Moment Sam Thompson's family discovered he won I'm A Celeb as Zara McDermott couldn't meet him on bridge

This is the moment Sam Thompson’s proud family discovered the 31-year-old had been crowned King of the Jungle on this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

The 31-year-old TV personality was announced as this year's winner, beating Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage in last night’s final. You can see the moment his loved ones found out the good news here:

Thompson’s girlfriend Zara McDermott wasn’t able to fly Down Under to be with him as he was crowned the winner due to her work schedule - and he was instead greeted by his best friend Pete Wicks, who wrapped him in a huge hug.

But that doesn’t mean she wasn’t supporting her partner from across the globe; in a cute clip shared to Instagram, McDermott shared the moment Thompson’s friends and family learnt he was the winner, with the caption: "The moment we all found out… OUR KING OF THE JUNGLE!!!"

Thompson was tipped to be the winner by bookies, after viewers couldn’t get enough of his infectious enthusiasm - even when faced with some of the grimmer tasks the show brings.

Instagram/@zara_mcdermott

Fans also loved his unlikely friendship with campmate and former boxer Bellew, 41, who came in second place and branded Thompson his ‘fifth son’.

Bellew even told hosts Ant and Dec: “I definitely think I was put here to be around Sam.”

After seeing their friendship blossom on screen, fans have called for the duo to be given their own show.

As you can imagine, Thompson was absolutely delighted with the win, saying it had left him ‘really overwhelmed’.

Speaking to Ant and Dec while sat on the winner’s throne, he said: "I didn't think I was even going to be invited onto this show, let alone be sat here."

ITV

He continued: "I never knew I could be as happy as I am right now, it's been magical. It's like a dream I don't want you to wake me up from.

"I got asked for my down moments in there and I don't know, even the moments I felt low I was like 'I am feeling low in the jungle'.

“There were so many amazing people I never thought I would get to spend time with."

Addressing the viewers he said: "I am so grateful, thank you so much. I've dreamed of doing this show and being invited on for years and years, and you've just made a boy's dream come true."

Topics: ITV, Im A Celebrity, UK News

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]