Olivia Attwood ‘heartbroken’ about leaving I’m A Celebrity – but jokes about Matt Hancock’s arrival
Olivia Attwood has been left “heartbroken” after being forced to leave I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! on medical grounds – but has joked about who will “roast Matt Hancock” when he arrives.
The star, who rose to fame appearing on Love Island in 2017, had been “absolutely loving every second of the show” before medics told her it was no longer safe for her to be taking part, according to a post on her official Instagram account.
Attwood’s departure from the I’m A Celebrity jungle in Australia was announced less than 24 hours after this year’s launch episode, during which viewers saw her skydiving on to a deserted island beach alongside radio presenter Chris Moyles.
ITV said the 31-year-old was told by the programme’s medical team following a precautionary check that it was not safe for her to return to camp.
A post shared on Attwood’s Instagram story promised that fans would hear “the truth” from the star in due course.
“To say Olivia is heartbroken would be an understatement,” the post read. “She dreamed of doing ‘I’m A Celeb’ for years, and was absolutely loving every second of the show and throwing herself into jungle life feet first (just as we knew she would).
“However, for reasons beyond her control, her journey has been cut short. Your support and kind words have meant the absolute world to her, now as much as it always has.
“You will hear the truth from Olivia in due course and she will be back on your screens in the New Year.”
The post added: “PS who’s going to roast Matt Hancock now.”
Attwood appeared in the third season of Love Island, during which she coupled up with fellow contestant Chris Hughes. They split up after leaving the villa but went on to become two of the reality show’s best known stars – and Attwood is the first Love Island contestant to take part in I’m A Celebrity.
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Confirming her departure, an ITV spokesperson told Sky News: “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 a further investigation.
“She has been absolutely brilliant and she’ll be very much missed on the show.”
Matt Hancock and Seann Walsh expected to arrive in camp
Attwood’s early exit from the jungle means she has had one of the shortest ever stints in the jungle, closely matched by that of former EastEnders actress Elaine Lordan, who dropped out after fainting twice within 24 hours of her arrival in 2005.
Other celebrities taking part in this year’s series are: Culture Club star Boy George, TV presenter and property expert Scarlette Douglas, Lioness Jill Scott, Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver, Hollyoaks actor Owen Warner, rugby star Mike Tindall, comedian Babatunde Aleshe and journalist and broadcaster Charlene White.
Read more: I’m A Celebrity line-up in full – with bombshell arrivals
Former health secretary Matt Hancock and comedian Seann Walsh are set to join the camp as late arrivals.
Mr Hancock’s impending stint in the jungle dominated headlines ahead of the start of the series. The MP had the Tory whip suspended after the news broke – effectively expelling him from the Conservative Party until it is reinstated.