I'm A Celeb's Sam given hero's welcome as Tony reunites with his kids

11 December 2023 , 09:52

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I'm A Celeb's Sam given hero's welcome as Tony reunites with his kids

King of the jungle Sam Thompson was given a hero's welcome as he walked back into civilisation alongside his fellow finalists following three weeks in camp.

They were met by co-stars as well as friends and family at the plush venue as the cheers went up when they stepped out of their cars and into their loved-one's arms. Winner Sam jumped onto Tony Bellew, the runner up who arrived just a few minutes before, as the new champ clutched his sceptre and wore his crown.

The Made In Chelsea star was cheered on by his former campmates including Danielle Harold, Josie Gibson, Frankie Dettori, Nella Rose and Marvin Humes as he made a lively entrance not long after being told he was this year's winner. He couldn't keep it in as he ran into the hotel lobby and was met by the crowd before he got some time to unwind.

Three-year-old Carson was on hand to give dad Tony a big welcome (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)

Winner Sam made quite an entrance at the Marriott hotel in Surfers Paradise (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)

Proud dad Tony looked thrilled to see his four children after finishing in second place. Corey, 18, Cobey, 15, Carter, 11, and Carson, three, have been glued to his antics while on the show and there was hugs all around as the boxer arrived. It was a sweet reunion with his loved ones but he won't be sticking around, with the funeral of his beloved nan, who he thought of every day in the jungle, days away.

Nigel Farage wasted little time snapping selfies with fans of the show outside the Surfer's Paradise hotel. The former UKIP and Brexit Party leader was reportedly paid £1.5million for his appearance in the jungle and joked he was "now a remainer" when he made it to the final.

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Sam showed off his sceptre after taking the jungle crown (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)

Girlfriend Laure Ferrari and daughter Izzy flank Nigel Farage (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)

Farage entered the hotel holding hands with his daughter Isabelle while hugging his French girlfriend Laure Ferrari, whom he was reunited with on the I'm A Celebrity bridge after it was announced he had come in third place.

After coming in third place, he told Ant and Dec, "I'm a human being like anyone else and I hope this programme has shown I'm as human as anyone else." 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.

Industry experts say doors will now open for the winner

They'll finally be getting a good night's sleep as well as some proper grub after mainly eating beans and rice since they stepped foot in camp last month. The £400-a-night JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa hotel boasts luxurious rooms with stunning views overlooking the ocean, outdoor swimming pools, as well as a tennis court and two on-site restaurants. It also features a private saltwater lagoon, sandy beaches and artificial reef with tropical fish.

Last year saw a big change made after I'm A Celebrity called time on its relationship with Palazzo Versace hotel. A TV insider said in 2022: “"TV has used the Versace ever since the series came to Queensland in 2004. Those classic scenes of the muddy, exhausted celebs arriving in the glamorous, gleaming lobby are part of I’m A Celeb’s very fabric. The new hotel is lovely, but just different to the bouji opulence of the Versace, which is so well-known to viewers."

Sam Elliott-Gibbs