I'm A Celeb winner Sam Thompson chokes back tears at a sweet message from Zara McDermott and thanks best friend Pete Wicks for his support in Australia during his girlfriend's absence

Sam Thompson choked back tears as he paid tribute to his girlfriend Zara McDermott and best friend Pete Wicks in an emotional interview on Monday.

The Made In Chelsea star, 31, was crowned King of the Jungle during Sunday night's I'm A Celebrity final and was greeted by Pete on the bridge.

Love Island star Zara, 26, stayed at the couple's home in Britain during Sam's three-week stint in the jungle after believing she wouldn't be able to make the trip because she was starring in Strictly Come Dancing.

Zara hosted a viewing party at their home for the final, and as a surprise for her boyfriend, she sent a sweet video message which was played on ITV's Lorraine.

Zara turned to her boyfriend of four years and said, “I don't even think the word proud will cut it anymore. The way you behaved in that jungle and made everyone feel so comfortable, you brought such a sparkle to that camp.”

Love Island star Zara, 26, stayed at the couple's home in Britain during Sam's Jungle stint after believing she wouldn't be able to make the trip because she was starring in Strictly

She continued, “I've never networked with anyone like you. I love you so much and can't wait to have you back.'

Overcome with emotion, Sam said, “That's the sweetest thing, when you see something like that, that's my little goose!”

'I miss her so much. I know she slept on my side every night and I am so lucky to have her in my life. There are so many people asking, “How did you do that?” and I don't know.

'Sometimes I wake up to see if she's still there and if it's a dream and luckily it's not! I'm so lucky to have her in my life.'

Sam was also full of kind words when asked about TOWIE star Pete, saying: 'Pete is the best friend anyone could ever ask for.

'He is not immediate family and he has been coming here for two weeks and has been a source of support for my girlfriend who couldn't be there, and for my mother and my friends.

'Even in his hotel he now shows me around asking: 'Are you okay, mate?' I've never had this from him before, he is usually very strict!

“And with him at the end of the bridge, if it wasn't Zara, it was him. I'm just so lucky, I owe him a lot.”

The Made In Chelsea star, 31, was crowned King of the Jungle during Sunday night's I'm A Celebrity final and was greeted by Pete on the bridge

He admitted he had been 'overwhelmed' by the support he had seen and had cried when he saw a video of his loved ones hosting an I'm A Celeb party. lots of dinners!'

Although Sam is tipped to make millions after leaving the Jungle, he confessed he hasn't thought about what his next move will be.

He mused: “I keep sounding so corny, that's the great thing about doing a show like this, I'm very happy with where I am now. I have my radio show and my podcast…

“I just wanted to do the show for the most amazing experience in the world. The great thing is that I don't even know if I should do anything else.

'I'm already so lucky, so I have no idea what or if I'll do anything else.'

One thing Sam does have planned is working with campmate Marvin Humes, as he revealed: “He said I can come and do a bit with them on the JLS tour next year!”

Sam was also asked how he kept his positive attitude at camp, as he explained, “It was just such a cool experience. It's easy to be happy there, I've been a fan for so long.

“This sounds weird, but when you're there with real celebrities, it's the coolest thing in the world. I've been watching the show for so many years and being with all these people, they can't leave!'

During Sunday's final, Sam jumped into the arms of runner-up Tony Bellew as hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly announced the results, before admitting he was 'blown away'.

He said: 'I'm really overwhelmed, I didn't even think I would be invited to the show. I don't know what to say.'

When asked what he had to say to those who voted for him, he tearfully said: “I'm so grateful, thank you so much. I've been dreaming of doing this show for years and you've made a childhood dream come true.'

Tony wasn't too disappointed to finish second as he felt his new friend was a more than worthy winner.

Hours earlier, Sam was crowned King Of The Jungle by Ant and Dec after beating Tony Bellew in the nail-biting final

He said: '10 days ago I knew. When I first met him, I knew I had never met anyone like him before… He deserves it more than anything and I couldn't be happier.”

Sam had been open about being a super fan of the show and admitted it was '100 times' better than he expected.

In an interview with Tony prior to the result, he was asked if it had met his expectations and said: 'It did so much more, I've never been so shocked in my life, times 100 everything, the little moments are the best moments too.

'My favorite time in the whole jungle was when Snake Rock came back and we had the whole family together again… The atmosphere was so great and I thought, “I don't think I've ever been as happy as I am.” now”.'