Strict I’m A Celeb rule that's only been broken once and 'nearly killed' someone

With the 2024 officially just around the corner, many I'm A Celeb fans have been reflecting on a viral moment from last year's series, which almost cost a guest star their life.

In case you need a refresher, Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson came out on top of the star-studded 2023 instalment, having narrowly stolen the jungle crown from runner-up Tony Bellew, and left Brexit-frontman Nigel Farage in third.

It wasn't just the show's line-up that set tongues wagging at the time, however, but the huge-name stars that came out to meet them during the 'family surprise' episode, including Marvin Humes' wife Rochelle, and Sam Thompson's TOWIE star bff, Pete Wicks.

Prior to the victory being announced, however, social media star Sam was supposedly issued a stern warning by producers centring on the importance of not exhibiting any erratic movements whilst crossing the notorious jungle bridge for the final time.

Speaking on the popular Staying Relevant podcast that he fronts with reality TV pal Pete - who also appeared Down Under last year, surprising Sam with an appearance during the family meet-up episode - the pair recalled what they were told before Sam's win.

Pete, 36, began by remembering that a producer had told them, 'You’re gonna stand on this star and Pete’s going to come and meet you. Do not jump.'

The duo recalled the life-threatening incident on their podcast (Joe Maher/Getty Images for the NTA)

He then went on to explain: "Now, they say this to me, 'Do not jump', and I went 'Well, he’s going to jump'. They went, 'We’ve told him not to jump'."

Describing the bridge - which sees eliminated stars and winners exiting the jungle to be transported to a plush five-star hotel to be wined and dined - Sam admitted it was 'the most rickety thing'.

"That’s why everyone looks weird when they’re walking across because it’s high up and very rickety," he went on, confessing that he'd 'promised' producers that he wouldn't jump.

And as viewers of last year's series will recall, Sam did exactly that.

"We then get a little bit carried away but I’m then supporting both of our body weight on this bridge," Pete continued, adding that he was told to turn around so that the cameras could catch their reactions.

Pete claimed he had to grab hold of the bridge for support (ITV)

"I lost my balance," the Essex hunk admitted. "I had to grab the f**king bridge to stop us going over. I nearly died."

And after their iconic podcast admission was uploaded to TikTok, listeners couldn't believe that Pete stayed friends with someone that almost cost him his life.

"Pete holding on for dear life was the funniest thing ever," one recalled.

Another admitted: "I screamed at the TV, 'They are going to fall over' sheer panic from me".