I’m A Celeb campmate Tony Bellew compares Sam Thompson to his children despite excitable Made In Chelsea star being 31 as he asks to sit on the boxer’s KNEE

• READ MORE: Meet the 2023 I’m A Celeb campmates 

Tony Bellew compared his ‘energetic’ I’m A Celebrity campmate Sam Thompson to his kids in the latest episode on Monday.

The former professional boxer, 40, said it was ‘not his first rodeo around children’ as he shares four sons with childhood sweetheart wife Rachael Roberts. 

During the ITV show, the former Made In Chelsea star Sam, 31, who is a huge fan of Tony’s, hilariously asked the cruiserweight boxer if he could sit on his knee. 

Sam, who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), asked: ‘Can I sit on your knee, Tony?’

Letting him sit, Tony said: ‘Feeling OK, son?’, grinning Sam couldn’t hold back his smile and replied: ‘It’s everything I ever dreamed of.’

‘He never stops’: Tony Bellew compared his ‘energetic’ I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! campmate Sam Thompson to his kids in the latest episode on Monday

‘He’s just a ball of energy’: During the ITV show, the former Made In Chelsea star Sam, 31, who is a huge fan of Tony’s, hilariously asked the cruiserweight boxer if he could sit on his knee

Later, in the Bush Telegraph Tony said: ‘He’s just a ball of energy. He never stops. I have four kids. It’s not my first rodeo around children.

‘He is literally the most energetic person I’ve ever met in my bloody life.’

ADHD is defined by a short attention span and poor impulse control, with Sam diagnosed with the condition in 2022.

It comes after Sam’s best pal Pete Wicks said his friend ‘should not be defined by his ADHD and autism’,

The TV personality, 35, told MailOnline that fans need to ’embrace’ Sam’s excitable personality after he was branded ‘attention seeking’ and ‘annoying’ by viewers.

Earlier this year, Sam, 31, was diagnosed with ADHD and autism after undergoing tests in his Channel 4 documentary Is This ADHD? and said the realisation was a ‘weight lifted off his shoulders.’

Former TOWIE star Pete says his friend’s diagnosis means he will struggle with life in the jungle, but it shouldn’t stop ITV viewers from getting to know the real Sam on a more personal level.

Pete said: ‘Sam is a grower, not a shower, let’s put it that way.

Friendship: Letting him sit, Tony said: ‘Feeling OK, son?’, grinning Sam couldn’t hold back his smile and replied: ‘It’s everything I ever dreamed of.’

Family: The former professional boxer, 40, said it was ‘not his first rodeo around children’ as he shares four sons with childhood sweetheart wife Rachael Roberts (pictured in February) 

Later, in the Bush Telegraph Tony said: ‘He’s just a ball of energy. He never stops. I have four kids. It’s not my first rodeo around children. He is literally the most energetic person I’ve ever met in my bloody life’

READ MORE: I’m A Celeb’s Tony Bellew admits he was ‘basically skint’ before signing up for the show

‘I know he got a bit of grief on the first night for being over the top but that is him and that’s the reason that everyone loves him. I think he’s a superstar just the way he is. It just takes a bit of time if you’re not used to it.

‘It’s like having a big child… that’s how he sees me, I like to think it’s brotherly, but I think he sees me as his dad.

‘He is quite obviously aggravating, however, that is the Sam that we know, and love and I specifically love. I’m hoping that he can continue being the happy puppy that he is.

‘Sam struggles with boredom and a lot of things because of his ADHD and autism but that shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing. I have read a lot of comments and it’s something that I believe shouldn’t define him.

‘People should embrace that because he’s entertaining and that’s what the show is about. He should be defined by the fact that he’s a really fun, positive guy and that’s his personality aside from having ADHD and autism.’

It comes after Tony admitted the referee ‘saved his life’ during his infamous fight against Oleksandr Usyk on Sunday’s episode.

The boxer was soon quizzed over his career by his fellow castmates after entering the jungle last week. 

The fighter bowed out from the ring with 30 out of 34 wins in 2018, after losing to Oleksandr Usyk – who is set to be Tyson Fury’s next opponent on December 23.

In his final match at the Manchester Arena, Tony looked to get back up after being knocked out – but referee Terry O’Connor stopped the fight.

On Sunday’s show, Tony was quizzed by Jamie Lynn Spears, Sam and Fred Sirieix about his final fight, which saw the end to his ten-fight winning streak.

Sam asked: ‘What was it like fighting Usyk?’

Tony replied: ‘Too hard. Obviously he’s amazing. I’ve fought stronger people, I’ve fought quicker people, but I’ve never fought someone like him who has got everything. He works you out.

