Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas has revealed he is receiving therapy to process the emotional aftermath of his experience on I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and a subsequent feud with former boxing champion David Haye.
Conflict in the Jungle
The 37-year-old actor described feeling “broken” by the interactions that occurred during their time in the South African jungle last September. The dispute originated from critical remarks made by Haye towards Thomas, including calling him “useless” after Thomas excused himself from a trial due to his psoriatic arthritis.
Escalating Tensions
This behavior continued after the show concluded, with Haye sharing a provocative image on social media alongside audio of a heated exchange between the two men. Thomas discussed the impact of Haye’s actions on the At Home With The Thomas Bros podcast, stating the experience felt like bullying, despite the lack of physical aggression.
Emotional Fallout and Therapy
Thomas expressed regret for not defending himself during the ordeal, admitting he felt mentally “f***ed” by the situation. He acknowledged a significant personal change, stating he is no longer the same person who entered the jungle.
Confined Environment and Self-Reflection
The inability to escape the conflict within the show’s confined environment intensified his distress, as there was “nowhere to hide.” His therapist helped him understand that his tendency to prioritize others and avoid self-promotion contributed to his difficulty in asserting himself.
Apology and Resolution
Thomas recounted a confrontation where he requested an apology from Haye, only to be told Haye was “trying to teach him a lesson.” The situation improved after Haye’s elimination from the show, which Thomas described as a “huge weight” being lifted.
While initially hurt, Thomas later revealed Haye has since apologized and believes the boxer has a “heart of gold” despite his often-abrasive personality. However, the initial impact was severe enough to warrant professional help.
Public Concerns and Show Hosts' Reaction
Viewers had previously expressed concerns about potential bullying, particularly regarding Haye’s dismissive comments about Thomas’s health condition and his refusal to participate in a trial. Even hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly admitted to feeling “uncomfortable” with the exchanges, a rare public acknowledgment of the tension.
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