Daley Thompson, the celebrated Olympian known for his incredible achievements in the decathlon, was evicted from the latest season of Celebrity Big Brother on Friday, April 18, 2025. The 66-year-old athlete, who won gold medals at the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games, became the third contestant to leave the reality show after facing public votes against EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer.
Thompson, who broke the world record in the decathlon four times and remained unbeaten in competition for nine years, expressed his enjoyment of the show despite his early exit. He shared with fellow housemates that his time in the house had been “a blast” and added, “I would’ve liked to have stayed longer.” During his departure, he thanked the audience for their support, saying, “They’ve been incredible, I couldn’t believe all the cheering.”
The public vote saw Thompson receive four nominations from fellow contestants, including former CBBC presenter Angellica Bell, ITV racing presenter Chris Hughes, actress and comedian Donna Preston, and Palmer. The nominations raised questions about Thompson’s contributions to housework, with some housemates accusing him of not being willing to do the washing up. In a light-hearted response, he joked, “No, none of them surprised me, because they’re all rats.”
During his stay in the house, Thompson recounted a humorous story involving a young David Beckham, who will celebrate his 50th birthday next month. Thompson recalled an encounter from his training days at Crystal Palace when Beckham, then a child, asked him for an autograph. “I said, ‘no not now, I’m really busy,’” Thompson remembered. Later, Beckham confronted him about the incident, saying, “You told me to f*** off.”
Social media reactions to Thompson's eviction were mixed, with many fans expressing surprise and disappointment. One viewer tweeted, “As happy as I am to see Daley go, it doesn’t sit right with my soul that 2 people who actively wanted to stay in the house got booted over Patsy who is desperate to leave.” Another fan remarked, “The most predictable eviction of the series so far.”
Thompson's exit follows a series of dramatic moments in the Celebrity Big Brother house, including the eviction of talk show host Trisha Goddard earlier in the week and former Tory MP Michael Fabricant, who left during the first eviction. The show has also seen Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke leave due to “inappropriate and aggressive” behavior, which has sparked discussions among viewers about the dynamics within the house.
The latest episode featured housemates dressing up as cats and completing feline tasks to win prizes, leading to some hilarious moments. Chris Hughes and JoJo Siwa were caught urinating in a human-sized cat litter tray, prompting Big Brother to remind them of the normal toilet facilities available. This light-hearted challenge added to the overall entertainment value of the show.
Thompson shot to fame during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he set a world record in the decathlon and won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. His athletic prowess and charming personality have made him a beloved figure in British sports history. Fans of the show will remember him for his laid-back demeanor and willingness to share stories from his past.
As the competition heats up, the remaining housemates are gearing up for a series of challenges and public votes. Celebrity Big Brother is set to return on Sunday, April 21, 2025, at 10 PM on ITV1 and ITVX, promising more drama and entertainment as the contestants vie for the public’s favor.
In the aftermath of Thompson’s departure, discussions about the dynamics in the house continue, with viewers speculating on potential feuds and alliances. The show has already seen some tensions, particularly between Rourke and Palmer, who had a tense exchange during the Late & Live segment of the show.
Thompson's exit marks a significant moment in this season of Celebrity Big Brother, as fans reflect on his contributions and the impact he had during his time in the house. As the show progresses, viewers will be watching closely to see how the remaining contestants navigate the challenges and interpersonal dynamics that arise.
With the show continuing to draw in viewers, the excitement surrounding Celebrity Big Brother remains high. The blend of celebrity culture, reality TV drama, and unexpected moments keeps audiences engaged, and Thompson's journey has been a memorable part of this season's narrative.