Celebrity Hunted is turning up the pressure — and fans can’t believe who’s making a dramatic return!

Celebrity Hunted brings back 2022 winner for dramatic escape plan

Their appearance was a surprise twist.

Iwan Thomas made a surprise return to Celebrity Hunted during this Monday night’s (10 August) episode, coming to the aid of Sophie Morgan and JJ Chalmers as they attempted to evade the Hunters.

The former Olympic sprinter was a familiar face to Celebrity Hunted viewers, having previously taken part in the 2022 series alongside Paralympian gold medallist Richard Whitehead.

Thomas went on to become the only celebrity to successfully evade capture during his series, after Whitehead had been caught earlier in the game. This time, however, he was on the other end of the fugitive experience.

This Monday, Sophie and JJ found themselves in a particularly precarious position after hiding out in a Royal Navy museum in Portsmouth. With the Hunter closing in, the pair needed help getting away without drawing further attention to themselves.

This is where Thomas’ help became crucial. Having already experienced the pressures of going on the run himself, the former athlete was able to put his previous Celebrity Hunted experience to good use as he helped the duo make their escape from a nearby car park, all while the Hunters were on their tail.

While the group pulled off the perfect escape plan just as hope began to dwindle, Thomas was instantly recognised via CCTV footage by Chief Hunter, Ray Howard. It was a fitting cameo given JJ’s own background.

The TV presenter and formal Royal Marine has spoken about using his military connections as part of his strategy during this year’s hunt, while Sophie described JJ’s Armed Forces experience as their potential secret weapon.

Thomas’ involvement reminded viewers of how far the show had come. During his participation, he and Whitehead were among eight celebrities attempting to stay hidden for 14 days. The line-up included The Vivienne and Chloe Veitch, Ollie and Gareth Locke, and Chizzy Akudolu and Lisa Maffia.

Although Sophie and JJ managed to avoid capture, Chris Taylor and Toby Aromolaran were left hanging in the balance as this Monday’s episode drew to a close. The former Love Island stars attempted to goad the Hunters by delivering two caricatures of themselves at Headquarters.

However, the move proved dangerous for the pair. After getting help from a couple of friends who drove them to a nearby hotel, Toby and Chris were forced to leave their haven as the Hunters were quick to pinpoint their location.

This Monday’s instalment of Celebrity Hunted ended with the Ray Howard’s team slowly closing in on the duo, as they both attempted to save themselves. But will they make it?