Adam Thomas has been a familiar face on British television for more than two decades, first as a soap opera regular and later as a reliable presence across reality TV. In 2026, he capped off his career highlights so far by winning one of the most chaotic series finales in the I'm A Celebrity franchise's history. Here's the full story of who he is, his career, and why his win became such a talking point.
Who Is Adam Thomas?
Adam Gordon Thomas is an English actor and television presenter, born on August 11, 1988, in Salford, Greater Manchester. He is the twin brother of actor Scott Thomas and the brother of Ryan Thomas, both familiar faces in British soap opera and reality television themselves.
Adam Thomas's Television Career
Thomas began his television career in 2002 with a guest appearance on the BBC daytime soap Doctors. He went on to become widely known for two major soap roles: Donte Charles in Waterloo Road, which he played from 2006 to 2009 and returned to in 2023, and Adam Barton in Emmerdale, a role he held from 2009 to 2018. Alongside his acting work, he's built a long-running presence in reality television, appearing on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2016, co-hosting I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp in 2019, and competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, where he was eliminated in week seven alongside professional dance partner Luba Mushtuk.
Winning I'm A Celebrity... South Africa 2026
In April 2026, Thomas competed on the second series of I'm a Celebrity... South Africa, an all-star spin-off swapping the traditional Australian jungle for Kruger National Park, featuring returning celebrities including Mo Farah, Gemma Collins, Harry Redknapp, David Haye, and Scarlett Moffatt. On April 24, 2026, Thomas was crowned the winner by public vote, beating Mo Farah into second place and Harry Redknapp into third.
Example: How a Chaotic Live Final Overshadowed Adam's Win
A clear example of how dramatic this season's ending became is the live final broadcast itself, which descended into genuine on-air chaos before Thomas's win was even announced. During the finale, boxer David Haye repeatedly heckled Thomas after fellow campmate Gemma Collins defended him as a deserving winner. Shortly after, former footballer Jimmy Bullard accused Thomas of being "aggressive and intimidating" toward him during an earlier moment in camp that hadn't been broadcast. The disagreement escalated to the point that cast member Sinitta walked off set, and hosts Ant and Dec found themselves directly disputing Haye's characterization of events on live television. Thomas responded during the broadcast by taking "full responsibility" for his actions while maintaining he had "nothing but love" for Bullard. This example shows how, even in a show built around escapism and celebrity bonding, unresolved tension between contestants can spill into the most high-profile moment of the entire series, turning what should have been a straightforward victory lap into a genuinely contentious watch.
The Aftermath: Adam Thomas Speaks Out
Nearly a week after the chaotic final aired, Thomas addressed the experience publicly for the first time on a podcast appearance, revealing he had since started therapy and becoming emotional as he recalled the tense broadcast. His comments suggested the fallout from the final had a real personal impact on him, despite ultimately winning the competition.
Adam Thomas's Personal Life
Thomas has been married to Caroline Daly since 2017, and the couple share two children together. He remains closely connected professionally and personally to his brothers, Ryan and Scott Thomas, both established figures in British soap opera and reality television in their own right.
Watch: Adam Thomas Wins I'm A Celebrity South Africa 2026
FAQs
What is Adam Thomas known for?
Adam Thomas is known for playing Adam Barton in Emmerdale and Donte Charles in Waterloo Road, as well as for winning I'm a Celebrity... South Africa in 2026.
Did Adam Thomas win I'm A Celebrity?
Yes, Thomas was crowned the winner of I'm a Celebrity... South Africa's second series on April 24, 2026, beating Mo Farah and Harry Redknapp, who finished second and third.
Why did I'm A Celebrity South Africa's final become controversial?
The live final descended into on-air conflict after David Haye heckled Thomas and Jimmy Bullard accused him of being aggressive toward him during unaired camp footage, leading to Sinitta walking off set.
Who is Adam Thomas's family?
Adam Thomas is the twin brother of actor Scott Thomas and brother of actor Ryan Thomas. He has been married to Caroline Daly since 2017, and they have two children.
What other reality shows has Adam Thomas appeared on?
Besides I'm a Celebrity... South Africa, Thomas competed on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2016 and Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.
People Also Ask
Who came second in I'm A Celebrity South Africa 2026?
Sir Mo Farah finished as the runner-up to Adam Thomas in the 2026 series of I'm a Celebrity... South Africa.
Did Adam Thomas address the controversial final?
Yes, roughly a week after the final aired, Thomas spoke publicly on a podcast about the experience, revealing he had begun therapy and getting emotional recalling the broadcast.
What soap operas has Adam Thomas appeared in?
Adam Thomas is best known for Emmerdale, where he played Adam Barton from 2009 to 2018, and Waterloo Road, where he played Donte Charles.
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