Featured Image Credit: ITV
Topics: Im A Celebrity, TV and Film, ITV, Money
Claire Reid
Sam Thompson was crowned the King of the Jungle in the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! final last night.
The 31-year-old TV personality won viewers over with his seemingly unending enthusiasm and his sweet friendship with decidedly-less-enthusiastic boxer Tony Bellew - who came in second place.
Bellew, 41, told hosts Ant and Dec that his fellow finalist was like a ‘fifth son’ to him and added: “I definitely think I was put here to be around Sam.”
Former politician Nigel Farage came in third place and said he ‘couldn’t be more thrilled’ with the result.
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Commenting on his win, Thompson said he was ‘really overwhelmed’ and hadn’t thought he’d make it to the final.
Speaking to Ant and Dec while sat on the winner’s throne, he said: "I didn't think I was even going to be invited onto this show, let alone be sat here."
It’s also fair to say that those who win can often go onto land themselves the best deals post-jungle.
He continued: "I never knew I could be as happy as I am right now, it's been magical. It's like a dream I don't want you to wake me up from. I got asked for my down moments in there and I don't know, even the moments I felt low I was like 'I am feeling low in the jungle'.
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“There were so many amazing people I never thought I would get to spend time with."
Addressing the viewers, he said: "I am so grateful, thank you so much. I've dreamed of doing this show and being invited on for years and years, and you've just made a boy's dream come true."
However, despite the fact that he’s been named as this year’s King of the Jungle, Thompson won’t be scooping a cash prize for his win, as the stars who come in first place don’t actually receive any additional fee - just the glowing feeling that comes from knowing the British public like you the best.
But before you feel too sorry for anyone, all those who take part receive a flat-fee - with Farage reportedly the highest ever paid star, netting a whopping £1.5million.
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The question of fees was brought to light during this series after two of its stars - Grace Dent and Jamie Lynn Spears - dropped out due to medical conditions.
According to rumoured rules of the show, the celebrities must remain in camp for at least 72-hours to get their full fee and anyone who lives before then will face cuts to their cash.
As both Dent and Spears remained for longer than 72-hours, it’s believed they will both have received their payment in full.
Brand and Culture expert Nick Ede told MailOnline that Dent will get an appearance fee of £100,000, while Spears could be getting up to £250,000.