Adam Thomas spoke out about his struggles on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa after fans expressed sympathy, following his tough time in camp
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa star Adam Thomas lives with an autoimmune condition that has impacted his time in camp. The 37-year-old actor was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in 2023, around the time he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing. According to the NHS, the long-term condition can cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness, although medication can help manage symptoms.
Adam has previously spoken openly about the impact of the illness and the challenges of living with it. In an emotional video shared on Instagram in February, he revealed he was injecting himself with medication for the very first time.
Explaining his condition, he said: “It is an autoimmune disease. Basically means my immune system is attacking my own body. It causes a s**t load of pain.”
The Waterloo Road star went on to describe how the pain can vary from day to day, sometimes affecting his fingers or knees, and at other times spreading throughout his body.
“It’s swelling, and it’s exhausting,” he shared, before admitting that he often smiled through the pain, pretending everything was okay when it wasn’t.
“One day you’re completely fine, and then the next day you’re in that much pain you can barely even get out of bed,” he continued.
At the end of the video, Adam administered the injection and reassured fans: “It wasn’t so bad after all.”
Recent scenes from the ITV show, filmed last year, have shown Adam telling his campmates he didn’t feel well as he rested.
While many offered support, David Haye called him “useless” when he said he couldn’t take part in a Bushtucker Trial. The boxer continued to tease him, prompting accusations of bullying from viewers.
During what appeared to be a difficult period for the actor, fans took to X to share their concerns.
One wrote: “Love Adam with my whole heart and it’s disgusting seeing anybody trying to tear him apart, he’s my winner and I wish Gemma [Collins] could’ve stayed in there too #ImACeleb.”
Another added: “Can David please leave Adam alone? like go away! #ImACeleb.”
“I really feel sorry for Adam. Get David Gone!! #ImACeleb,” a third posted.
Another simply wrote: “Adam,” alongside a series of broken heart emojis.
On Sunday night, Adam shared a heartfelt Instagram post after receiving what he described as “kind words” from fans. He said David had pushed him “to [his] limits”, but noted the boxer had since apologised.
Alongside a photo of himself looking downcast, he wrote: “Not going to lie, this picture breaks my heart, as I know on the inside what I was dealing with and truth be told I thought it was all my fault. I now know that’s not the reality.”
Addressing his health struggles in camp, he added: “Living with arthritis is something I don’t really talk about, as much as I should do, but in there it really took its toll.
“My biggest fight was pretending to put on a brave face and trying to hide the pain! that can be exhausting within itself. “There were days my body just didn’t want to keep going, but I did.”
David has since been voted out of camp and has addressed his behaviour. Speaking to hosts Ant and Dec, he insisted there is “no bad blood” from his side while defending his actions.
“I won the world heavyweight championship against a seven-foot Russian giant,” he shared.
“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.”
In tonight’s episode, viewers will see Adam clash with Jimmy Bullard after the latter pulls out of a challenge. The disagreement leads to a significant decision among campmates, ultimately affecting one person’s future in camp.
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa airs weeknights at 9pm on ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
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