I'm A Celeb's Grace Dent finally breaks silence over I'm A Celeb exit
She's called it her "biggest regret"
Although this year's series of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! was certainly one to remember, with Sam Thompson being crowned King of the Jungle, the 2023 series saw not one, but two camp mates quit the show!
Both Grace Dent and Jamie Lynn Spears made the decision to quit camp on 'medical grounds', and whilst Jamie Lynn has been pretty vocal about her time in camp, food critic Grace has so far kept quiet about her exit.
But during the I'm A Celeb: Coming Out show on Wednesday 13th December, Grace opened up about her journey, admitting leaving the show was the 'biggest regret'.
She said: “There’s no place to hide. And you’re in there with people who, under normal circumstances, you wouldn’t share a sleeping space with. You know, Nigel Farage.
“You shout about Brexit at him all day, it’s water off a duck’s back. If you want to mess him up, put the tea towel somewhere it’s not meant to be.
“But no, I didn’t want to go. Leaving my campmates and the girls will be the greatest regret of my life.”
Check out all of the camp mates who've quit I'm A Celeb in the past:
2023: Grace Dent
After one week in the jungle, food critic Grace Dent mutually decided with bosses to leave the jungle on 'medical grounds'. Before her exit a number of viewers expressed their concerns for Grace's health.
A spokesperson for I'm A Celeb said: "Unfortunately Grace Dent has left the show on medical grounds. She has been a great campmate and will be missed by her fellow celebrities and viewers alike."
2023: Jamie Lynn Spears
Just days after Grace Dent's exit, Britney Spears' sister Jamie Lynn Spears also made the decision to leave the jungle. After a week of threats to her fellow camp mates that she wanted to quit, Jamie Lynn left on 'medical grounds'.
A spokesperson for the show said: "Jamie Lynn Spears has left I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! on medical grounds. She's been a fantastic campmate who has triumphed at trials and bonded well with her fellow celebrities."
2022: Olivia Attwood
Just 24 hours after the official I'm A Celeb 2022 launch show on Sunday 6th November, news broke that former Love Island star Olivia Attwood had to quit the series as a 'precautionary measure'.
An ITV spokesperson said at the time: "As a precautionary measure Olivia needed to leave the jungle to undergo some medical checks. Unfortunately, the medical team has advised it is not safe for Olivia to return to camp as there needs to be further investigation. She has been absolutely brilliant and she'll be very much missed on the show."
After a lot of speculation about her departure, Olivia later took part in an interview where she confessed she was heartbroken to be told she wouldn't be able to continue on the show. Although Olivia hinted she could return for the 2023 series, she later revealed she wouldn't be appearing, admitting 'the time wasn't right for her'.
2021: Richard Madeley
Whilst taking part in the 2021 series of I'm A Celeb, which was filmed in North Wales due to COVID-19 restrictions, TV presenter Richard Madeley was forced to quit after he was rushed to hospital during the middle of the night. Although Richard was ok, he was asked to leave the show after breaking his COVID bubble.
I'm A Celeb bosses said: "Our strict covid protocols means Richard has sadly had to leave the show as he is no longer in the bubble the celebrities form when entering the castle. He has been a truly brilliant camp mate and we thank him for being part of this series."
2017: Jack Maynard
During the 2017 series, YouTuber Jack Maynard quit the show after just two days, following a number of stories that he'd sent racist and homophobic tweets in the past. Jack's team made the decision to remove him from the Australian jungle so he had the opportunity to defend his actions.
His team released a statement at the time saying: "In the last few days Jack has been the subject of a succession of media stories which, given his position as a contestant on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here - filmed in the Australian jungle, with no contact with the outside world, he has been unable to respond to.
"Since it is only fair that everyone should be aware of any allegations made against them and should also have the right to defend themselves, it was agreed that it would be better to bring him out of the show. Jack agrees with this decision which was made by his representatives and ITV and thanks everyone who has supported him in the show this far."
2015: Spencer Matthews
I'm A Celeb fans were left very confused during the 2015 series, when former Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews was removed from the camp after just two days, with little explanation.
Taking part in an interview after his exit, Spencer confessed he'd been taking steroid pills to bulk up for a charity boxing match, but failed to tell show bosses. He said in a statement: "Shortly after I arrived in Australia I told the production team that I was taking a steroid-based medication that had begun some weeks ago.
"When I started taking this programme of pills it was in preparation for a charity boxing match which, ironically, never took place. Vanity, I suppose, had been the reason for wanting to bulk up a bit for the fight. I had intended to come off the pills gradually, but there was no time to do this before I reached the jungle.
"My admission to the production team that I was still taking these pills led to the conclusion that it would be unsafe for me to stay in the jungle - a decision which I found extremely hard to stomach.
"I pushed back but ultimately the show's duty of care prevailed and bags had to be packed. Taking these pills was a serious error of judgment, which I hugely regret. I have disappointed my family, friends and fans and would like to apologise. I would like to thank ITV for the opportunity and their support, they're a class act.
"I loved every minute of being in the jungle and wish the remaining contestants the best of luck. Hoping for another shot at it someday."
2015: Lady Colin Campbell
Just days before the final in 2016, Lady Colin Campbell unfortunately had to withdraw from the show on 'medical grounds', leaving viewers gutted.
A spokesperson for the show released a brief statement at the time, saying: "Lady C has left the jungle on medical grounds."
