The new series of I’m A Celeb is in full swing and contestant Sam Thompson is now the bookies’ favourite to win.
His girlfriend Zara McDermott has said she couldn’t be prouder after watching him in the jungle, MailOnline can exclusively reveal.
The former Love Island star, 26, has been tuning in every night from their London home, while Sam’s best pal Pete Wickes landed in Australia on Tuesday to support him in person.
Zara said: ‘I literally couldn’t be prouder of Sam – he always puts others first and that’s really coming through.
‘It’s been so lovely seeing his bromance with Marvin too. Sam is one in a million and is being himself. I want to see him go into the final!’
Zara McDermott ‘couldn’t be prouder’ of her boyfriend Sam Thompson as he becomes bookies’ favourite to WIN I’m A Celebrity
The Made In Chelsea star, 31, who rose to fame on Made In Chelsea in 2013, has been a huge hit and is now 6/5 to win with Paddy Power to be King of the Jungle
Zara and Sam began dating in 2019 and broke up in 2020 when Zara admitted to cheating on him, their viral, teary confrontation captured on The Only Way Is Essex.
The two reconciled in October of that year and have remained together since.
Sam, 31, who rose to fame on Made In Chelsea in 2013, has been a huge hit and is now 6/5 to win with Paddy Power to be King of the Jungle.
The betting odds came after Sam revealed this stint on I’m A Celebrity could be his final foray into reality television.
He said winning the ITV jungle show ‘would be a really nice way to go out’.
Sam has appeared on a plethora of programmes, including Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Coach Trip, Celebs Go Dating, The Celebrity Circle, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, and Celebrity Ghost Hunt.
He told The Joe Marler Show podcast: ‘I think I’ve probably come to near the end of my TV stuff. I’ve done a lot, that would probably be the last one. I feel like that would be a really nice way to go out.’
The former Love Island star, 26, said: ‘ I literally couldn’t be prouder of Sam – he always puts others first and that’s really coming through’
Zara has been tuning in every night from their London home, while Sam’s best pal Pete Wickes landed in Australia on Tuesday to support him in person
Sam has been a hit with fans since entering the camp in Australia, with viewers loving his bubbly personality and enthusiasm
Sam has been a hit with fans since entering the camp in Australia, with viewers loving his bubbly personality and enthusiasm.
And Sam is not afraid of how he might be shown in the edit of the show as he insists someone’s personality cannot be changed for the purposes of entertainment.
He insisted: ‘You can’t edit someone’s personality. You can’t do it. You can’t give someone a different personality. They still have the traits they have.
‘What you can do is cut down what they’ve said, because obviously it’s got to fit into a certain amount of time. It’s funny when people panic and go, “Oh, the edit has done me dirty there.” No, you’ve done you dirty. They can’t put a word in your mouth. You have said that.
‘No one else has said that. Just because you’re bummed out that bit has got in, that’s not anyone else’s fault, that’s got to be your fault right?’
It comes after ITV viewers were ‘so glad’ to see Sam voted as the I’m A Celeb camp leader.
‘They make a great team!’ The former Made In Chelsea star, 31, asked Marvin Humes to be his deputy as he said the JLS singer tells him he ‘shouldn’t do that’ when he is being ‘stupid’
Fans were left thrilled as the energetic TV star – dubbed ‘human coffee’ by his campmates – did a lap of joy around the camp after being announced as the new leader.
Sam asked Marvin Humes to be his deputy as he said the JLS singer tells him he ‘shouldn’t do that’ when he is being ‘stupid’.
The duo, who had to choose who was doing what chores around the camp, also get to sleep in the camp bus together.
Sam said: ‘We’re going to smash it. The reason I picked Marvin is because he’s the one, when I’m being stupid, to be like, “Mate, you probably shouldn’t do that.”‘
Sam’s best pal Pete Wicks, 35, will be there for him when he crosses the bridge.
Zara revealed that Sam took Pete with him to Australia despite her being available after getting the boot from Strictly.
Sam said winning the ITV jungle show ‘would be a really nice way to go out’ (Sam pictured on Made In Chelsea)
Sam has appeared programmes including Celebrity Big Brother , Celebrity Coach Trip, Celebs Go Dating , The Celebrity Circle, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, and Celebrity Ghost Hunt (Sam pictured entering the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2017)
The influencer told Fleur East on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show : ‘When I left Strictly I was like ‘Shall I pack my case?’ and he went ‘Oh no it’s already been arranged Pete is coming’.’
She continued: ‘When I suggested maybe Pete and I could both go, he said, ‘No, just Pete!’ Maybe I can get Pete to take a cardboard cut-out of me … But you know what it’s fine, absolutely fine.
‘I’ve got all the time in the world to live with him and see him. If he wants Pete at the end of that bridge I respect and appreciate that – also I can’t wait to see that hug!’
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! continues Wednesday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates
NIGEL FARAGE
Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party and leader of the Brexit Party.
Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty.
Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news.
Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore.
Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields
DANIELLE HAROLD
Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.
Phobias: Rats. I hate them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too!
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either.
Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.
FRED SIRIEIX
Claim to fame: First Dates star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp.
Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning.
Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient!
Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.
NELLA ROSE
Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star.
Phobias: I am fearful of everything!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book.
Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it!
Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele.
NICK PICKARD
Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star.
Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.
Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop!
Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock.
FRANKIE DETTORI
Claim to fame: Champion Jockey
Phobias: I am not sure as I don’t walk across rooftop planks in the middle of the day nor do I have any snakes or rats in the house!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: None. I’ve lived in the public domain for as long as I can remember so I’d hope everyone knows me well.
Role in camp: To have fun with everyone, I am a happy-go- lucky person.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? Travelling. I have spent my whole life at airports and I’ve got to like it!
Best & worst attributes: I am outgoing and I am a fighter. Worst? I can’t sit still and I am impatient.
Dream camper: Robbie Williams would be fun.
JAMIE LYNN SPEARS
Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.
Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone.
Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed.
Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot.
Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.
SAM THOMPSON
Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter.
Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!
Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things.
Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle!
JOSIE GIBSON
Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.
Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information!
Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on!
Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry.
Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her.
MARVIN HUMES
Claim to fame: JLS star.
Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too.
Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food.
Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.
GRACE DENT
Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic.
Phobias: Horrible people.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour.
Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep.
Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour!
TONY BELLEW
Claim to fame: Former champion boxer
Phobias: Like most normal people, I am scared of almost everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People will portray me as something I am not because of the profession I have had. I am just a normal person.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I am domesticated so hopefully I can help out.
Best & worst attributes: I do get hangry…who doesn’t! But I am easy going and I get on with everyone.
