ITV I'm A Celebrity Tony Bellew ditches 'tough guy facade' as he's totally changed in camp

Former professional boxer Tony Bellew has scrapped his 'tough guy facade' in the I'm A Celebrity camp as he adopts a 'father/son' bond with Sam Thompson, an expert has said

Tony Bellew has ditched his 'tough guy facade' in the I'm A Celebrity camp, says an expert.

The former professional boxer was a late arrival in the ITV show, but has won over a new legion of fans. Despite coming in later than his other campmates, Tony has adapted to jungle life – as well as co-star Sam Thompson's cheeky chappy ways. Tony appeared taken a back by Sam's energetic personality at first, but an expert has claimed they have developed a father/son relationship.

Behaviour and communications specialist Nicole Greenfield-Smith said: "Over the weeks, Tony’s gradually become accustomed to Sam’s constant idolisation, bouncing around and invasion of his personal space. A kind of ‘father/son’ bond has developed. Like the dad of an energetic toddler, Tony’s been firm in asserting his boundaries and even has ‘a look’ he reserves just for Sam.

"(Raised eyebrows, a stern expression and a bowed head which immediately stops Sam in his tracks but is delivered with warmth and affection). This week saw Tony soften even more. For the first time, he initiated the contact, fist-bumping and back-slapping Sam. He even gave a ‘special handshake’ after the challenge – a strong gesture of loyalty and togetherness."

Speaking to Heart Bingo, Nicole explained Tony has changed in camp. She said: "As Tony’s relaxed into the camp and his ‘tough guy’ facade has softened (check out last night’s solo singing for the evidence!), he’s increasingly become the voice of reason and a defender of camp equality by speaking up for others and ensuring everyone has a voice."

Made In Chelsea star Sam, 31, has teased and antagonised Tony, 41 recently – with the pair jokingly showing off their boxing skills. But some viewers have questioned if Sam might now be getting under the sport star’s skin. Sam could be seen putting a leaf in Tony’s ear on Sunday night but Tony feared it was a bug. The boxing star grumbled: "Sam, I will kick your a***, you silly boy."

However, Tony's wife Rachel addressed viewer claims that Tony did not like Sam, or was annoyed at him over his antics on Good Morning Britain. She said of the MIC star: "He’s just another child. There’s a chair around the Christmas table for him. The more the merrier."

Tony has been trying to keep peace in camp in recent episodes after things had been gettinga little heated in campas Fred Sirieix andThis MorningstarJosie Gibsoncontinued to clashed over the cooking before Fred's exit. Tony appeared to call out Fred as he attempted to cool things, asking him to stop with his interference with Josie clearly getting annoyed.

But Tony also hit out at Fred over him deciding he would do the trial, before asking anyone else if they wanted a go. Marvin Humes had put his name forward only for Fred to interrupt and claim it for himself, repeating that he would be the one to go until it was accepted.

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