I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star Tony Bellew has broken his social media silence after being crowned runner-up of the jungle on Sunday. The former boxer missed out on the win to his camp bestie Sam Thompson, who he had predicted would win previously.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “Just wanna say thank you to everyone who voted for me on @imacelebrity! Made up for @SamThompsonUK he deserved to win it he really did as he’s a great lad.
“Went in there and refused to give up and just remained true to myself! Thanks for a boss experience!” Many of Tony’s 752,000 followers flocked to his post to comment, as one wrote: “Top man Tony!! You were great in there.” A second added: “You were amazing Tony. Top class!”
“You did great buddy. Congrats,” a third typed. “You were our favourite by far. True gentleman and a class act. Massive congratulations Tony,” another added.
Tony and Sam were a part of an all-male final with third-place contestant Nigel Farage, following Josie Gibson’s departure. In his first television interview after leaving the jungle, Tony revealed he had been “going through a lot” before the show after his “beautiful nan” died.
He continued: “On top of that I missed my son’s birthday which I promised him after I retired I’d never do that again, and I did.” Tony went on to praise his campmates and “amazing family” for their support, adding that he “will never quit no matter how hard it gets, and I’m not going to lie it gets hard in there”.
The sportsman also reflected on the moment he saw his wife for the first time in weeks when she surprised him in the jungle. The boxer admitted he “wanted to walk out and leave with her,” adding: “It broke my heart to leave her.”
More to follow…