Adam Thomas' Jungle Survival: How Gemma Collins Saved The Day

  • By Avery
  • April 27, 2026, 7 a.m.

Gemma Collins: The Unexpected Jungle Savior

Adam Thomas, the beloved actor from 'Waterloo Road,' recently opened up about his rollercoaster experience on 'I'm A Celebrity... South Africa.' The 37-year-old shared that if it hadn't been for the charismatic Gemma Collins, he might have thrown in the towel early.

Thomas, who has been battling the physical challenges of psoriatic arthritis, found the jungle trials particularly grueling. He admitted that maintaining a brave face was more exhausting than he let on. But it was Gemma's presence that gave him the strength to push through. "From start to finish you was real, no act, no front, just you," he wrote in a heartfelt message to his Instagram followers.

“If you wasn’t in there I probably would’ve walked a long time ago. You kept it going for me more than you even know,” Thomas confessed in his tribute to Collins.

A Bond Beyond the Jungle

In his touching Instagram post, Thomas shared a snapshot of him and Collins embracing, highlighting the deep bond they formed during the show. He praised her for her authenticity, humor, and unwavering support, declaring her his "queen of the jungle."

Despite Collins not making it to the final, Thomas believes she was the true star of the show, bringing humility, empathy, and strength to the camp. "Everyone can see how special you are," he gushed, emphasizing that her impact went far beyond the screen.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Bridges

Thomas also addressed his struggles with psoriatic arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness, making his jungle journey even more daunting. Yet, through it all, he found a silver lining in his friendship with Collins.

He also mentioned a clash with fellow campmate David Haye, which viewers witnessed during a tense episode. However, Thomas remains gracious, stating that Haye apologized and they have since moved on. "I’m not one to hold a grudge," he added, demonstrating his forgiving nature.

As the jungle adventure came to a close, Thomas left with a heart full of gratitude, crediting Collins for being the "best thing to ever come out of that experience."

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