Ant and Dec Criticise David Haye's Conduct on I'm A Celebrity South Africa
In a rare move, the beloved presenting duo Ant and Dec have publicly criticised former boxer David Haye for his behaviour during the filming of I'm A Celebrity... South Africa. Their comments come after actor Adam Thomas, 37, revealed in a candid Instagram post that Haye "broke me and pushed me to my limits" during the challenging jungle experience.
Presenters Express Discomfort with On-Screen Dynamics
Speaking on the official ITV1 podcast I'm A Celebrity... Unpacked, Ant described watching Haye's interactions with fellow contestants as uncomfortable viewing. "It's not a nice watch. He just kind of picks and picks at them," Ant revealed. "Adam has had a bit of a tough time and he's not coping well. Clearly the banter has got too much. But David won't stop."
Dec echoed his co-host's sentiments, stating: "It's kind of crossed the line from banter. I don't find it comfortable to watch." These unusually direct comments from the typically diplomatic presenters highlight the severity of the situation that unfolded during filming.
Adam Thomas Reflects on His Challenging Experience
In a detailed Instagram post, the Waterloo Road star reflected on his difficult time in the jungle, explaining that he has since processed the experience and reached a better place mentally. "Since coming out, I've taken time to process everything, and I'm in a much better place now," Thomas wrote. "I let go of the anger, had the conversations I needed to have, and chose peace."
The actor expressed particular pride in his resilience during the challenging moments. "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."
Arthritis Struggle and Physical Challenges
Thomas also opened up about the significant physical challenges he faced during filming due to his autoimmune psoriatic arthritis diagnosis in 2023. Sharing a photo of himself looking upset in his hammock, he revealed: "My arthritis really took its toll" and admitted he struggled to "hide the pain."
"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," Thomas confessed. "My time in I'm a Celebrity South Africa was one of the toughest things I've ever been through, physically, mentally, and emotionally."
The actor described the exhausting nature of concealing his discomfort: "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."
Resolution and Reconciliation
Despite the difficulties, Thomas revealed that he has since spoken with Haye and received an apology. "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," the actor explained.
Thomas concluded his reflection with a message of resilience: "We all face people and situations that try to break us, but sometimes those moments are what rebuild you stronger than ever. Be kind."
Specific Incidents That Sparked Tension
The tension between Haye and Thomas reached a peak during several specific incidents during filming. On one occasion, Thomas refused to participate in a Bushtucker Trial due to feeling unwell and dehydrated, prompting Haye to comment: "Who gives a s**t 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."
Another significant clash occurred when Thomas smuggled chocolate bars into camp for the rival team, resulting in a punishment that reduced the camp's food portions. When the reduced rations were announced, Haye suggested Thomas should receive a smaller portion, stating: "His portion should be a little bit smaller than everyone else's actually."
Thomas later revealed in the Bush Telegraph: "It's safe to say that David wasn't happy and he's blaming me right. He just doesn't stop going on about it, right. Like 'alright, okay, let it go now', and he still keeps going and going, to a point where I'm like I don't know whether it's banter or whether he actually believes it."
The situation escalated to the point where Thomas confronted Haye directly, saying: "Right, me and you outside now," though the confrontation was eventually diffused by fellow contestant Scarlett Moffatt.
Personal Growth and Reflection
Looking back on the experience, Thomas acknowledged that he didn't handle everything perfectly. "I won't sit here and say I handled everything perfectly, because I didn't," he admitted. "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."
Despite the challenges, Thomas emphasized that he is now in a "better place" and remains proud that he didn't quit the show despite the physical and emotional difficulties he faced.
