I'M A CELEBRITY FANS MAKE ADAM THOMAS EMMERDALE CALL: 'IT'S DEEPLY UPSETTING'

I'm A Celebrity favourite Adam Thomas has made his comeback to the ITV programme, sending soap fans into overdrive.

The 37-year-old first featured in the 16th series of the hit reality show in 2016, though he's perhaps best known for his portrayal of Adam Barton in Emmerdale, spanning nearly 10 years from 2009 to 2018.

Throughout his stint on the ITV soap, audiences watched his character navigate numerous plotlines, including a bitter rivalry with Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), resorting to arson, a turbulent marriage with Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins), and a close friendship with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller).

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Yet the charming troublemaker was last spotted in the soap making a run for it in 2018 after accepting responsibility for Emma Barton's (Gillian Kearney) killing, which had actually been carried out by his mother, Moira (Natalie J. Robb).

Departing hurriedly in a shipping container to begin afresh in France, fans were devastated when Adam chose to depart Emmerdale.

Speaking about his departure at the time, the performer acknowledged it hadn't been a straightforward choice. In a statement, Adam revealed: "I've had an amazing eight years working on Emmerdale, and I've loved every minute of it", reports Wales Online.

"It was a really tough decision to take to leave but I felt that now is the time to move on and challenge myself with some new roles."

He continued: "I'd like to thank everyone at Emmerdale for both giving me the opportunity to work as part of such a great team and for giving my character, Adam Barton, some great storylines too."

Yet Adam's return to the small screen has sparked calls from Emmerdale enthusiasts for him to rejoin the programme. Writing on X, one supporter posted: "When I said I wanted Adam Thomas back I meant on @emmerdale #ImACeleb #Emmerdale", while another responded: "Shout it louder!"

A third expressed: "Seeing Adam Thomas on ITV and it not being in Emmerdale is deeply upsetting to me #imaceleb."

One viewer admitted: "Emmerdale star Adam Thomas' (crying faces)", while someone else stated: "With all that's going on in his family, Adam should have returned years ago. I'd recast if the OG actor isn't interested. #Emmerdale."

Beyond Emmerdale, the performer launched his career after appearing on the BBC's Doctors in 2002 and is notably famed for playing Donte Charles in Waterloo Road.

Last year, Adam also took part in the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk. He departed in Week 7, placing 9th after a dance-off against Angela Rippon.

I'm A Celebrity... South Africa currently airs at 9pm on ITV and ITVX

2026-04-07T22:23:39Z