10 December 2023 , 23:01
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Sam Thompson was duly crowned King of the Jungle as the fans’ favourite won the latest I’m A Celebrity crown.
The amiable 31-year-old took the title after seeing off fellow finalists Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage. And industry insiders believe Sam’s triumph will be just the start for him, with ITV bosses and their rivals already lining him up for new projects. A source said: “After lots of reality show appearances, Sam can now choose his next TV moves.
“Whatever happens the show has been a huge boost for him, winning him fans and in the future some new TV deals and promotional gigs, it’s win win.” Sam, who first made his name as a star of Made in Chelsea, will have no shortage of options for his next showbiz step.
Sam is set to cash in on huge TV and promotional opportunities (James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)One option would be doing a road trip or other style of travel show with best pal Pete Wicks with whom he already makes a successful podcast with. He could also look to film more serious documentaries alongside girlfriend Zara McDermott who makes programmes with the BBC and hit the big time with her stint on Strictly Come Dancing.
Sam has already explored his ADHD in an E4 documentary but there could be scope for a follow-up The source added: “Sam and Pete are an established duo with the podcast they make and Sam has his Hits Radio show too.
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“But the option of working with Zara is another new angle and with the both having had big primetime TV appearances, there will definitely be lots of requests for them to work together and make shows about their relationship if they want to let the cameras in.”
Ahead of the final Zara was thrilled with how the public had backed her man. She said: “I am just so proud beyond words at this point.
Sam Thompson has won I'm A Celebrity“I’m truly speechless at all of your support for Sam. It means the absolute world to us.”
Sam’s jungle adventure has seen him take on a host of trials including the James Bond-themed No Time To Cry and proving he has head for heights in Pole Position at over 100m up. He also had a leech on his bum when he was camp leader and security had to remove a poisonous snake close to his bed as he slept.
But nothing could stop Sam from loving jungle life and even when he burned the rice or the rain poured he remained his usual jolly self. He also formed close friendships in there, singing and dancing with Marvin Humes, squishing mosquitos on the face of Tony Bellew while also winding him up.
And Sam he built up a very close sibling-style relationship with EastEnders star Danielle Harold. She said of him: “He will nap and then ten minutes later he’s charged up to 100 percent and then he’s like a little bunny rabbit running around. He’s a superstar. He just deserves so much, he really is a light in life.”