After weeks of rice, beans, and insane trials, I’m A Celebrity Australia 2025 has crowned its latest King of the Jungle, winner Sam Thaiday!
The former NRL star took out the top spot in the show’s closest vote yet, winning $100,000 for his chosen charity, Find Ya Feet, an organisation dedicated to empowering men of all ages to open up about their struggles, equipping them with the tools to speak out and challenge the status quo.
Sam battled it out in the final three alongside Big Brother icon Reggie Bird and The Bachelor‘s Matty J, with all three reflecting on the highs, lows, and seriously questionable meals that carried them through the South African jungle to the grand finale.
To mark the milestone, the celebs got the ultimate surprise: an emotional reunion with their loved ones. Sam’s wife Rachel and daughters Ellsie and met him at the waterfall, Reggie’s daughter Mia and sister Anita showed up at the creek, while Matty’s wife Laura Byrne and daughters Lola and Marlie-Mae arrived in camp. Cue the happy tears!
But the jungle wasn’t done with the finalists just yet. The trio had to endure one last horror: the Hot Tub Slime Machine — a bubbling bath of rotten eggs, elephant poo, and, because the jungle never lets up, more rice and beans. With their loved ones answering questions to earn stars for dinner, it was a final test of endurance… and also gag reflexes.
The celebs spent their last night in camp reminiscing about their time together before the all-important moment arrived. And while the vote was nail-bitingly close, it was Sam who officially took the crown as winner of I’m A Celebrity for 2025!
Speaking about his chosen charity, Find ya Feet, Sam explained: “Tommy [Herschell] is an absolute legend of a man.”
“I’ve been able to be a part of his workshops previously. His goal is to offer a platform for individuals to share their stories and equip them with the skills to be able to own their problems. He helps provide tools that enable them to shift that ‘get on with it’ culture well after the workshop pulls up.”
“Their vision is to empower every individual with the tools and skills they need to engage in conversations that go well past ‘How are ya?’. I wish I had a mentor like Tommy to come and talk to me as a 13-year-old boy. His workshops give especially young boys a chance to share their emotions in a safe space without judgmental criticism,” Sam shared.
Reflecting on his own experience, Sam opened up about losing his best friend to suicide in 2007.
“If he had a mentor like Tommy at a young age, maybe he would have had the tools to share his emotions and lessen the burden he felt. Maybe Joey would be here today.”
What an incredible cause. Onya, Sam!
Big congrats to Sam and all the celebs who survived the jungle this year!
