and some of what’s still to air will speak for itself. I’ll leave it there.”
In a statement shared on Instagram on Sunday evening, Adam said the boxer “broke me” in camp and “pushed me to my limits”, adding: “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.”
Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas has admitted that he wishes he had “stood his ground” when David Haye bullied him on the set of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…South Africa
21:59, 19 Apr 2026Updated 21:59, 19 Apr 2026
Adam Thomas has spoken out about his tough time in the jungle(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Adam Thomas wishes he had “stood his ground” when David Haye ‘bullied’ him on I’m A Celebrity…South Africa. The Emmerdale star, 37, is currently on-screen in the all-stars edition of Ant and Dec’s reality survival show, having initially competed on the regular edition of the ITV series a decade ago.
The programme was all filmed towards the end of last year but as it was being broadcast to the nation, viewers got to see boxer David Haye trying to force Adam into doing a Bushtucker Trial, even though he was unwell.
Adam has arthritis, which he has been open about. Explaining how it affects him, he said previously: “It is an autoimmune disease. Basically means my immune system is attacking my own body. It causes a s**t-load of pain,” and on Sunday evening, the former Strictly Come Dancing star took to social media where he admitted that it has all been a struggle to watch his time on I’m A Celebrity play out on TV.
As part of his lengthy statement, Adam explained that he just wished he had stood up for himself during the tense moment but has decided to choose “peace” since it all happened.
He wrote: “I won’t sit here and say I handled everything perfectly, because I didn’t. I wish I spoke up for myself sooner. I wish I stood my ground instead of trying to keep the peace, but I’ve learned that being kind doesn’t mean being weak, and sometimes it takes going through tough moments to find your voice.
“Since coming out, I’ve taken time to process everything, and I’m in a much better place now. I let go of the anger, had the conversations I needed to have, and chose peace.”
Adam’s twin brother Scott, who found fame himself when he appeared on Love Island in 2016, was amongst the first to show his support publicly as he wrote: “It’s tough watching my twin bro go through that in there…makes my blood boil!
“To see someone’s pure heart be tested like that is hard to watch, especially my brothers. But I understand he had to go through his own journey in there and the man he’s become during/since this experience has made me so proud! I love you @adamthomas21 and will always have your back.”
Meanwhile, Ryan Thomas, who is best known for having played Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street, also showed brotherly support as he wrote: “I would like to say I would stick up for you in there but hes not the guy to pick a fight with! We need to give [fellow boxer] Tony Bellew a call bro!”
Gogglebox legend Scarlett Moffatt, who won I’m A Celebrity in 2016 and is also back for the all-stars series, wrote: “Aww Adam I bloody love you. You’re one of the kindest men i know, if my little boy ends up being as caring as you then I know I’ll have done a good job as a mam. LOts of love [heart emoji].”
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch, who starred alongside Adam in Waterloo Road, wrote: “Love you Adam [heart emoji], whilst Liam Scholes, who also appeared in the BBC school drama, wrote: “An incredible individual my man, so much love xx”
Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa Woodfield in Emmerdale, said: “You handled yourself incredibly Adam and the rest of your campmates were right behind you,” whilst Isabel Hodgkins, currently on maternity leave away from her role as Victoria Sugden, said: “Never been prouder.”
Danny Miller, who took time away from Emmerdale in 2021 to compete in, and eventually win, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! himself, said: “You’re a beautiful man and those who really know you know what you bring to their lives. Love and laughter, you’ve handled yourself incredible. Love you, brother x”
It all came to blows as Adam tried to sleep and admitted it would be hard for him to undertake a Bushtucker Trial because he was feeling dehydrated. David raged: “Dehydrated?! We’ve all got the same amount of water! Adam is doing it and that’s it!”
“When is your top form gonna come? Why aren’t we forcing this dude to go and do it? Coincidentally, every time there’s something to do, he’s not feeling well.” It was at that point that Gogglebox legend Scarlett Moffatt, who won I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2016, weighed in as she begged David to “stop it.”
In an unusual move, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have spoken out about an I’m A Celeb camp-mate after criticism of David Haye amid his Adam Thomas ‘bulling’ row
Im A Celebrity David Haye calls out camp mate
Ant and Dec have piled into David Haye saying the incident that sparked bullying complaints was “not nice” to watch. The boxer was already at the centre of controversy thanks to sexist comments he made about his girlfriend and other women before he scolded Adam Thomas after he said he wasn’t feeling well enough to take part in Termite Terror.
