Adam Thomas, winner of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, has revealed that he feels “exploited” by ITV after the explosive live final of the show ended in chaos. The actor, 37, who has been open about his mental health struggles, claimed that his feud with former boxer David Haye was manipulated by ITV for entertainment value, and that the constant tension left him emotionally vulnerable.
Behind the Scenes: Manipulation and Exploitation
Reflecting on his experience with brothers Ryan and Scott during the latest episode of their Thomas Bros podcast, Adam said, “For David and some of these campmates, it’s just a show to them. It’s entertainment. But for me, it’s not about entertainment, I’m not playing a character. I’m here to have a laugh and enjoy the experience.”
Despite his emotional struggles, Adam revealed that David sent him a voice note after the show, congratulating him on his win. However, Adam wasn’t impressed, telling David, “I think this is where I draw the line, I hope you find happiness, bro, but I’m done now.”
The Truth About Bullying and Mental Health
Adam has been vocal about how he feels his mental health was used against him during the show. Describing David’s actions as “bullying,” Adam revealed how David’s behavior impacted him deeply, saying, “What happened to me in camp was bullying, and that’s the matter of fact about it.”
He continued, explaining that while others may not have seen it as bullying, he felt manipulated by David’s repeated comments, which left him emotionally vulnerable. “He got in my head like you wouldn’t believe,” Adam said. “He mind-f***ed me. It’s a gift, what he has.”
David Haye’s Deception and Manipulation
In a stunning admission, Adam explained that after an incident where he fainted in camp, David pretended that ITV had informed him about Adam’s mental health struggles. “David said, ‘I’ve been worried about your mental health,’ but when I asked ITV, they said they hadn’t told him anything. I was like, wow, you really manipulated the s**t out of me.”
Adam further revealed that David’s continuous comments and behavior had a lasting impact on him, claiming it took away his confidence and sense of self.
The Emotional Fallout and ITV’s Role
Adam’s experience on I’m A Celeb has left him grappling with feelings of exploitation and manipulation, and he now feels the show prioritized drama over his well-being. “I felt like I was in the midst of it all, and it wasn’t even about me,” Adam admitted.