‘He downloads what you do. He’s downloading all the data in front of him. It takes him three rounds to do it. With me, it took him eight. And then he does it, he pulled the trigger.

Funny moment: It comes after Sam was keen to compare the size of his hand to his hero’s 

Pals: Last week Sam’s best pal Pete Wicks said his friend ‘should not be defined by his ADHD and autism’ and fans need to ’embrace’ Sam’s excitable personality 

Diagnosis: Earlier this year, Sam was diagnosed with ADHD and autism after undergoing tests in his Channel 4 documentary Is This ADHD? and said the realisation was a ‘weight lifted off his shoulders’ 

‘But I was exhausted, like. I remember everything up until round 7. I don’t remember round 8.’

Fred asked: ‘Because you were so tired?’

Tony said: ‘Yeah.’

Sam asked: ‘Does he hit hard or not?’

Tony said: ‘No and I was up at six. He didn’t knock me clean out… I get up at six, thank god the referee didn’t let me because he’d have killed me.’

Tony then admitted the referee’s decision to stop the match when he did ‘saved his life’.

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The Bomber added in the Bush Telegraph: ‘The referee literally saved my life. Next shot probably puts me away for good.

‘So, boxing at the highest level in the professional business is brutal. My priority was to make it home safe. After that it was to win at all costs.’

Usyk knocked out Bellew in the eighth round with an emphatic and heavy blow at the Manchester Arena despite Tony leading on the judges’ scorecards.

In camp, Jamie Lynn was getting to know new campmate Tony and asked him: ‘What does it feel like when you knock somebody out?’

Tony said: ‘Do you know what, babe? It’s a relief it’s over.’

Jamie Lynn added: ‘You’re not happy to knock someone out, but you are kind of, because that’s your job…’

Tony replied: ‘I live for the knockout.’

Jamie Lynn admitted: ‘It would be my worst nightmare to know I have to literally fight.’

Tony said: ‘The most important part is controlling yourself emotionally. You can’t be emotionally attached to the event, you’ve got to be cold.’

He added: ‘I don’t think anything I’ve done is really special. Anyone can do it, you’ve just got to be willing to sacrifice.’

Jamie Lynn laughed: ‘I’m sorry no. No, no, no. There’s a lot of things anyone can do, boxing is not one of them!’

Sam then compared the size of his hand to Tony’s before yelling to Marvin: ‘This hand is just a hand, but this hand has knocked out so many people!’

Fred asked Sam: ‘Could you imagine if Tony Bellew was knocking you out?’

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! continues Monday, November 27 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates

NIGEL FARAGE

Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party  and leader of the Brexit Party.

Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty. 

Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news. 

Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore. 

Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields 

DANIELLE HAROLD

Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.

Phobias: Rats. I hate them! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in. 

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too! 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either. 

Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.

FRED SIRIEIX

Claim to fame: First Dates star.

Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp. 

Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning. 

Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient! 

Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.

NELLA ROSE

Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star. 

Phobias: I am fearful of everything! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book. 

Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it! 

Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele. 

NICK PICKARD

Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star. 

Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character. 

Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts. 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop! 

Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock. 

FRANKIE DETTORI

Claim to fame: Champion Jockey

Phobias: I am not sure as I don’t walk across rooftop planks in the middle of the day nor do I have any snakes or rats in the house!

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: None. I’ve lived in the public domain for as long as I can remember so I’d hope everyone knows me well.

Role in camp: To have fun with everyone, I am a happy-go- lucky person.

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? Travelling. I have spent my whole life at airports and I’ve got to like it!

Best & worst attributes: I am outgoing and I am a fighter. Worst? I can’t sit still and I am impatient.

Dream camper: Robbie Williams would be fun.

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS

Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.

 Phobias: I am scared of everything.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.

Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone. 

Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed. 

Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot. 

Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.

SAM THOMPSON

Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter. 

Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck. 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!

Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming. 

Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things. 

Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle! 

JOSIE GIBSON

Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.

Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information! 

Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on! 

Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry. 

Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her. 

MARVIN HUMES

Claim to fame: JLS star.

Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared! 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me. 

Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator. 

Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too. 

Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food. 

Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.

GRACE DENT

Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic. 

Phobias: Horrible people. 

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this. 

Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out. 

Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour. 

Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep. 

Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour! 

TONY BELLEW

Claim to fame: Former champion boxer

Phobias: Like most normal people, I am scared of almost everything.

Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People will portray me as something I am not because of the profession I have had. I am just a normal person.

Role in camp: I’d like to think I am domesticated so hopefully I can help out.

Best & worst attributes: I do get hangry…who doesn’t! But I am easy going and I get on with everyone.

 

 

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