2014: Gemma Collins
Perhaps the most memorable departure in the show's history arrived in 2014, when reality star Gemma Collins sensationally quit after just three days! After an emotional helicopter ride and some pretty spectacular tantrums, GC told bosses she was quitting.
Years after the show, Gemma confirmed the real reason for her quick departure, saying on Twitter: 'My time was short in the jungle and not many people know that I was robbed and physically attacked 24 hours before leaving for Australia. I didn't want to let anyone down, so I still went in.
'However, I was in a terrible state and shock as you can imagine and couldn't see it through. I took lots of stick over it, but if you was robbed and attacked and then sent into the jungle, I'm sure you would have struggled too. I would never let anyone destroy my dreams again.'
2014: Craig Charles
Former Coronation Street actor Craig Charles made the decision to leave the jungle during the 2014 series after being told the heartbreaking news that his brother had sadly passed away.
Bosses said at the time: "Craig was told the sad news earlier today. He was devastated and decided to leave straight away, but did stop to say his goodbyes to his fellow celebrities. He was a great part of the show and we are sorry to see him leave but completely respect his wishes. He is expected to fly home tomorrow."
2012: Brian Conley
Comedian Brian Conley was forced to quit the show in 2012 after being taking ill and rushed to hospital. During an interview on Lorraine following his return to the UK, Brian confirmed he was diagnosed with malnutrition and exhaustion by doctors in hospital.
He said: "It is under extreme circumstances and I started to feel really bad because in the end, very shortly after that, I did have to leave. I had an examination and they found I had malnutrition and was suffering from exhaustion. They sedated me in hospital and gave me a tablet that would probably knock out a horse for two days. I woke up with a saline drip in my arm thinking, 'what on earth has happened here?'."
2010: Nigel Havers
Actor Nigel Havers made the decision to quit the show in 2010 after he didn't agree with a certain trial which involved the camp mates receiving a small electric shock.
In an interview in 2021, Nigel later dubbed his time on the show as 'total boredom', so it's safe to say he won't be returning for any spin-offs!
2009: Camilla Dallerup
Professional dancer Camilla Dallerup quit the show after just three days during the 2009 series!
Speaking not long after her departure, Camilla admitted she should have never signed up to take part, saying: "I've never quit anything in my life, but I was at the stage where I'd nearly passed out several times. Before I flew to Australia my doctor in London was really concerned about my weight because I couldn't afford to lose any more.
"As a dancer I'm very lean so I had no reserves to keep me going in the jungle. I wasn't getting enough salt and sugar, and I started to get palpitations. I had memory loss, my speech was slurred and my hands were cramping - it was scary. I had to lie down after going 10 steps to the toilet."
2009: Katie Price
Glamour model and TV personality Katie Price made I'm A Celeb history in 2009 when she become the first ever celeb to appear on the show twice. However, Katie's second stint wasn't as successful, with her deciding to quit after just nine days.
Katie admitted she left the show after being fed up of being voted to the Bushtucker Trials every night by the public.
2009: George Hamilton
Following in the footsteps of both Katie Price and Camilla Dallerup, American actor George Hamilton also chose to quit the show in 2009, just days before the final. Despite lasting a while on the show, George didn't take part in any Bushtucker Trials during his stint.
2005: Kimberley Davies
Former Neighbours actress Kimberley Davies didn't have the best of starts to life in the I'm A Celeb camp during the 2005 series. During a trial, Kimberley completed a 15ft jump from a helicopter to hit a target floating in water, but unfortunately she fractured her rib during the trial.
Just hours later, Kimberley made the decision to leave the show.
2005: Elaine Lordan
Former EastEnders actress Elaine Lordan was also forced to leave the show in 2005, after passing out twice within a day of arriving into camp.
A spokesperson said at the time: "We have given a great deal of thought and consideration to Elaine's situation and have decided that she won't be returning to the jungle. ITV has a responsibility to all of the celebrities taking part and given what has happened to Elaine on two separate occasions in as many days, and knowing what challenges lie ahead in the show, ITV has decided to err on the side of caution."
2004: Brian Harvey
East 17 singer Brian Harvey quit the show after just five days in 2004, following an argument with Janet Street-Porter over "farting and smoking".
2004: Natalie Appleton
All Saints singer Natalie Appleton was the second celeb to quit the 2004 series. Natalie chose to walk out of camp during the early hours of the morning after discovering she'd been voted to undergo a fifth Bushtucker Trial.
2004: Johnny Rotten (John Lydon)
Sex Pistols singer Johnny Rotten chose to leave the jungle just five days before the final during series three, which also featured the likes of Kerry Katona, Peter Andre and Katie Price.
2003: Daniella Westbrook
Former EastEnders star Daniella Westbrook made history during the second series in 2003, becoming the first celeb to voluntarily leave the jungle.
Daniella left the show after nine days and said on her departure: "It was an interesting experience. I am not going to say I enjoyed it, I didn't enjoy one little bit, I couldn't wait to get out of there. I have never been so bored in my life - one thing I have learnt from the whole thing is I can't deal with boredom, I am hopeless with it."
News of Grace's sudden exit was revealed on 27th November, with ITV/STV bosses saying in a statement: "Unfortunately Grace Dent has left the show on medical grounds. She has been a great campmate and will be missed by her fellow celebrities and viewers alike."
Instead of staying in the luxury hotel out in Australia, Grace made the decision to immediately fly back to the UK.
During the Coming Out show on Wednesday night, the camp mates made a touching toast to both Grace and Jamie Lynn, following their early exits.
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