I’m a Celeb’s David Haye issues response to claims he ‘bullied’ Adam Thomas

Despite being accused of 'bullying' Adam Thomas by viewers, I'm A Celeb star David Haye claims he was 'actually on his best behaviour' in camp.

The British boxing star, 45, was booted out of the jungle in Monday (20 April) night's episode after his fellow stars opted not to save him.

In a surprise twist, he was then given the power to eliminate another contestant on the ITV show - and he decided to take Gemma Collins along with him as he believed she 'was ready' to call it a day.

A lot of people watching weren't exactly sad to see Haye go home, as he's come under fire for his antics during his stint on I'm A Celebrity...South Africa.

The former world heavyweight champion sparked a sexism row after he bizarrely compared his girlfriend to an 'ugly bird', before he was subsequently accused of 'crossing a line' with the repeated remarks he made to Thomas.

Even hosts Ant and Dec said they found Haye 'picking and picking' at his campmate hard to watch, saying the boxer had well overstepped the mark with his so-called 'banter'.

The London-born sports star coldly branded Waterloo Road actor Thomas 'useless' after he complained that he 'didn't feel well' and was 'dehydrated'.

Thomas suffers from psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness as well as causing sufferers to feel 'drained of energy', according to the NHS.

He has since spoken out about the toll that being Haye's target took on him, admitting that his constant digs 'broke him' and 'pushed him to his limits'.

Tensions between the pair boiled over in Monday night's episode as the soap star appeared to reach his breaking point with the boxer.

Haye suggested his campmate might 'have some issues outside of here', which is something that Thomas immediately shut down.

The dad-of-two hit back saying: "I've got no issues David. You're my issue right now."

This was met by a laugh from Haye, who went on: "But if I am hurting your feelings and stuff..."

Thomas then candidly told his fellow celebrity: "You're not hurting my feelings, but if you don't want to be nice, don't be nice. It's not funny now though bro. I don't know what's so funny?"

This was again met with a chuckle from Haye, who said: "I love it, it's so funny."

Thomas countered his comment by saying: "I'm glad you love it, because I don't. I like you and I don't understand why you keep coming for me 24/7."

In the Bush Telegraph, Thomas added: "I just don't know where it came from. What are you doing, what are you getting out of it? Just keeps on having a go. I'm like, 'Come on, man. It's not funny no more man'."

Discussing the row with his other campmates, Haye said: "I am a d**k, that's the problem. Maybe I'm a bit harsh, I probably am. I don't want to really upset him, it's not my intention to hurt someone's feelings."

Haye also addressed his controversial comments in his I'm A Celeb exit interview when asked where he now stands with the former Emmerdale actor.

"No bad blood from my side," Haye said - before seemingly then slipping in one last jab towards Thomas.

Haye went on to explain himself by saying: "Look, I've been immersed in tough boxing gyms since I was ten years old. Literally fighting daily, much bigger men than myself, pushing myself to the limits, physically and mentally.

"I won the world heavyweight championship against a seven-foot Russian giant. So when a grown man tells me that a fun TV show - where we're being paid handsomely every single day - is the hardest thing he's ever been through, it's just not a frequency I recognise. I was actually on my best behaviour in there, honestly.

"I've spoken to Adam, I've said my piece, and some of what's still to air will speak for itself. I'll leave it there."

I'm A Celebrity...South Africa airs weeknights at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.