The second series of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… South Africa All-Stars spin-off exploded onto screens Monday night. Viewers immediately flooded social media with alarm as former Emmerdale star Adam Thomas was thrown directly into a punishing physical trial despite his highly publicized battle with chronic arthritis.
Hosts Ant and Dec wasted no time testing the returning campmates on the April 6 premiere. Thomas and Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts were tasked with “Tipped Over The Edge.” The terrifying challenge suspended the duo on a see-saw puzzle high on a cliff ledge. Sir Mo Farah and Roberts ultimately clinched the victory. The loss sent Thomas straight to “Savannah Scrub,” a basic and deeply punishing secondary camp.
Fans watching at home immediately raised red flags about the grueling conditions, voicing their concern over his participation in the physical puzzle. Thomas originally competed in Series 16 of the main show. He was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2023 at the age of 34. The diagnosis was later revised to psoriatic arthritis. He has openly documented his constant pain over the last three years. The condition severely impacted his previous stint on Strictly Come Dancing.
Thomas recently claimed a massive health breakthrough. He stated he is now completely “pain-free.” He credits this turnaround to his first biologic injection and a highly restrictive carnivore diet consisting entirely of meat and eggs. Medical professionals quickly issued warnings regarding the long-term health risks of such an extreme regimen.
How ITV’s Live London Finale Flips the South Africa Format
The danger feels palpable on screen. The timeline holds a massive twist. This South Africa season was entirely pre-recorded in Kruger National Park back in September 2025. But ITV just introduced a radical paradigm shift for the 2026 broadcast. Unlike the fully pre-recorded 2023 season where Myleene Klass took the crown, the upcoming April 24 finale will air live directly from London. For the very first time in the spin-off’s history, the viewing public holds the ultimate power to vote for the winner.