I’m A Celebrity fans are only just realising the ‘real reason’ Zara McDermott didn’t meet Sam Thompson on jungle bridge

I'M A Celebrity fans are only just realising the 'real reason' why Zara McDermott didn't meet Sam Thompson on the jungle bridge.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 31, was crowned King Of The Jungle, with boxing legend Tony Bellew coming in second place, and Nigel Farage in third on Sunday.

Sam Thompson was crowned King of the Jungle ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ 2023Credit: Rex

Fans questioned where his girlfriend Zara McDermott was as she didn't appear on the bridgeCredit: Splash

Instead, Sam was met with his best pal Pete WicksCredit: ITV

Zara remained at the couple's home in London during Sam's three-week stint in the Jungle, while his best pal Pete Wicks flew out to meet him.

The former Love Island star explained her Australian absence was because she thought that she would still be competing on Strictly Come Dancing.

She shared on Instagram earlier this month: “Pete is going. We’ve had a few laughs and jokes about this.

“But in all seriousness; Sam thought I was still going to be in Strictly (bless him, the optimism), so Pete cleared his whole diary for 2/3 weeks to be there.”

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The 26-year-old added: “I also have had to rush back to work as soon as Strictly finished to finish two of my documentaries before Xmas which I am currently abroad filming now and we also have training for our final Strictly number.

“So it was a bit impossible to clear everything but Sam was so excited by the idea of Pete being there anyway that he was happy for me to be waiting for him back at base.”

Despite not going down under, Zara hosted a big celebration party at their home with friends and family to support Sam as he became King of the Jungle 2023.

Zara took part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing with professional dancer Graziano Di Prima but was eliminated from the BBC show during Halloween week.

Sam and Pete were seen in the Strictly audience supporting Zara before her exit from the show by wearing matching shirts printed with a motif of her face.

Elsewhere, it was reported Sam has already sparked a bidding war among TV channels after winning over the country during his time in the jungle.

Last night The Sun revealed he's set to make a lot of money off the back of the show.