David Haye couldn’t hide his deep hurt after feeling disrespected by what he saw as Adam Thomas’s behind-the-scenes actions in the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa All Stars camp. The former heavyweight boxing champion, known for his no-nonsense attitude, reportedly felt ignored and unacknowledged when he tried to maintain discipline and push the group during challenging moments. Instead of cooperation, he encountered what he perceived as indifference from Adam, leaving him feeling sidelined and undervalued in the high-pressure jungle environment.
Sources close to the unfolding drama say Haye clearly expressed his disappointment with Adam’s behaviour, describing it as uncooperative and dismissive of the collective effort needed to survive camp life. The tension escalated during discussions around Bushtucker trials, particularly one called “Termite Terror.” Adam, who was battling physical discomfort at the time, declined to participate and suggested another campmate step up instead. Haye responded bluntly, questioning the decision and later labelling Adam “useless” in comments that quickly spread discomfort through the group.
The underlying conflict appeared to stem from differing approaches to camp dynamics. Haye, a disciplined athlete accustomed to high standards, seemed frustrated by what he viewed as a lack of commitment or resilience. Adam, meanwhile, was dealing with his own struggles, including a flare-up of psoriatic arthritis that caused significant pain and required him to manage injections even in the remote South African wilderness. Viewers later learned Adam had been pushing through severe joint inflammation while trying to put on a brave face for the cameras.
After the initial arguments, Haye reportedly felt even more wounded when he observed Adam being openly supported and “protected” by Gemma Collins. The outspoken TOWIE star stepped in subtly at times, using calm gestures and words to de-escalate situations and shield her friend from harsher criticism. Gemma later revealed on the spin-off show I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked that she had consciously held back her usual “GC mode” to avoid turning the camp into chaos, but confirmed there were moments where she felt the need to protect Adam from escalating negativity.
This dynamic left Haye appearing isolated in the eyes of some campmates and viewers. Fans watching the episodes described the exchanges as uncomfortable, with many accusing Haye of crossing from banter into bullying territory. Social media buzzed with reactions calling out his comments as lacking empathy, especially given Adam’s visible vulnerability. Hosts Ant and Dec even addressed the situation in rare on-air remarks, criticising behaviour that appeared to push boundaries too far.
Haye’s frustration seemed rooted in a sense of lost respect. As a celebrated sportsman who built his career on mental toughness and straight talking, he may have expected the same level of grit from fellow celebrities. Instead, he felt his attempts to rally the group were met with resistance or deflection. Behind-the-scenes reports suggested the boxer expressed genuine disappointment that his efforts to uphold standards were being disregarded, particularly when Adam’s rule-breaking incident — sneaking chocolates back from a luxury banquet — resulted in group punishment that Haye vocally opposed.
The clash highlighted broader realities of reality television. I’m A Celebrity throws stars into extreme conditions: hunger, discomfort, sleep deprivation, and constant scrutiny. Small personality differences can quickly amplify into major storylines. Adam later opened up publicly, admitting that Haye had “broke me” and pushed him to his emotional and physical limits during filming. He described the experience as one of the toughest of his life, revealing he had struggled with self-blame at the time but now recognised it wasn’t entirely his fault. Adam noted that he and Haye had spoken since, with the boxer apologising, allowing some closure.
Gemma Collins emerged as a voice of measured support. She explained that she sensed “unwelcoming” vibes at times and chose to stand by Adam without launching into full confrontation. Her approach — stretching her arms out as a quiet signal for calm — earned praise from audiences who saw her as a mature presence preventing worse fallout. Beverley Callard was also seen urging more sympathy and empathy toward Adam during the trial dispute.
For Haye, the situation appeared to sting on a personal level. Feeling ignored after trying to enforce discipline, then watching a campmate receive protective backing, reportedly deepened his sense of isolation. The former champion has always been direct in his communication, a trait that served him well in the ring but can clash in group settings where emotional nuance matters.
The South Africa All Stars series, filmed late last year and airing in 2026, has delivered plenty of drama beyond this feud. From Gemma’s emotional breakdowns to food heists and intense trials involving snakes and insects, the show continues to test celebrities’ resilience. Yet the Haye-Thomas tension has become one of its most discussed arcs, sparking debates about where banter ends and unnecessary pressure begins.
Adam Thomas, best known for roles in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Waterloo Road, has shown strength in reflecting on the experience. He wished he had stood his ground more firmly at times but also acknowledged the value of moving forward after the apology. His openness about living with chronic arthritis has raised awareness of invisible illnesses that can make everyday tasks — let alone jungle challenges — incredibly difficult.
As the series progresses, camp dynamics continue to shift with new arrivals and trials. Viewers remain divided: some defend Haye’s tough-love style as motivational, while others argue it lacked the compassion needed in a vulnerable group setting. Gemma’s protective role has been widely admired, positioning her as a calming influence rather than the dramatic figure some expected.
In the end, I’m A Celebrity South Africa reveals true character under duress. David Haye’s expressed hurt over perceived lack of respect and Adam’s quiet endurance highlight how quickly misunderstandings can fester in confined, stressful conditions. The conflict may have erupted visibly, but the behind-the-scenes emotions — disappointment, pain, and eventual attempts at reconciliation — add layers to what audiences see on screen.
Reality TV thrives on these raw moments, reminding us that even celebrities bring real human frailties into the jungle. Whether Haye’s directness was misinterpreted or Adam’s responses were misread, the story underscores the importance of empathy when living and competing together in one of television’s harshest environments.
