Sam Thompson enjoyed an emotional reunion with girlfriend Zara McDermott as he arrived back in London after his triumphant I'm A Celebrity appearance.
As he stepped off the plane on Wednesday, the 31-year-old King of the Jungle burst into tears as he was greeted by his 26-year-old partner at Heathrow Airport.
Radio presenter Sam was crowned winner in the final on Sunday evening. He beat boxer Tony Bellew and politician Nigel Farage, where he received over 50 percent of the vote.
Zara proudly clutched a few balloons and smiled broadly as she waited for him.
Following their emotional reunion, the pair kissed and held each other's faces after spending four weeks apart.
Sam Thompson enjoyed an emotional reunion with girlfriend Zara McDermott as he arrived back in London after his triumphant I'm A Celebrity appearance
As he stepped off the plane on Wednesday, the 31-year-old King of the Jungle burst into tears as he was greeted by his 26-year-old partner at Heathrow Airport
Zara was casual in an oversized cream hoodie and gray sports leggings, which she layered over a fleece teddy coat.
Sam was accompanied on his flight by his best mate Pete Wicks, who flew out to greet him in the jungle.
Previously, Sam shared a photo on his Instagram as he waited for his flight at Brisbane Airport after finally getting his phone back.
As he made his triumphant exit, the radio host admitted he was “overwhelmed with gratitude”.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Sam admitted that “words can't quite express how grateful he is” and that he was “overwhelmed” by the support from viewers.
The reality star added that he was “a little nervous” when he first entered the jungle because he was worried he would “look like an idiot.”
Before boarding his flight home, Sam posted a snap at Brisbane Airport and wrote: “I'M COMING HOME!!!!” I just got my phone back this morning and I'm not sure where to start but I want me first of all thank you.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. There are few words to describe how grateful I am to each and every one of you who supported me during my time in the jungle.”
“You made a little boy’s (who’s a little older now) dream come true and I’ll never forget that.”
“When I first entered this jungle I didn't know what to expect and I was a bit nervous about making myself look like an ass as I know I'm a bit full especially if ever there are a lot of people and energy there.'
He continued, “Since I don't know what's going on in the outside world, I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm nervous!”
“Still, I really never thought I would get the chance to be on a show and meeting Ant and Dec and all those iconic experiences that I've always seen on TV just made me feel incredible .” I’m glad I stopped worrying about it on the second day!
“I had no idea of all the support, love and kindness you all have shown me and reading some of your comments and messages I am overwhelmed with gratitude!!!”
“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be crowned King of the Jungle or that I would be doing CYCLONE!” Every time Ant and Dec entered the camp I convinced myself I would be next.
“There's no way people actually voted for me.” But each time I stayed another day, I felt more and more humbled and emotional.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Sam admitted that “words can't quite express how grateful he is” and that he was “overwhelmed” by the support from viewers
Sam (centre) prevailed with over 50 per cent of the vote after boxer Tony Bellew, 41 (left), came second and Nigel Farage, 59, (right) came third
“Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!!” I have more people to thank and a few more sloppy posts, but my first thank you goes to all of you. I love you. ❤️'
Sam shared the post as this year's I'm A Celebrity stars boarded their flights back to the UK on Tuesday.
Reality TV star Sam won the title of King of the Jungle 2023 in a landslide victory on Sunday, voting figures showed.
He prevailed with over 50 per cent of the vote, beating boxer Tony Bellew, 41, who came second, and Nigel, who came third.
ITV released two sets of figures showing the percentages for the top three, before voting was frozen and later reopened for the final two.
In the first round, Sam achieved 43.35 percent, miles ahead of Tony with 30.87 percent and Nigel with 25.78 percent.
In the final vote, Sam's lead only increased as he garnered 56.64 percent of the audience vote, beating Tony's 43.36 percent by a whopping 13 percent.
Sam has been bookmakers' favorite to win in recent weeks after proving popular with ITV viewers.
Sam jumped into runner-up Tony's arms as hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly announced the results, but then admitted he was “overwhelmed”.
He said: “I'm really overwhelmed, I didn't think I would even be invited onto the show. 'I don't know what to say.'
Asked what he had to say to those who voted for him, he said through tears: “I'm so grateful, thank you so much.” I've dreamed of doing this show for years and you have a boy's dream made true.
Sam had openly said he was a superfan of the show and admitted it was “100 times” better than he expected.