It was a night of high drama, emotional reckonings, and historic firsts as the live final of I'm A Celebrity... South Africa unfolded at London's Versa Studios on April 24, 2026. For the first time in the show's spin-off history, the winner was determined by a public vote, and viewers across the UK were glued to their screens as the final four—Sir Mo Farah, Harry Redknapp, Adam Thomas, and Craig Charles—vied for the coveted title of "I'm A Celebrity Legend" and the chance to donate £100,000 to a charity of their choice.
The road to the final had been anything but smooth. After three weeks of grueling Bushtucker trials, unpredictable weather, and more than a few heated arguments, the remaining celebrities emerged as fan favorites, each with a compelling story. Scarlett Moffatt narrowly missed the final cut after a tense trial on April 23, leaving the stage set for a showdown that would be remembered as one of the most dramatic in the show's history, according to Express.
The format for the live finale was itself a twist: split into two distinct parts, it kept fans on edge throughout the evening. The first segment, airing from 7:30pm to 9:00pm, allowed viewers to relive the finalists' last trials in South Africa, interspersed with live moments from the London studio. Then, after an hour-long intermission—during which ITV's The Neighbourhood filled the airwaves—audiences were given the opportunity to cast their votes via the I'm A Celebrity mobile app. The tension only ratcheted up as the second part of the final, from 10:00pm to 10:30pm, promised the reveal everyone was waiting for.
The trials themselves were as stomach-churning and nerve-wracking as ever. Mo Farah faced the "Viper Pit," an underground tomb crawling with snakes, and emerged victorious with all five stars. Harry Redknapp, ever the unflappable leader, had to use only his tongue to retrieve stars from boxes filled with critters, again securing every available star. Craig Charles endured "Face In Your Fears," being strapped face-down into a tomb of rats, and managed to win all four main courses for the camp. Adam Thomas, who had so far dodged the notorious eating challenges, faced "Swallow the Odds," a menu of pig teats, fermented eggs, tarantulas, and sheep organs. To the amazement of all, he completed every round without faltering, earning four desserts and a personal treat.
But it wasn't just the trials that had viewers talking. The live segments in London became a battleground for unresolved tensions and long-simmering feuds. As Wales Online reported, Adam Thomas, once the bookmakers' favorite, found himself at the center of controversy. David Haye, a fellow contestant, interrupted a live interview to challenge Adam over his treatment of Jimmy Bullard during a previous trial. "Do you think you deserve to win this after calling Jimmy the C-word a couple of times?" David demanded, referencing an incident that had sparked heated debate both in camp and among fans.
The confrontation didn't end there. David further accused the show's production of editing out key footage from the altercation between Adam and Jimmy, suggesting the public wasn't seeing the full story. ITV was quick to respond, telling The Daily Mirror: "This is categorically not true. Adam did not try to kick Jimmy. We show an accurate and fair representation of events." The hosts, Ant and Dec, attempted to calm the situation, promising to address the issue later in the show. Still, the live audience erupted in a mix of boos and cheers, and social media lit up with divided opinions—some siding with Adam, others with David and Jimmy.
The drama escalated during the second part of the final. Jimmy Bullard, who had dramatically quit the show during a particularly tough Bushtucker trial earlier in the week, was given the floor to explain his decision. He spoke candidly about missing his family, especially his ill father, and the emotional toll the jungle had taken. As the conversation grew more heated, accusations were traded not just between contestants but also with the production team. Sinitta, another campmate, stormed off set, followed closely by Gemma Collins, highlighting just how raw and unresolved the tensions remained.
Despite the chaos, the show pressed on. As the clock ticked down to the final reveal, speculation was rife. Bookmakers had shifted their odds dramatically in the hours leading up to the finale. Harry Redknapp, the 2018 King of the Jungle, was tipped as the favorite at 4/9, with Adam Thomas close behind at 7/4. Mo Farah and Craig Charles were considered outsiders, but each had their own vocal support among the fanbase, as noted by BOYLE Sports.
When Ant and Dec finally announced the results, it was Adam Thomas who emerged victorious, crowned the second-ever "I'm A Celebrity Legend" after a nail-biting public vote. Sir Mo Farah took second place, Harry Redknapp third, and Craig Charles fourth. The reaction in the studio was a mix of jubilation, relief, and lingering tension. Adam, who had weathered both physical and emotional trials, was clearly moved by the win, especially as it meant he could direct £100,000 to a charity close to his heart.
Most of the 2026 campmates were present for the live final, including Scarlett Moffatt, Ashley Roberts, Gemma Collins, Jimmy Bullard, David Haye, Sinitta, and Seann Walsh. The only absentee was Beverley Callard, who, on medical advice, was unable to attend but sent her well-wishes via a heartfelt video message. "I was so excited and looking forward to it, and on medical advice I can't go. So I'm absolutely gutted," she shared, echoing the bittersweet emotions of many involved.
As the credits rolled on this landmark finale, fans were left with plenty to discuss—not just about who won, but about the fiery debates, the emotional farewells, and the enduring appeal of a show that continues to capture the nation's attention. Whether or not ITV will greenlight another South Africa edition remains to be seen, but one thing's certain: this final will be remembered for years to come.