Tom Read Wilson revealed the surprising way his parents metCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

I’m A Celebrity favourite Tom Read Wilson once left his co-stars stunned after revealing the extraordinary – and controversial – way his parents first met.

Tom’s dad was a teacher and inspired his love of literatureCredit: Instagram

The Celebs Go Dating personality has long spoken about his passion for language and literature, crediting his father, a dedicated English teacher, for shaping his eloquence and love of words.

But what many didn’t expect was the surprising twist in his family’s history: Wilson Sr first knew Tom’s mother, Juliette, through his job at Bradfield College, Berks, where their connection began.

Tom’s mum Juliette was 18 when she began dating his dad, who was 34 at the timeCredit: Instagram

Tom shared the story on an episode of 8 Out Of 10 Cats last year, explaining: “My maternal grandfather taught at the same school and sometimes the eldest girls of the faculty would date the youngest teachers.”

Comedian Rob Beckett immediately jumped in: “So your dad was a teacher there — and your mum was a child there?”

Host Jimmy Carr added bluntly: “He was 34 and she was 18.”

Tom insisted the age gap never fazed him. “Yes. I never really thought about it,” he shrugged.

Although his parents later separated, it is Tom’s mother who has flown to Australia to support him during his jungle journey.
Proud of her son’s quick wit and poetic speech, Juliette laughed that sometimes even she struggles to follow his dazzling vocabulary.

“He’s very articulate. He was born with a dictionary in his mouth,” she told The Sun after arriving in Brisbane.
“His father is an English teacher — that’s where he gets it from.
Sometimes I don’t understand what he says! But it’s good.”

While Tom is best known for his polished charm on reality TV, he is also a published author with three books:
Every Word Tells A Story,
On The Tip of My Tongue: The Perfect Word For Every Life Moment,
and Wonderful Words That Tell A Tale.

Juliette said watching her son in camp has been emotional:
“He’s surpassed all my expectations. I’ve enjoyed seeing his personality come through — people are finally seeing the real Tom.”

She admitted she was especially shocked by his courage when he faced a terrifying snake challenge.
“That thing with the snakes — that was just very brave. I did deep down know he was courageous,” she added.

Tom’s unconventional family story has only added to the fascination surrounding him — and his mother’s unwavering presence in Brisbane shows just how tightly bonded they remain.