Zara says she's fallen in love with me all over again.….even though I probably smell

Most people wouldn't be too impressed with getting a phone call at 4am. 

- TOM BRYANT

But when it's the newly crowned king of the jungle ringing from Oz, it's no wonder Zara McDermott made an exception.

In fact, on hearing the excitable tones of Sam Thompson down the line, his TV presenter girlfriend went one step further and declared her unconditional love.

"She said she's fallen in love with me all over again and that this is the most proud she's ever been," says Sam, 31.

"It was so lovely to hear, as it had been a long month and she was obviously my first call, and I needed to hear her voice to remind me of home... even though she said I probably smell."

And Zara, 26, was not alone in falling in love with Sam - viewers were bowled over by his combination of wide-eyed innocence and lovable charm.

He secured 56.6% of the vote, with ex-boxer and dad-of-four Tony Bellew, 41, next on 43.4% and former Ukip leader Nigel Farage, 59, coming third.

As Sam settles back in his hotel room, freshly showered and in a new set of clothes, he is clearly still in shock at Sunday night's victory.

And the future looks very bright indeed with offers of TV presenting set to come in thick and fast as broadcasters look to snap him up.

But despite loving the ride so far, it's clear he has one eye back home.

"I've really, really, really missed my goose, and I can't wait to get home and give her a squeeze," Sam says.

"She said that she can't wait to spend Christmas together and just do stupid little things, like getting cost on the sofa and decorating the tree, all things that she knows I wanted to hear.

"I'm like a hobbit, and sit in a hole for most of the year."