Nigel Farage, the former UKIP leader and Brexit campaigner, has returned to the UK after finishing third in the ITV reality show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Farage, who spent 23 nights in the Australian jungle, lost the final to Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, who received 52.8 per cent of the public vote. Ex-boxer Tony Bellew came second with 21.6 per cent, while Farage only managed to get 25.6 per cent.
However, Farage's defeat did not stop him from making a bizarre and insensitive dig at Thompson, who he hugged and congratulated after the result was announced.
In an Instagram video posted by Farage, he said to the camera: "See, he hugs men. Very, very odd." He then laughed awkwardly, while Thompson looked confused and uncomfortable.
The comment sparked outrage among many viewers and fans, who accused Farage of being homophobic and insecure about his own sexuality.
One user wrote: "What a pathetic thing to say. Sam is a lovely guy who is not afraid to show his emotions and affection. Farage is just a bitter and hateful man who can't stand losing."
Another user said: "Farage is so out of touch with the modern world. Hugging men is not odd, it's normal and healthy. He should be ashamed of himself for trying to make Sam feel bad for being himself."
A third user added: "Farage is clearly jealous of Sam, who is young, handsome, successful and popular. He is just trying to bring him down with his nasty remarks. Sam is a worthy winner and Farage is a sore loser."
Farage, who is known for his controversial and divisive views on immigration, Europe and the NHS, did not apologise or explain his remark, but instead focused on his experience in the jungle.
He told PA that he felt "fitter and stronger" than ever after his "biggest detox" of no tea, coffee, booze or cigarettes. He also said that he was eager to return to politics and claimed that his popularity had risen among Conservative voters in Britain.
He said: "I think the news agenda is going to be busy… and if my popularity has risen 20 per cent amongst Conservative voters in Britain, well, there’s an audience that might want to listen."
However, some critics have suggested that Farage's appearance on the show was a desperate attempt to revive his fading political career and relevance, after he failed to win a seat in Parliament seven times and resigned as the leader of UKIP in 2016.
They also pointed out that Farage's performance in the show was not very impressive, as he struggled with the physical and mental challenges and often clashed with his fellow campmates.
He was also accused of being a "fix" by some viewers, who wondered how he managed to stay in the show for so long despite his unpopularity and lack of entertainment value.
Some of the other celebrities who took part in the show included singer Fleur East, comedian Joel Dommett, actress Emily Atack and TV presenter Nick Knowles. The show was hosted by Ant and Dec, who returned to the screen after Ant's hiatus due to his personal issues.
