Sam Thompson’s exuberance and simple delight at being on I’m A Celebrity had people pulling for him from the outset, and his girlfriend Zara McDermott was no exception.
The Love Island actor has been loud in his support for Sam, 31, and the entire family’s joy of his victory is amazing.
Sam was practically puking as he swallowed down a pig’s vagina, witchetty grub, and a genuine camel’s toe in order to get the last major meals for himself, Nigel Farage, and Tony Bellew.
Zara, 26, shared a video of everyone watching the conclusion with her 1.9 million Instagram followers immediately after becoming King of the Jungle.
‘The moment we all found out… OUR KING OF THE JUNGLE!!!!!!!👑🌴🍃✨😭😭😭😭😭,’ she captioned the sweet video.
The family erupted in delight as the announcement was made, with Zara shouting and weeping as she hugged everyone.
Fans were equally as thrilled for the star, with Adam Frisby commenting: ‘Ahhhh honestly what a guy!! He’s been such a pleasure to watch, not a bad bone in that guys body and such a deserving winner!! Well done Sam 💚💚💚.’
‘It would have been criminal if he hadn’t won he made the series this year 💓,’ added Laura Hill.
Another fan Stacey Forster shared: ‘Omg him and Pete at the end can’t cope love him.’
TV presenter and absolute icon, Alison Hammond, commented: ‘Golden moment ❤️’
Zara’s brother Brad excitedly added: ‘HES THE KING BAAAABBYYY.’
Viewers took to social media to express how well-deserving Sam was of the title, as well as how much they admired his friendship with Towie’s Pete Wicks.
They met on Celebs Go Datings a few years ago, but their black cat-golden retriever dynamic clicked right away, and they’ve been best friends ever since.
Pete was the one who greeted Sam as he crossed the bridge, fiercely holding him as the new King of the Jungle sprang into his arms.
Fans were perplexed as to why Zara had not gone, but her responsibilities to Strictly meant that the ticket had been purchased and preparations had been completed by the time she was eliminated.
When he was crowned, Sam said how much it all meant to him and how he never imagined he’d be chosen for the ITV mainstay.
Before learning he’d won, the I’m A Celeb superfan described his stay in the jungle as ‘like a dream I didn’t want to wake up from.’
