Adam Thomas, a participant on the television show “I’m A Celebrity… South Africa,” has been dealing with psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune condition that affects his joints. The 37-year-old actor was diagnosed with this condition in 2023, coinciding with his appearance on “Strictly Come Dancing.” Psoriatic arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, but it is manageable with medication, as per the NHS.
Adam has openly discussed the challenges of living with the illness. In a poignant Instagram video from February, he shared his experience of self-administering medication for the first time to cope with the autoimmune disease attacking his body, leading to significant pain.
The actor described the varying intensity of pain he experiences, affecting different parts of his body on different days. Despite the struggles, he often masked his discomfort with a smile, concealing the true extent of his suffering from others.
Viewers of the show witnessed Adam expressing his health concerns to his fellow contestants, including moments where he needed rest due to his condition. However, his decision not to participate in a challenge led to negative reactions from some, notably David Haye, who was criticized for his behavior towards Adam.
In response to the support and criticism, Adam shared a heartfelt Instagram post, revealing the toll his arthritis took on him during the show. He highlighted the challenges of concealing his pain and putting on a brave front, emphasizing the internal struggle he faced.
Subsequent developments saw David Haye exit the show and address the controversies surrounding his interactions with Adam. Despite the tensions, he clarified that there was no animosity from his side and defended his actions in the camp.
The latest episode will feature a confrontation between Adam and Jimmy Bullard over a challenge, leading to significant repercussions among the campmates and affecting the future dynamics within the group.
“I’m A Celebrity… South Africa” airs on ITV, ITVX, STV, and STV Player at 9 pm on weeknights.