Im A Celebs Sam Thompson forced to return prize after winnings stripped away

Sam Thompson achieved a triumphant victory on the latest installment of I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, securing the prestigious title of King of the Jungle.

His charming personality and lively character won the hearts of both viewers and fellow campmates alike. However, during an appearance on This Morning on Monday (December 18), Sam, alongside recent Strictly Come Dancing champions Ellie Leach and her partner Vito Coppola, made a surprising revelation about his I'm A Celeb experience.

While discussing their respective show memorabilia, Sam disclosed that he was unable to retain any keepsakes from his time on the show, despite his victory. In response to a query from hosts Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson, who was also a fellow campmate and finished fourth on the show, Sam humorously stated: "I didn't get to keep anything! They wouldn't let me keep anything!"

READ MORE: Sam Thompson shares intimate video in bed with Zara McDermott as they reunite after IAC win

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He went on to reveal that he had to relinquish even the iconic I'm A Celeb crown and sceptre. "I had to give the sceptre back," he continued, before adding that he "really wanted to bring it through airport security" because of how big it is. "But yeah, I don't have anything to show for it." Sam concluded. Meanwhile, Strictly winner Ellie Leach proudly displayed her coveted Strictly Glitterball trophy as Sam sat there empty-handed.

Despite returning from the jungle without tangible mementos, Sam has plenty of epic memories to take away from his experience. During his time in the Australian wilderness, he forged a strong bond with former boxer Tony Bellow, and the duo quickly became the subject of national fascination with their endearing bromance. The 31-year-old and 41-year-old captivated audiences with their antics, and it looks like their camaraderie continues to thrive beyond the confines of the jungle.

Sam has openly expressed his longing for Tony on his Instagram stories, while Tony himself has taken to social media to express his belief that Sam deserved to be crowned the King of the Jungle. The pair ended up in the final together, with Sam narrowly beating Tony to be crowed the King of the Jungle 2023 on 10 December.

Sam recently took to Instagram to share a solemn selfie as he wrote: "Missing you," and tagging Tony. On his next Instagram story post, Sam could be seen walking with girlfriend Zara McDermott, 27, as he told her what he and Tony used to get up to in the jungle, as he joked: "She wants me to shut up."

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