I’m A Celebrity’s Sam Thompson had a lucky escape (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
Celebrities shouldn’t be surprised when they encounter creepy crawlies in the jungle, but I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’s 2023 cast got a scare when an uninvited guest slithered its way into camp.
Sam Thompson actually had rangers come to his rescue when a ‘deadly’ snake made a beeline for him as he slept.
The reality star, 31, narrowly avoided being bitten when a small-eyed snake – around 50-90cm long – was removed just yards away from his bed.
With the Latin name cryptophis nigrescens, the small-eyed snake is described as being ‘highly venomous’.
The slithering creature won’t hesitate to sink its teeth into an unsuspecting person – Made in Chelsea star or not – and will ‘thrash about if handled.
‘On Saturday night, the camp had a very unwelcome visitor and the snake needed to be removed quickly and safely,’ said a source.
The reality star was sleeping when a ‘deadly’ snake slithered over to his bed (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
The celebs are briefed ahead of their jungle stint about what creatures they might encounter (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)
The insider added to The Mirror: ‘The small eyes snake slithered in and was seen venturing near to Sam.
‘Luckily the rangers spotted it and were quick to act and swiftly removed the snake, without even waking Sam or the other celebrities.’
They also explained that, before entering the show, the celebs ‘receive talks from the rangers and a medic’ and they are ‘made aware of the types of animals to look out for in the jungle.’
‘But of course, it goes without saying they are under constant watch by the experienced rangers who know exactly when they need to jump to action,’ the source assured.
‘On this occasion, there was no way the snake would be left in there and danger was quickly averted for Sam and the rest of the celebs.’
The stars have already had their fair share of run-ins with creepy crawlies this series (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
They’ve had them both in camp and their drinks! (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
Phew! Sounds like the gang had a lucky escape.
Confirming the touch-and-go moment, an ITV spokesperson said to Metro.co.uk: ‘A snake entered camp last night whilst the celebrities were sleeping and was swiftly and safely removed by the experienced camp rangers.’
TV star Sam has proven a real hit with I’m A Celeb viewers, whether he’s being a full-on golden retriever and jumping with excitement over his campmates, or giving it his all in Bushtucker Trials.
We’ve watched him duet with JLS star Marvin Humes and even try to plan Fred Sirieix’s stag do in Las Vegas.
Ahead of his jungle debut, the podcaster said: ‘I am so excited about taking part in I’m A Celebrity, it still feels like a dream. I feel like a competition winner taking part.
The likes of Sam have proven a real hit with I’m A Celeb viewers (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
‘It was an absolute resounding “yes” when I got approached. In fact, they didn’t even need to ask! I am a huge fan of the show.’
Sam is a firm favourite among audiences, along with the likes of This Morning’s Josie Gibson.
They’ve set up camp with public figures from all walks of life, from YouTuber Nella Rose to Hollyoaks actor Nick Pickard, and from ex-politician Nigel Farage to Britney’s sister Jamie Lynn Spears.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! continues each night on ITV1 and ITVX.
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The ‘highly venomous’ snake made its way to one campmate’s bed.