ITV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity’: King Sam Thompson’s Touching Reunion with Girlfriend Zara McDermott

 

Sam Thompson, the 26-year-old Strictly star, has joyfully reunited with his girlfriend, Zara McDermott, following his victory as this year’s champion on ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ Despite prior commitments that prevented Zara from joining him immediately after his win in the jungle, the couple shared an emotional embrace after almost a month apart.

Reported by the Mirror, the Made in Chelsea star appeared ecstatic to be back by Zara’s side after enduring a challenging three weeks in the jungle. On Sunday night, the 31-year-old was crowned King of the Jungle, triumphing over runners-up Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage.

Fresh images capture Sam and Zara’s heartfelt reunion, with the pair sharing a kiss at London’s Heathrow Airport this Wednesday afternoon on December 13th.

Accompanying Sam was his loyal companion and best friend, Pete Wicks, who flew to Australia to meet the reality star in camp.

The former Love Island contestant pleasantly surprised Sam with a bunch of vibrant, rainbow-coloured balloons bearing the message “Welcome Home.” The pictures depict the pair looking elated as they kissed and embraced each other.

Speaking about his return to the UK after winning I’m A Celebrity, Sam shared with the PA news agency, “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but having my best mate Pete with me has kept me grounded. I jokingly asked him to refer to me as king for a day, and he wasn’t even up for that. It’s been a really enjoyable couple of days.”

Even though she couldn’t be present in person to support Sam in the jungle, it didn’t dampen her celebrations on Sunday as she watched his triumph from home.

A video clip captures the reality TV star shouting in joy at the camera the moment her partner was declared King of the Jungle, surrounded by family and friends.

Posting her reaction on Instagram, she exclaimed, “The moment we all found out… OUR KING OF THE JUNGLE!!!!!!!”

Runner-up Tony showered praise on his co-star after Sam’s victory, a moment that nearly moved Sam to tears himself.

Seated on his throne, Sam became emotional while speaking to hosts Ant and Dec: “I’m overwhelmed—I never imagined I’d be invited onto the show.”

When prompted for a message to voters, he expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m incredibly thankful; being on this show has been a lifelong dream fulfilled. You’ve made a boy’s dream come true.”

Addressing the presenting duo, Sam added, “I never knew I could experience such happiness. It’s been truly magical. I feel like I’m living in a dream I never want to end. Even during the low moments, like feeling down in the jungle, I’ve been surrounded by incredible people I never thought I’d meet.”

When asked about the possibility of winning, he replied, “My primary goal was to face the cyclone. Anything beyond that feels like an added bonus, like a dream.”

Reflecting on his time in the jungle with the Mirror’s Tom Bryant, Sam revealed that he consciously avoided getting involved in heated political debates, such as Brexit. The former Made in Chelsea star clarified that it wasn’t a deliberate strategy to avoid controversy; rather, he confessed he simply didn’t understand the discussions.

He explained, ‘I was clueless about what was happening, and I didn’t have anything to contribute. So, I’d just sit there, my attention darting all over the place due to my ADHD. I’d often catch myself trailing after a butterfly down by the creek.’

When asked about Nigel Farage, he mentioned he didn’t know ‘much about him’ before the show.

He continued, ‘The chap I bonded with there was quite pleasant, kept to himself mostly but pitched in when necessary. He’s around 61, yet he’d trek up and down that creek for water; it’s no mean feat. I’m relieved I didn’t have any preconceptions about him or anyone else there because, truthfully, it made the experience incredibly unique.