ITV I'm A Celebrity fans react as Sam Thompson crowned 2023 winner after all-male final causes divide

The former Made In Chelsea star was favourite to be crowned this year's winner on the ITV reality show- and he was

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here viewers reacted in their droves as Sam Thompson was crowned King of the Jungle. The former Made In Chelsea star was favourite to be crowned this year's winner and he was during Sunday night's (December 10) grand final of the ITV reality show.

Before the news was revealed, Sam said his experience in the jungle was “like a dream that I don’t want you to wake me up from, it’s the most surreal thing I’ve ever done in my life". Asked by hosts Ant and Dec how great it was to meet them, he said: “When you first walked into camp I sort of blacked out a little bit.”

On whether the camp lived up to his expectations, he said: "It did so much more, I’ve never been so shocked in my life, it was times 100. The little moments were the best moments, when Snake Rock camp came back and we had everyone back together, the vibe was so amazing and I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy."

READ MORE: ITV I'm A Celebrity viewers say 'we won' after Nigel Farage's third place exit and make 'restored' quip

READ MORE: Read more of today's top stories from the Manchester Evening News

After Ant and Dec confirmed the self-confessed I'm A Celeb was 'King', he leapt into the arms of runner-up Tony Bellew. He said: "I’m really overwhelmed, I didn’t think I was even going to be invited on this show."

Speaking to voters, he said: "I am so grateful, thank you so much, I’ve dreamt of doing this show for years and years and you made this boy’s dream come true."

He was crowned by fellow contestant Josie Gibson, who told him: "I’m so proud of you.” Asked how it felt to be the winner, he yelled: "It feels amazing!" before crossing the rope bridge to be greeted by his pal Pete Wicks.

And I'm A Celeb fans quickly flocked to social media. @sophmrqry cheered: "I'M SO HAPPY THAT SAM WON HE WAS MY WINNER FROM THE START #ImACeleb." @Lexiilou88 posted: "Massive well done to @SamThompsonUK very well deserved you have shown that in such tough world just being your authentic self always wins #ImACeleb."

@hannahoxoxox posted: "I'm happy Sam has won, he looks like he can't believe he's won too #ImACeleb." @QueenPaige18 wrote: "SAM. Wanted him to win from day one. Im so happy #ImACeleb." @bridget_maherx added: "There’s never been a more deserving winner of this show than Sam! Watching him every night was the best and he’s such a lovely person #ImACeleb #SamThompson."

But some weren't as sure about the result. @AnneHewson wrote: "Oh I really wanted @TonyBellew to win #ImACeleb #ImACelebrity @antanddec." @JadeThinksALot typed: "I actually wanted Tony to win but whatever #ImACeleb." But @mikepriestley13 reasoned: "Congratulations Sam… I did want Tony to win he made me laugh specially in the trials. But Sam’s not a bad lad so all ends well. Bring on 2024. Love this show. #ImACeleb."