Sam Thompson has been crowned this year's King of the Jungle during Sunday night's I'm A Celebrity final. The reality TV star faced off against boxer Tony Bellew and GB News's Nigel Farage in the final three.

Energetic Sam was relentlessly optimistic for almost all of the 23 days, even as he had to chow down on a camel penis in a stomach-churning final challenge, still saying it was his dream to be there.

Farage finished in third place while boxer Bellew took the runner-up spot. After Ant and Dec announced the news, Thompson jumped into Bellew's arms before admitting he was "overwhelmed" to have won the show. "I'm so grateful, thank you so much," Thompson told ITV viewers. "You've made a boy's dream come true!

The 31-year-old Radio presenters win is said to be a huge step for his career. The 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.

One option would be doing a road trip or other style of travel show with best friend 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.

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.

While the inclusion of Farage was the focus of all the early press, this series hit the headlines for a series of culture war arguments between campmates, often of different generations. YouTuber Nella Rose was at the centre of several, often taking on Farage. She accused him of being racist, claiming black people don’t like him, and he defended himself. The pair later had a disagreement about cultural appropriation, and whether wearing costume of other cultures is offensive.

Not only did Nella clash with Farage, but she also sparred with Fred Sirieux, accusing him of being insensitive about her dead father. Their interaction garnered 800 complaints to Ofcom, and Nella received some negative responses online for being unfair – she was often picked to do challenges afterwards, Fred and Nigel clashed over Brexit, too.

Sam Thompson was the winner, and has surely got the most out of the series too. He went from being a relative unknown, amongst other camp mates such as like Frankie Dettori and Marvin Humes from JLS, to be the clear favourite even before the final, presenting and other work is likely to come rolling in.

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