Made in Chelsea heartthrob Sam Thompson has clinched the coveted title of King of the Jungle of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2023. The much-anticipated final, which aired on December 10, revealed the interesting voting percentages that led to Thompson’s huge victory.
The final showdown featured a gripping two-round voting system, determining not only the winner but also the third-place contender. In the initial round, the numbers spoke volumes: Sam Thompson soared with an impressive 43.35% of the overall votes. Following closely behind was Tony Bellew with 30.87%, while Nigel Farage secured 25.78%.
However, it was in the conclusive round that Thompson truly solidified his reign as the winner. The final vote tallies revealed a staggering 56.64% in favour of Thompson, with Tony Bellew receiving 43.36%. This resounding victory marked a dream fulfilled for the Made in Chelsea star.
Upon receiving the crown, an elated Sam expressed heartfelt gratitude, sharing, “I’ve dreamt of doing this show… and [the viewers] have made a boy’s dream come true.”
The camaraderie among the finalists was evident, with runner-up Tony Bellew commending Sam’s deserving victory. “He deserves it more than anything, and I’m made up for him,” Bellew praised.
The seven celebrities that were previously eliminated by the public were all there to watch the crowning of the King of the Jungle. Frankie Dettori, Nella Rose, Fred Sirieix, Nick Pickard, Danielle Harold, Marvin Humes, and Josie Gibson all cheered as Thompson was revealed as the winner, with Gibson going on to crown Thompson and give him the jungle sceptre.
However, there were notable absentees as Grace Dent and Jamie Lynn Spears – both of whom left the camp a week earlier due to medical reasons – were nowhere in sight. Spears was back in the US as soon as she possibly could, leading to her making an appearance at the finale of Dancing with the Stars, days earlier, in which she went on to take part in a dance number.
On top of all this, over on Instagram, Ant and Dec revealed that they made a prediction prior to the start of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2023, in which they predicted who they thought would win this series. They both thought Josie Gibson would win – we don’t blame them for that thinking, she did win Big Brother after all. Instead, she came fourth, missing out on the final but managing to take part in Celebrity Cyclone.
The final episode not only showcased the gripping final vote but also highlighted the celebrities’ trials. From enduring an assortment of jungle critters to participating in nerve-wracking challenges, the top contenders displayed unwavering determination.
This triumphant win for Sam Thompson will undoubtedly be remembered as a standout moment in the history of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
The electrifying final wasn’t just about the nail-biting competition; it also provided glimpses into the personal journeys of the contestants. Thompson, during his stint on the show, bravely opened up about his recent diagnoses of ADHD and autism. His candidness shed light on the challenges faced by many, resonating deeply with viewers.
“There’s loads of people who are actually like, of a certain age who get diagnosed way later,” Thompson said on the show. “When the low bits happen, it goes low. But then the highs are really high.”
Throughout the season, Thompson’s resilience and authenticity captivated audiences, making his ultimate victory a moment of celebration for many supporters. Bellew even went as far as predicting Thompson as the winner 10 days previously, as he mentioned in the episode that during a certain trial that all the campmates had to go through where the public voted for the animal / creepy crawlies that the celebrities would face, that while others faced snakes and cockroaches, Thompson was giving toads – or as Bellew called them, frogs.
As the credits rolled on the final, the heartfelt celebrations didn’t stop in the jungle. Thompson’s girlfriend, Zara McDermott – who was a contestant on Love Island and more recently was a celebrity on Strictly Come Dancing, took to social media to share the joyous moment. Pictures and videos flooded her Instagram Stories, showcasing a ‘Sam-themed’ viewing party, complete with hats and bunting adorned with his face, attended by family members, including his mother Karen and sister Louise.
The intense trials that pushed the contestants to their limits added to the gripping spectacle of the final episode. Bellew endured a challenge where jungle critters were poured over him, Thompson faced an eating trial, and Farage had to deal with a nerve-wracking time in the Panic Pit. Each trial tested their mettle, culminating in a three-course meal of their choice including a choice of drink and a treat.
The season’s success and the overwhelming support for the contestants underscore the show’s enduring popularity. With its compelling mix of challenges, camaraderie, and personal revelations, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! continues to captivate audiences, offering both entertainment and moments of profound reflection.
As fans eagerly anticipate the next season, the legacy of Sam Thompson’s resounding win will linger, marking a standout chapter in the show’s illustrious history.
The culmination of this season not only highlighted the triumphs within the jungle but also the genuine connections forged among the participants. Farage, despite his third-place finish, reflected positively on his experience, expressing his love for the adventure he embarked upon during his time on the show. He also mentioned that he would probably do it all over again – I’m a Celebrity… South Africa will be calling, no doubt, that’s if a second series of the spin-off show goes ahead.
With the final’s exhilarating moments now etched in viewers’ memories, the anticipation mounts for the forthcoming “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out” episode, scheduled to air on December 13. This follow-up promises to offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the celebrities’ experiences after leaving the jungle.
As the curtain falls on this season’s thrilling saga, discussions abound regarding the next chapter of the beloved reality series. The unwavering support from fans and the emotional resonance of the contestants’ journeys signal a continued legacy for the show that transcends mere entertainment.
The triumph of Sam Thompson, amid trials, challenges, and heartfelt revelations, embodies the essence of this series’ captivating narrative. His win stands as a testament to determination, authenticity, and the power of resilience. It’s also a win for disabled people as a whole, putting Autism and ADHD on a more celebrated platform.
I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2023 is available to stream on catch-up through ITVX. Be sure to tune in on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, on ITV1 at 9 pm, for the I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out episode which will give all the viewers an exclusive look at the behind-the-scenes of the show and the evictions of each of the celebrities on this 2023 series. This episode will also be available on catch-up on ITVX after it has premiered on ITV1. You can also follow all the celebrities from this year’s series by checking out our article about the announcement of who was taking part in 2023.