It was the latest comments to shock the South Africa camp, with Gemma Collins since saying she had to “protect” the actor. Now the hosts have spoken, and in a rare move criticised the behaviour of a I’m A Celebrity contestant. The Geordie duo says David doesn’t know when to stop after his remarks last week continue to spark outrage as the show’s fans turn on the sports star.
Ant was talking on ITV1 show’s podcast I’m A Celebrity . . . Unpacked and seemed unimpressed with his choice of words. He said. “It’s not a nice watch. He just kind of picks and picks at them. Adam has had a bit of a tough time and he’s not coping well. Clearly the banter has got too much. But David won’t stop.”
Agreeing with his co-star, Dec said. “It’s kind of crossed the line from banter. I don’t find it comfortable to watch.” Adam suffers with autoimmune illness psoriatic arthritis and requested to sit out the Bushtucker Trial on Friday because he felt unwell and dehydrated.
David said he was being “useless” and stated that he “doesn’t like men like that”. Gemma Collins was one of the stars to appear uneasy at David’s comments and she spilled on I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked. Gemma said: “I think David Haye might have seen a weakness in Adam, there were times where I had to protect Adam in there.
“If I was going full GC mode on David Haye, and a lot of them, then it would’ve been a disaster in there but I had to remain calm and composed and just remember that I’m not here to be performative. I am here as me. I think the fact that I stretched my arms out, I’m sort of saying to ’em all, without biting their heads off, ‘enough’”.
She went on: “I knew if it was ever gonna get too bad I would be taking David on. You know, bring on the next heavyweight champion fighting the world….. because if I feel that something’s too much, I’m not afraid to step up.”
Explaining how his health issues impacts his life, Adam said previously: “It is an autoimmune disease. Basically means my immune system is attacking my own body. It causes a s**t-load of pain.”
Today, he spoke out and alongside an image from the show, which was filmed towards the end of last year, Adam wrote on Instagram: “Not going to lie,this picture breaks my heart, as I know on the inside what I was dealing with and truth be told I thought it was all my fault. I now know that’s not the reality… My time in I’m a Celebrity South Africa 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. Living with arthritis is something I don’t really talk about, as much as I should do…but in there it really took its toll. My biggest fight was pretending to put on a brave face and trying to hide the pain! that can be exhausting within itself.
“There were days my body just didn’t want to keep going, but I did. “I won’t sit here and say I handled everything perfectly, because I didn’t. I wish I spoke up for myself sooner. I wish I stood my ground instead of trying to keep the peace, but I’ve learned that being kind doesn’t mean being weak, and sometimes it takes going through tough moments to find your voice.
Adam Thomas has been battling a health condition, brought on by an autoimmune disease, which means he struggles to walk and was enduring ‘pretty unbearable’ pain
20:00, 17 Apr 2026Updated 20:00, 17 Apr 2026
Adam Thomas has been battling his health for years(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Adam Thomas has been battling a health condition, brought on by an autoimmune disease, for years. During a conversation on I’m A Celebrity tonight, boxer David Haye will be seen trying to get Adam to take taking part in the Termite Terror, unable to accept that the former soap actor just isn’t feeling up to it.
Trying to sleep, Adam admits it would be hard to get through it today because he is feeling dehydrated, but David is seen raging: “Dehydrated?! We’ve all got the same amount of water! Adam is doing it and that’s it!”
David’s co-stars continually try to remind him that their campmate isn’t feeling well enough to get through it, but he becomes hellbent on trying to force Adam into it. He continues: “When is your top form gonna come? Why aren’t we forcing this dude to go and do it? Coincidentally, every time there’s something to do, he’s not feeling well!”
It is at that point that Scarlett, clearly in despair at the situation developing, says: “Stop it David, he’s not well!” Adam previously said he had been in pain every day since his diagnosis – but he had finally found something that would help.
“I’ve been struggling with this autoimmune disease now for about two and a half years. It’s been tough. I’m not overexaggerating when I say this but literally within two and a half years, every day I’ve been in pain,” he explained.
“It’s difficult but now I feel like I’ve found – because I’ve been on so many different meds and trying so many different things, back and forth from doctor’s and hospitals.” Back in 2024, Adam explained that he could “barely walk” and was enduring “pretty unbearable” pain due to his arthritis. Adam took to Instagram and told his followers: “The pain is pretty unbearable at the moment, it’s as if my whole body is seizing up!! The pain was bad before, but it’s a lot worse now… how why???
“Now I wish I never came off the methotrexate because I would take that pain to this every day of the week! I’ve just started my new medication today which takes 12 weeks to take effect and even then it might not work so am not too sure what I can do to ease the pain until then?? I’ve had my steroid injections and it literally lasted a week …
“Going to check in at the hospital tomorrow to see what pain relief I can get, because I can’t carry on like this!” Arthritis is a common ailment causing pain and inflammation in the joints, according to the NHS. Main treatments include lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery. However, there’s no known cure.
