I’m A Celebrity star Adam Thomas says David Haye ‘broke him’ on show

I’m A Celebrity: South Africa star Adam Thomas has said that campmate David Haye “broke” him after their recent clash on the ITV show.

Haye has proved to be one of the most controversial I’m A Celeb contestants in recent years, with the ex-boxer sparking outrage in the first week for saying his girlfriend has the personality of an “ugly bird” and dropping Beverley Callard, 69, from his team due to her age.

However, fans turned on him again following Friday’s episode, which saw Haye brand Thomas “useless” for asking not to do a Bushtucker Trail while feeling unwell. The actor, 37, suffers with autoimmune illness psoriatic arthritis, having been diagnosed in 2023.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday (19 April), Thomas spoke out about his tense relationship with Haye in the jungle – admitting that while the boxer has now apologised, he pushed Thomas “to my limits”. The series was originally filmed back in September last year.

“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,” he wrote alongside a shot of him looking downcast on the show.

“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.”

He added that dealing with arthritis “really took its toll” in the jungle and that he was “trying to hide the pain” on screen.

Appearing to refer to his clashes with Haye, he continued: “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 .”

Speaking directly about Haye, Thomas said: “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.”

Thomas’ fans and co-stars took to the comments to share messages of support, with campmate Scarlett Moffatt writing: “Awwww Adam I bloody love you. You’re one of the kindest men I know, if my little boy ends up being as caring as you then I know I’ll have done a good job a mam. Lots of love.”

Ashley Roberts, who was also in the jungle with them, added: “Adam bless you. You have such a big heart. I’m sorry you struggled in there.”

Haye is yet to speak publicly about Thomas’ comments. The Independent has reached out to Haye for comment.

It came after Thomas ruled himself out of doing a Bushtucker Trail in Friday’s episode, admitting that he felt unwell and dehydrated. Haye didn’t take the news well, saying: “Who gives a s*** if he doesn’t feel well. He’s a grown-ass man. I don’t like guys who are… a bit useless. I hate them useless guys.”

The night before, the camp was penalised after Thomas snuck in chocolate for the cast, with two stars being taken from their meal which was worth five stars. While Thomas offered to refrain from eating, the rest of the campmates insisted he should still eat – however, Haye said: “His portion should be a little bit smaller than everyone else’s actually.” He later added: “All that for a hollow empty gesture.”

Ant and Dec even spoke out following Haye’s comments about Thomas, with Ant saying on the I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked podcast on Friday: “It’s not a nice watch. He just kind of picks and picks at them. Adam has had a bit of a tough time, and he’s not coping well.”

Dec added: “It’s kind of crossed the line from banter. I don’t find it comfortable to watch.”