Sam Thompson crowned King of the Jungle in I'm a Celebrity 2023 final

The 2023 series of I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! draws to a close tonight after three weeks of stomach-churning bush tucker trials, heated camp rows and top-notch banter from Ant and Dec. 

This year's finalists are Nigel Farage, Tony Bellew and Sam Thompson, who will battle it out in Sunday's show for the chance to be named the King of the Jungle. But who will walk away with the coveted crown? 

Sam Thompson

It didn't take long for Sam Thompson to become a firm favourite amongst both his campmates and the viewers at home. The former Made in Chelsea star has become a staple of camp life, loved for his Labrador-like energy and sunny disposition. During his time in the jungle, Sam has kept up the camp morale and even opened up about his ADHD diagnosis. He also developed an unlikely but very sweet bromance with fellow finalist Tony. 

Nigel Farage

Who knew Nigel Farage would make it to the grand final? The former politician's appearance on the programme caused a fair amount of controversy when the series debuted in November, and despite clashing with some of his campmates, including Nella Rose and fellow finalist Sam, Nigel has managed to win over the public and make it to the final episode. His camp highlights include exposing his bare bottom in the jungle shower, as well as his emotional reunion with his daughter Isabelle. 

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Tony Bellew

Former professional boxer Tony Bellew has shown his sensitive side in camp over the past few weeks and has firmly established himself as the camp patriarch, lending support to his fellow contestants. One of his most memorable moments was when he and Nigel took part in a gruesome eating trial which saw the pair attempt to drink an array of stomach-churning concoctions. While Nigel took it in his stride, Tony repeatedly gagged and struggled to keep the drinks down, leaving his campmates and the viewers at home in stitches.

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As it stands, Sam Thompson is the favourite to win this year's series. 

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: "Sam Thompson has been the market favourite to win I'm A Celebrity since the beginning of the second week and remains the clear frontrunner going into tonight’s final.

 "The Made in Chelsea star is just 4/11 to win the Jungle Crown tonight, giving him clear breathing space in the betting ahead of Nigel Farage (4/1) and Tony Bellew (9/2)."

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Josie Gibson narrowly missed out on a place in the 2023 final when she became the seventh campmate to be eliminated from the jungle. 

With Josie gone, Sam, Tony and Nigel are officially this year's finalists. 

On making it to the last hurdle, Tony said in the Bush Telegraph: "Did I ever think I'd get to the final three? Not a chance, no. I can't put into words how grateful I am."

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It's time for the finalists to face one last Bushtucker trial! They'll all face a "classic" challenge, according to Ant and Dec, with starters, main courses, desserts, drinks and treats up for grabs if they win.

For Tony's challenge, he'll be strapped down to a giant plate. To win stars, Tony must stay on for as long as possible whilst various critters join him. 

For every two minutes, Tony wins a star - the first three are for all three starters, the fourth is for a drink of Tony's choice and the fifth is for a special treat. 

He might not have enjoyed his final trial, but Tony still managed to win all five stars! 

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It looks like Sam's drawn the short straw for his final trial as he's facing the eating challenge, Bushtucker Bonanza. 

The presenter will be presented with five dishes, which each represent one star. The first three stars are for main courses for camp, while the fourth star is for his drink and the fifth is for a treat. 

Eating trials really don't come much worse than this - fish eye AND pig's vagina?! 

Luckily, Ant, Dec, Tony and Nigel were on hand with their rendition of JLS's 'Everybody in Love' as a form of encouragement. 

Sam took it like a champ and managed to chow down on all five dishes, winning all three main courses, as well as his drink and treat. Although, I'm not sure Sam will have much of an appetite after that...

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It's Nigel's turn now and he's taking on Panic Pit. For every two minutes he stays down the snake-infested pit, he'll win a star - the first three for all desserts, the fourth for a drink and the fifth for a treat. 

Nigel managed to make it through Panic Pit, meaning all three finalists get to feast on their chosen meals in camp tonight. Well done team!

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Nigel has placed third in this year's series, making Sam and Tony the two finalists. But who will win? 

After 23 days in camp, Nigel's journey has come to an end. 

Chatting to Ant and Dec about his time on the show, the former UKIP leader revealed why he decided to sign up. "I began to think, 60 next birthday I'm going to get to an age when I can't do it," he explained. "It's very physical."

He added that he was "thrilled" to have made it this far. 

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Tony, Sam and Nigel enjoyed a mouth-watering feast fit for kings for their final meal in camp.  

While Tony and Sam both opted for steak, Nigel tucked into a roasted duck. 

While enjoying their dinner, Tony admitted that the experience had been "far better" than he ever thought, and that Sam had been a part of that. Aw! We love a bromance. 

Sam and Tony have made it to the final two. The pair's blossoming friendship has been a highlight of this year's series. 

But who will win? 

It's a well-deserved win for the I'm a Celeb superfan. Congratulations Sam!

Clearly overwhelmed, Sam said: "I don't know what to say. I'm so grateful, thank you so much. I've dreamt of doing this show for years and years."

Sam's big win makes Tony, aka Teddy T, this year's runner-up.

Tony was full of praise for Sam and told Ant and Dec: "I've never ever met a person like him. He deserves it more than anything, I couldn't be happier."

© James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock

What a final. That's a wrap on this year's series of I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Congratulations to Sam Thompson - what a well-deserved win!

That's it from us, we hope you enjoyed the blog. See you next year!