An orthopaedic surgeon said that arthritis can be “very debilitating” and may appear in unexpected areas. He explained that while people often think of hips and knees being affected, they don’t usually consider the hands.
Talking about the pain which is often overlooked, Dr Tom Naylor said that “when you’ve got arthritis pain in the thumb right there (video below) it affects so much of what you do on a daily basis. And it really is debilitating for people who have this”.
Speaking on BBC Morning Live, he explained arthritis as a term that causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in the joints. He said: “It literally means inflammation of a joint.”
Talking about CMCJ, which stands for Carpometacarpal joint, he said that it was all to do with the “joint down at the bottom of the thumb and what happens is the joint starts to wear away and the cartilage starts to get more and more worn.
“Even a deformity can start to form and it impacts everything that you do with your hands.” Speaking about treatments for this type of arthritis, the doctor said: “With all types of arthritis, we tend to follow was called a stepwise approach to treatment.”
Gogglebox legend and former jungle queen Scarlett Moffatt will beg David Haye to “stop it” on tonight’s I’m A Celeb as the boxer causes tensions in the camp to rise even further
13:47, 17 Apr 2026Updated 13:47, 17 Apr 2026
Scarlett Moffatt weighs into a brewing row on tonight’s I’m A Celebrity…South Africa (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Scarlett Moffatt is seen begging David Haye to “stop it” as a huge row breaks out on tonight’s episode of I’m A Celebrity…South Africa. The TV star, 35, who became Queen of the Jungle on the regular edition of Ant and Dec’s reality survival show just two years after she found fame on Gogglebox in 2014, is back on the All Stars version of the programme and can be seen trying to keep the peace during tense scenes set to air on Friday night.
Trying to sleep, Adam admits it would be hard to get through it today because he is feeling dehydrated, but David is seen raging: “Dehydrated?! We’ve all got the same amount of water! Adam is doing it and that’s it!”
Adam has arthritis, which he has been open about. Explaining how it affects him, he said previously: “It is an autoimmune disease. Basically means my immune system is attacking my own body. It causes a s**t-load of pain.”
Some days he will need help doing simple day-to-day tasks and his mental health has been affected, but ultimately, it’s made him stronger. He can experience pain in his fingers and knees on some days, but others, he can be in pain all over his body
David’s co-stars continually try to remind him that their campmate isn’t feeling well enough to get through it, but he becomes hellbent on trying to force Adam into it. He continues: “When is your top form gonna come? Why aren’t we forcing this dude to go and do it? Coincidentally, every time there’s something to do, he’s not feeling well!”
It is at that point that Scarlett, clearly in despair at the situation developing, says: “Stop it David, he’s not well!” David has already caused a major stir during his All Stars stint, when early on in the series, he made comments about his girlfriend Sian. When talking about his partner cooking for them all, he then added: “She’s like tall, blue eyes. She’s lovely. She’s got the personality of a proper ugly bird.”
Despite Scarlett’s suggestion he should stop there, he continued his tirade as he added: “She has. Most ugly girls realise they don’t they’re not pretty enough to… they gotta have a personality to banter and to tell jokes and s**t, so people overlook the fact that they’re not aesthetically amazing, straight away.
“Which is what’s called Ugly Duckling syndrome, where girls are ugly, when they start off, and then they and then they kind of they, they get pretty as they get older. But they still got the personality of when they’re ugly. Does that make sense?”
In the rant, which left angry viewers fuming, he added: “You get a girl who’s pretty from day one, you get a girl who’s different day one. Everyone goes ‘You’re so beautiful. You’re amazing’. She grows up thinking, I’m amazing. Everyone loves me. I can open any door. I can go anywhere I want.
“They don’t have to have a personality, because most super pretty girls are just idiots. But then their ugly friend, they’ve got work a bit harder, be more personable. They got to be nicer to everyone. Gonna get you a drink.”
It was recently claimed that David made those comments because he could not rely on AI to tell him that they were “safe” to say out loud. The source insisted there was “no malice” but added he would use AI to “check he’s not offending someone before he comments”.
“His focus inside camp has always been the game, survival decisions and camp dynamics rather than trying to offend anyone. Those who know him best understand there was no malice behind the remark,” a source told The Sun.
“When AI started he started using it all the time to check he’s not offending someone before he comments. It’s a bit of a comfort blanket for him – but he didn’t have that in the jungle.”
