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Two years after he was crowned King of the Jungle in 2023, Sam Thompson still keeps a close eye on jungle proceedings. The former Made In Chelsea star recently opened up exclusively to Express.co.uk about this year's campmates. This year's lineup comprised TV star Jack Osbourne, footballer-turned-presenter Alex Scott, model and DJ Kelly Brook, and media personality Vogue Williams. Also joining the line-up were Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, former EastEnders star Shona McGarty, Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp, comedienne and actress Ruby Wax, Celebs Go Dating star Tom Read Wilson, comedian Eddie Kadi, YouTuber Angry Ginge and rapper Aitch.

The 33-year-old reality star confessed that he was really enjoying some of the relationships formed during this year's show, which will crown the winner on December 7. He told us: "ITV always have that thing when they are casting, trying to get the balance between what is entertaining, but also family viewing.

"I think what they did really well this year is they've got the ages who are sort of like a different generation. And I think it brings something really new and fresh into it."

He went on: "You're watching that contrast, and that is what I am loving on this year's show. For example, Ruby Wax and Aitch were brilliant because they're so different.

"Look at how well they got along. I love those kinds of interrelationships that would never happen unless we're put in that situation. I want to see a 25-year-old rapper and a different generation TV presenter getting along. That's what I want to see," he said.

Sam also confessed he had offered advice to the 2024 king of the jungle, Danny Jones, explaining that it applies to anyone who is thinking of doing the show. He enthused: "I actually messaged him, and I just said to enjoy the experience. Don't think about where you are. Just enjoy it.

"You get to meet a great group of people. You get to do the cyclone. You get to go do a trial. You get to go sit around that camp. So I just treated it like a holiday experience. You'll never get to do it again, so don't have any regrets, and just go and enjoy it."

Sam was speaking during a rare break in his busy schedule. In recent weeks, he has been celebrating the unsung heroes of Christmas on behalf of Coca-Cola. They had asked people to nominate their Christmas Maker - the people who make the season truly special for others.

Every Christmas maker nominated supported Coca-Cola's festive donation to food charity FareShare - in addition to the 1 million meals they already funded. Launching the initiative, Sam surprised excited members of the public at Spitalfields, London, with his 'Free Thank Yous' station as he invited passers-by to nominate their special Christmas Maker.

Sam admitted the campaign had made him think as he realised he hadn't thanked his own Christmas Maker, his mum, nearly enough. "I've said thank you to my mum a million times. But I don't think I've actually said: 'Thank you so much. You always make Christmas such a beautiful time. And I think that's what people really, really enjoy doing. Thanking these people."