[Red Moon]

Joe Swash is crowned King Of The Jungle as he wins I'm A Celebrity final

Joe Swash's cheeky personality and strong sense of right and wrong led to him being crowned I'm A Celebrity's King Of the Jungle last night.

The ex-EastEnder's actor beat two American finalists - Star Trek's George Takei and tennis ace Martina Navratilova - to win this year's series of the ITV reality TV show.

In his three weeks in the Australian jungle the 26-year-old ate a crocodile penis and showered naked with Timmy Mallet - but told presenters Ant and Dec he couldn't choose his favourite moment.

Apart from Gorgeous George and teaching him that song, and sharing the cave with Timmy, the whole thing was just a wonderful experience,' he said.

And he enthused about his close connection to second runner up George, who played Mr Zulu.

'I love him, I love him, I think I love the man,' he said. 'If he was a bird I think I'd be all over him. I just felt I could kiss him, not in a gay way.'

Viewers were impressed by Joe's willingness to stand up for right and wrong, even if it made him unpopular in camp. He stepped in when he thought late entering campmates David Van Day and Timmy Mallet were being victimised.
'Someone has to stand up for the little people,' he explained.

And Joe revealed the one jungle trial he couldn't stomach was eating jungle critters.

'The worse trial for me was the eating,' he said. 'That was pretty traumatic for me. I can't even drink Calpol.'

Matt Willis, last year's winner, returned to crown Joe as King before he marched out of camp triumphant across a flaming bridge.

He was greeted by his tearful mother Kiffy, who raised Joe alone after his father died of a heart attack when he was 12.

Joe's last day in the jungle had been dominated by his final bushtucker trial.

Locked in an underground coffin he had to hold his nerve as creatures crawled over him in the dark for ten minutes. As rats and eels made their presence known he declared:
‘Kids, stay at school and get an education or you’ll end up doing things like this!’

But Joe stuck out the challenge to win three starters for the finalists last supper.

o mark their last day in the jungle Martina, Joe and George presented awards trophies for every celebrity who had been in camp.

Robert Kilroy-Silk earned the title of Conqueror of the Creepy Crawly. They all agreed he was noble, heroic - and most importantly they were grateful for all the food he provided.

Dani Behr was named Queen of the Stir Fry for preparing the food with almost obsessive dedication, and they sent thanks for feeding them so well.

Next was Carly Zucker, who didn't enjoy her time in Australia. ‘She was my Angel of the Night and looked after me when I needed help,’ said George.

Even Timmy Mallet won a new title - King of the Cackle. The finalists thanked him for his joy and laughter and for keeping everyone’s spirits up.

Esther was named Renaissance Woman, and Joe thanked her for being his mother figure and history teacher.

Brian Paddick was dubbed The Naked Sheriff for being the only one brave enough to shower in he nude - and naïve enough to think he could keep peace in camp.

Glmaour girl Nicola Mclean was named the Biggest Boob in Camp, while Simon Webbe became the Gentleman Prince.

And last out, David Van Day, won Camp Camera Hog .

And those still in camp didn't escape. Joe decided that Martina was Superwoman. He said she was an unsung hero, kind, affectionate, beautiful – a true champion.

Presenting the King Amongst Men award to George, Martina said he was a dear human being who brought pleasure, happiness and laughter and a great attitude to the camp.

George said of Joe, who was given A Man For All Seasons award: ‘You love and embrace everyone, creative, inventive, principled and defined by your big heart.’

George added: ‘If you weren’t straight I’d jump into bed with you if Brad wasn’t there!’

And in a final gesture Joe then threw his pants on the fire and said he was burning them in honour of the jungle. ‘It’s been pants most of the time,’ he laughed.

Source and Pictures: Daily Mail