Adam Thomas has opened up about his experience on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, saying he was left “broken” after tensions with fellow contestant David Haye during filming.
The actor, known for Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, shared a detailed reflection on Instagram, describing the series as one of the most difficult periods of his life both physically and emotionally.
A major factor in his experience was his ongoing struggle with arthritis, which he has previously spoken about. The condition, which he describes as an autoimmune disease, causes significant pain and affected him heavily during the show.
Adam said there were moments in camp where he felt pushed to his limits, particularly during a trial involving “Termite Terror”, and admitted watching the series back has been difficult.
LIFTED ENTERTAINMENT FOR ITV AND ITVX - I'M A CELEBRITY SOUTH AFRICA - Pictured : THE CAMPMATES
In his Instagram post on Sunday evening, he gave a candid account of what he went through during filming, writing:
“Not going to lie,this picture breaks my heart, as I know on the inside what I was dealing with and truth be told I thought it was all my fault. I now know that’s not the reality… My time in I’m a Celebrity South Africa was one of the toughest things I’ve ever been through, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
“Watching it back hasn’t been easy at all. There were moments I felt pushed to my absolute limit, and if I’m honest, times I didn’t even recognise myself. Living with arthritis is something I don’t really talk about, as much as I should do…but in there it really took its toll. My biggest fight was pretending to put on a brave face and trying to hide the pain! that can be exhausting within itself. There were days my body just didn’t want to keep going, but I did. "I won’t sit here and say I handled everything perfectly, because I didn’t. I wish I spoke up for myself sooner. I wish I stood my ground instead of trying to keep the peace, but I’ve learned that being kind doesn’t mean being weak, and sometimes it takes going through tough moments to find your voice.
“Since coming out, I’ve taken time to process everything, and I’m in a much better place now. I let go of the anger, had the conversations I needed to have, and chose peace. "What I’m most proud of, is at times like this I wanted to walk, I wanted to quit but I didn’t . Even when I wanted to walk away, even when it felt like too much, I never give up! and that means everything to me. "He broke me in there, he pushed me to my limits, and I’ve told David this and he’s apologised and that’s that! I’ve moved on now, am not one to hold a grudge. But thank you for all your lovely messages and all the kind words We all face people and situations that try to break us, but sometimes those moments are what rebuild you stronger than ever. Be kind.”
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Adam also confirmed that David Haye has since apologised for the situation, and said he does not hold a grudge.
He added that although the experience was extremely challenging, he is now in a better place and has taken time to process what happened after leaving the show.
The incident has sparked discussion around the pressures faced by contestants in reality TV environments, particularly in physically demanding settings like the South African version of the long-running ITV series.
Despite the difficulties, Adam emphasised that he is proud of himself for not quitting the competition, even during moments when he felt close to walking away.
Soap legend Beverley Callard left the pre recorded, 'I'm A Celebrity...South Africa', due to her ill health.
Callard, who is renowned for starring as Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, joined a list of celebrity contestants for the pre recorded ITV show. This list included Callard's former Corrie co star Craig Charles, who played Lloyd Mullaney on the show.
Hosted by Ant and Dec, other names included Adam Thomas, David Haye, Sinitta, Jimmy Bullard, Harry Redknapp, Seann Walsh, Scarlett Moffat, Sir Mo Farrah, Gemma Collins, and Ashley Roberts.
Beverley Callard's health issues have been well documented, having announced back in February that she was diagnosed with cancer. She has received huge praise for her candid posts about her battle and treatment on social media. Find out more on this here.
Beverley Callard - I'm A Celebrity... South Africa - LIFTED ENTERTAINMENT FOR ITV AND ITVX
Appearing visibly emotional on last night's episode, Beverley Callard who also joined the Fair City cast earlier this year, said that she was "absolutely gutted" after informing her fellow campmates that she had to leave the show.
"Hi guys. I've just got something to tell you all", she said. "I didn't feel very well this morning. I had a bit of a funny turn, and they've said I can't come back in. I've got to come out".
"I don't want to go. I'm really sorry", she added. "I'm absolutely gutted. I wanted to finish".
"I wanted to prove that older women could do it".
Following this, Beverley Callard was immediately consoled by her campmates, with singer Sinitta later referring to Callard as her "inspiration".
"Beverley is my inspiration", Sinitta told the Bush Telegraph. "You know that thing where you think, 'Well, if Beverley can do it, I can do it'? She gives me that. She's an amazing woman."
Scarlett Moffat also added: "Selfishly, I would want Bev to stay, because she's like everyone's camp mam, but her health is more important".
According to reports, the show was filmed in autumn last year, months before news of Callard's cancer news was known to the public.
Earlier this year, Beverley Callard credited her 2020 appearance on 'I'm A Celebrity' with helping her with her low self esteem.
"It gave me confidence", Callard said when recalling her 2020 appearance on the show. "I do tend to suffer from low self-esteem and without sounding big-headed, because people kept telling me they loved me and how down to earth I was, it gave me confidence and it was lovely to be with such a wonderful group of people".
