I’m A Celeb viewers were left in floods of tears when Sam Thompson was emotionally reunited with best pal Pete Wicks  on Friday.

The latest episode of the ITV show saw family and friends paid a surprise visit to camp, however girlfriend Zara McDermott, 26 was noticeably absent – something that wasn’t missed by eagle-eyed viewers.

After seeing Pete, 35, a stunned Sam, 31, ran and jumped into his arms before the two men collapsed into tears.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one wrote:  ‘Can’t believe I am crying over Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks’.

While a second said: ‘Sam and Pete’s bromance has always been amazing’.

I’m A Celeb fans were left bemused when Sam Thompson (R) was tearfully reunited with best pal Pete Wicks (L) and not girlfriend Zara Thompson on Friday

The latest episode of the ITV show saw family and friends entering the camp, but Strictly’s Zara (pictured)  was left watching the action from home in the UK

Someone else typed: ‘ Pete and Sam’s reunion has me in tears’.

While another emotional fan said: ‘Oh Sam don’t make me cry’.

And ‘This is brilliant TV’.

With another declaring: ‘Sam and Pete have me bawling’.

TOWIE star Pete confessed ahead of seeing Sam: ‘As horrible as it is for me to say, I actually miss him.’

Telling his pal: ‘I’ve missed you,’ while Sam replied: ‘You smell like Pete,’ prompting Pete to joke: ‘You smell like you woke up in a wheelie bin.’

Pete said: ‘The cats miss you, Zara asked me to give this to you – a nose bop.’

Speaking to camera, Sam gushed: ‘I’ve missed him so much. I think it’s the best day of my life.’

After seeing Pete, 35, a gobsmacked Sam, 31, ran and jumped into his arms, tas the two men collapsed into tears

Zara previously revealed Sam opted for Pete to join him in Australia despite her being available after getting the boot from Strictly Come Dancing

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter , one wrote: ‘Can’t believe I am crying over Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks’

Pete then joked about being jealous of Sam’s new friendships with Marvin and Tony Bellew as he said: ‘I’ve got a few things to discuss – Tony and Marvin….’

Sam said: ‘I can’t wait for you to meet Tony,’ to which Pete said: ‘You haven’t got them tattooed on your arm have you!’.

Pete said: ‘The cats miss you, Zara asked me to give this to you – a nose bop.

Despite the emotions other viewers couldn’t help but turn their attention to the Zara shaped hole, with someone asking: ‘Why would Pete come in rather than Zara’.

While a second quipped: ‘I suspect Zara wouldn’t have gotten quite the welcome’.

And: ‘What’s up with Zara?’.

Followed by another who asked: ‘Why wasn’t Zara there lol’.

Pete said: ‘I’ve missed you,’ while Sam replied: ‘You smell like Pete,’ prompting Pete to joke: ‘You smell like you woke up in a wheelie bin.’

Pete said: ‘The cats miss you, Zara asked me to give this to you – a nose bop’

Despite the emotions other viewers couldn’t help but turn their attention to the Zara shaped hole, with someone asking: ‘Why would Pete come in rather than Zara’

With someone else musing: ‘Could be Zara is contracted by the BBC to be available throughout the whole Strictly run, that may be it’.

Zara, 26, previously revealed Sam opted for Pete to join him in Australia despite her being available after her elimination from Strictly Come Dancing meaning she was free.Poll

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The influencer told Fleur East on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show: ‘When I left Strictly I was like ‘Shall I pack my case?’ and he went ‘Oh no it’s already been arranged Pete is coming’.’

She continued: ‘When I suggested maybe Pete and I could both go, he said, ‘No, just Pete!’ Maybe I can get Pete to take a cardboard cut-out of me … But you know what it’s fine, absolutely fine.

‘I’ve got all the time in the world to live with him and see him. If he wants Pete at the end of that bridge I respect and appreciate that – also I can’t wait to see that hug!’.

It comes after Pete broke his silence after fans claimed ‘something was going on’ between himself and Zara.

The duo have been spending time together during Sam’s time in the jungle and   have been plagued by rumours that their relationship isn’t purely platonic.

Sharing his feelings for Zara with new! magazine, Pete mused: ‘I love Zara – she’s a sweetheart’, adding that the Strictly star is ‘really missing’ Sam.

It comes after Pete broke his silence after fans claimed ‘something was going on’ between himself and Zara

Zara, Sam and Pete often team up to film funny videos together and Pete has insisted that his relationship with the Love Island star is purely platonic

He was quick to shut down rumours that the pair were doing anything untoward while Sam is in the Jungle, admitting: ‘Me and Zara find it quite funny.

‘That’s the problem with social media everyone’s got an opinion. Sam is my brother, and Zara is a very good friend of mine. We just laugh about it.’

Insisting he wouldn’t date the Love Island star even if they were both single, he continued: ‘I absolutely adore Zara, but she’s not my cup of tea and I don’t think she’d last five minutes.

Me and Sam could not be any more different. They’re such a great couple and love them to bits. It’s just sad that people can’t understand that girls and guys can be mates. It’s ridiculous.’