Tom Read Wilson Finally Tells His Story: “It Was A Constant Barrage Of Verbal Abuse”

We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

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Tuesday, 2 June 2026 - 1 hour 42 minutes

Tom Read Wilson reflects on life after I’m A Celebrity and the private story behind the voice, warmth and eccentricity that made the nation fall in love with him.

He opens up about growing up feeling othered, the secret that once felt like a ticking time bomb, and the anxiety that affected his relationship with food for many years. Tom also reflects on coming out, the sister who became his safe place, and why the jungle helped him lose his ego and feel truly seen.

In a conversation shaped by nearly nine years of friendship, Paul and Tom look back on Celebs Go Dating, the moments that brought them close, and the bond that has quietly become one of the most important relationships in both of their lives.

Funny, tender and unexpected, this is Tom Read Wilson on queerness, friendship, family, self-acceptance and learning to celebrate the parts of yourself the world once made you question.

Tom Read Wilson, We Need To Talk

A heads up this conversation includes discussion of mental health and eating disorders. We’ve included links to support resources below:

CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H  

MIND:  https://linkly.link/2dx8b  

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https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk  

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Follow Tom here:

https://www.instagram.com/tomreadwilson

(00:00) Intro

(05:55) Tom’s Upbringing

(07:25) Becoming Aware of Prejudice

(08:51) Tom’s Identity in His Teens

(16:18) How Tom Came Out

(18:31) Paul Shows Tom a Photo of Him and His Siblings

(23:46) Tom’s Struggle With Eating

(30:43) Tom’s Career as an Actor

(34:51) Tom Appearance on The Voice

(40:57) Accusations About Tom’s Voice

(45:51) Cast on Celebs Go Dating

(48:41) Which Celebrities Stood Out to Tom on CGD?

(51:08) Paul Shows Tom a Photo of Him and Gemma Collins

(53:21) Paul’s Appreciation For Tom

(55:57) Tom on His Romantic Life

(58:00) Tom Has Made Paul Officially ‘Naughty’

(01:01:11) Why Tom Went on I’m a Celebrity

(01:02:59) What Is the Environment Really Like on I’m a Celebrity?

(01:04:33) What Tom Loved Most About I’m a Celebrity

(01:08:46) Who Did Tom Get on With Most on I’m a Celebrity?

(01:17:06) Tom’s Final Bushtucker Trial

(01:23:18) Surprise Letter From Campmate Ruby Wax

(01:26:20) Tom’s Relationship With Paul’s Family

(01:28:11) Tom’s Talent for Accents

(01:37:26) Paul’s Takeaways

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