I’m A Celebrity viewers were all saying the same thing after Nigel Farage finished the show by claiming third place.
The former UKIP leader, 59, made it to the final three campmates and narrowly missed out on the win – after Sam Thompson was declared King of the Jungle and Tony Bellew came second.
But fans were quick to note that Nigel had experienced almost exactly the same trajectory as former Health Secretary Matt Hancock on the 2022 series – as he also reached the final and claimed third.
Matt was beaten only by Jill Scott and Owen Warner to first and second place respectively, defying all expectations.
Fans were quick to note the coincidence, with viewers taking to social media to declare it ‘weird’.
I’m A Celebrity viewers were all saying the same thing after Nigel Farage finished the show by claiming third place
Fans were quick to note that Nigel had experienced almost exactly the same trajectory as former Health Secretary Matt Hancock on the 2022 series
One said: ‘As if Nigel Farage got the same position that Matt Hancock got last year.’
Another joked: ‘So which controversial politician will finish in 3rd place next year?’
A third said: ‘If I had a nickel for every time a politician finished third on I’m A Celeb I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird it’s happened twice.’
Like Nigel, Matt had also entered the jungle so viewers could see a ‘lighter side’ to him – as both figures proved divisive throughout their respective careers in politics.
After managing 23 days in camp, Nigel spoke to Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly about his jungle journey.
Speaking about his time on the show, Nigel said: ‘Because I had time to do it, 60 next birthday and I’m going to reach an age where I won’t be able to do it [the show]. Very pleased I did it, I did my best to show no fear at all, I gave you nothing.
‘I’m not surprised. I’m absolutely thrilled. Not everyone likes the stuff I campaigned for but no matter what people think I mucked in, threw myself into camp. But if you asked me would I do it again, I think I probably would!
Fans were quick to note the coincidence, with viewers taking to social media to declare it ‘weird’
‘Obviously there were people there with different views but I did think I managed to persuade them that we can respect the right to have different views. We had proper debates, no screaming, no big fall outs and I hope they understand.
‘The different backgrounds, different ages was a delight. I learnt that I can control fear in a way that I didn’t even know that I could.’
Matt himself said, regarding his exit: ‘I just wanted to show what I’m like as a person. Lots of people come to me with pre-conceived ideas for obvious reasons, but I just wanted to be myself.
‘Politicians as a whole, we don’t come across as human enough. This is an extreme way of doing that.’
Nigel made his first public appearance with his girlfriend Lauren Ferrari as she greeted him on the bridge as he exited the jungle.
During the final, Nigel faced his biggest fear yet as he took on the final Bushtucker Trial of the series during Sunday night’s episode.
The politician took part in Panic Pit in the hope to win the three finalists desserts, himself a drink and a treat.
Nigel made it to the final three on Saturday night alongside former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson, 31, and boxer Tony Bellew, 41 – after This Morning’s Josie Gibson was voted out by the public.
Nigel Farage has finished I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here… in third place
Nigel faced his biggest fear yet as he took on the final Bushtucker Trial of the 2023 I’m A Celebrity …Get Me Out Of Here! series on Sunday night
After managing 23 days in camp, Nigel spoke to Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly about his jungle journey.
Speaking about his journey, Nigel said: ‘Because I had time to do it, 60 next birthday and I’m going to reach an age where I won’t be able to do it [the show]. Very pleased I did it, I did my best to show no fear at all but i gave you nothing.
‘I’m not surprised. I’m absolutely thrilled. Not everyone likes the stuff I campaigned for but no matter what people think I mucked in, threw myself into camp. But if you asked me would I do it again, I think I probably would!
During the terrifying trial, Nigel had to remain in the pit for the duration of time and was joined by snakes.
Ant explained: ‘This is Panic Pit. For every two minutes you stay down there you win a star. Five stars on offer so that’s 10 minutes in total. But of course, you’re not going to be alone down there.’
The former politician, 59, took part in Panic Pit in the hope to win the three finalists desserts, himself a drink and a treat
Dec added: ‘The first three stars are for desserts for camp. The fourth star is for your drink, the fifth star is for your treat.’
As it began, Ant said: ‘You’ve got company now, Nigel.’
Tony and Sam were watching on as Nigel attempted to win them something sweet for dinner.
Sam said: ‘Oh, it’s a snake!’
Checking in on Nigel half way through his time, Dec asked: ‘Are you OK Nigel?’
Nigel replied: ‘Yeah, fine thanks, having a lovely time.’
Towards the end of the final trial of the series, the lights went out leaving the former UKIP leader in complete darkness.
After he earned the star for his drink, Nigel said: ‘Bloody lovely.’
Once the time was up Nigel managed to complete the Trial with a full house earning all five stars.
Nigel made it to the final three on Saturday night alongside former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson , 31, and boxer Tony Bellew, 41, after This Morning’s Josie Gibson was voted out
During the terrifying trial, Nigel had to remain in the pit for the duration of time and was joined by snakes before the lights were switched off
Once the time was up Nigel managed to complete the Trial with a full house earning all five stars for the campmates desserts, drink and treat
He said: ‘I didn’t flinch!’
Earlier in the ITV show, Sam and Tony took on separate trials to win starters, main courses, drinks and treats.
Tony took on the first trial of the day, Stakeout, to win the first three starters for their last meal in the jungle.
Ant explained: ‘This is ‘Stakeout’. You’re going to be strapped down to the giant plate and you must stay on it and endure the jungle critters that will join you on there.
‘For every two minutes you manage to stay on the plate that’s a star up for grabs.’
Dec added: ‘The first three stars you win are for starters for you and your other campmates. The fourth is for your drink of choice tonight and the fifth is for a very special treat for yourself.’
As soon as the trial started, Tony shouted: ‘Why am I picked for this? This is a joke.’
However, he managed to face the critters and earn all the stars.
Sam took on the second trial, Bonanza, to win the main course for the other celebrities.
Meanwhile Tony took on the first trial of the day, Stakeout, to win the final three starters for their last meal in the jungle
Sam took on the second trial, Bonanza, a eating trial where he had to eat witchetty grub, camel toe, pig’s vagina and a camel’s penis
Facing the eating trial, he was presented with five dishes, the first being a witchetty grub which he didn’t even hesitate to eat.
Next up, Sam had to eat a section of camel’s toe to win Tony’s main course before facing a fish eye and a scorpion.
To earn his drink the radio presenter had to eat a pig’s vagina, Sam said: ‘I don’t think I can do that one…’
To encourage the reality star, the others started singing JLS’s Everybody In Love to try and help Sam through it.
Completing his final trial of the series, Sam faced a camel’s penis, Nigel encouraged his: ‘Don’t look at it, just do it.’
Sam earned all five stars meaning the finalists got to enjoy a three course meal with a drink and a treat for their last night in the jungle.