Entertainment
I’m a Celebrity bosses ‘fear star walkout’ after losing Richard Madeley
It’s been a rough time already for the campmates (Picture: PA)
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! bosses are reportedly fearing a walkout among the campmates, following Richard Madeley’s exit.
Richard, 65, has been forced to quit after leaving the show’s strict Covid-19 bubble to get hospital tests.
Meanwhile, Dame Arlene Phillips is taking daily painkillers, and Naughty Boy is reportedly accessing counselling to cope with his mother’s dementia diagnosis, and producers are allegedly worried that more stars could drop out due to medical reasons.
A source told The Sun: ‘Richard was the star signing. ITV has wanted him on the show for years and everyone was expecting TV gold. They can’t afford to lose any other big names.’
The flagging morale in camp could get even worse with a storm and high winds heading towards Gwrych Castle in North Wales, where I’m A Celebrity is set.
Add in a lack of food and there’s likely to be a few tantrums in camp, if Frankie Bridge’s tears over rice are anything to go by.
Richard has had to leave the camp (Picture; ITV/REX)
Richard – considered one of the biggest draws for viewers this year left camp yesterday after falling unwell, with a statement from ITV reading: ‘Richard was unwell in the early hours and was immediately seen by our on-site medical team. He’s since been taken to hospital as a precaution. The health and safety of our campmates is our priority.’
The Good Morning Britain host said that he was ‘gutted to be leaving so soon’ but assured fans that he is ‘absolutely fine’.
More: I’m A Celebrity
He said: ‘I started to feel briefly unwell in the small hours of the morning and was taken to hospital as a precaution. By leaving the camp, I had consequently broken the Covid bubble and as such I’ve had to leave the castle and all the wonderful celebs that remain.
‘Thank you to everyone who supported me on my brief but completely unforgettable adventure. I’ve made some great friends and honestly had the time of my life.’
No new campmates will be drafted in to replace Richard, although soap stars Adam Woodyatt and Simon Gregson are late arrivals to camp.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! continues tonight at 9pm on ITV.
