It’s been an emotional start to the new series of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! and producers are said to be very worried about one particular contestant.
A new report claims bosses are concerned Anne Hegerty, who has Asperger syndrome, will leave the show after she broke down in tears on the first day, admitting she feels “overwhelmed.”
According to The Sun, bosses are “closely monitoring” Anne to ensure she’s doing okay.
The 60-year-old Chase star was allowed to skip the first trial but was still emotional as she struggled with the difficult conditions of the Australian jungle.
A source has told The Sun: “She was distressed after the first day and found it a bit much. Producers wanted to ensure she was fine, so have been checking in with her.
“They didn’t want to push her too soon and were pleased teammates rallied round her. She’s explained her autism means she struggles in some social situations and can need a timeout.
“Producers want to ensure she has space. Her wellbeing is of the utmost importance.”
The publication also spoke to Anne’s manager David Hahn, who confirmed: “She’s in very good hands there. When she said she was doing the show, I asked, ‘Are you sure?’. But she wanted to inspire others with autism.
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“Anne’s lovely with a great sense of humour. If she can get through the first week, she’ll go the whole way.”
A representative for I’m A Celebrity told ED!: “We closely monitor all our contestants.”
Read more: ‘Late entry’ campmate for I’m A Celebrity SCRAPPED by show bosses
It was revealed on Monday that Anne would be taking on Tuesday evening’s Monstrous Monoliths Trial.
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It follows Anne’s emotional display on the first episode, when her team lost the lake race. It meant they were forced to set up camp in Snake Rock while the other celebrities enjoyed the more luxurious camp Croc Creek.
During the launch episode of the reality show, Anne – who was diagnosed with autism in 2007 – told her fellow campmates: “I’m really close to saying I can’t do this.”
Her new friends and fellow contestants, Rita Simons, Emily Atack and Fleur East offered support.
If anything can get Anne through Jungle life, it's a team of supportive of Campmates! #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/1Iymw9Hk5E
— I'm A Celebrity… (@imacelebrity) November 19, 2018
The Inbetweeners actress Emily later told the Bush Telegraph: “Anne got a bit upset so we gave her a cuddle. It’s overwhelming.
“I think she was just expressing how we were all feeling, we just didn’t want to admit it!”
X Factor star Fleur added: “I feel like we all have to be there for her and the minute that we all rallied around her, she just felt so much better.”
After being comforted by her campmates, Anne told the Bush Telegraph: “They’re absolutely brilliant, they’re a fantastic bunch. I like them, they’re my team.”
Meanwhile, the show enjoyed its most-watched launch since 2013.
11 million people tuned in for the first episode – up 700,000 on last year’s series.
Read more: Cheryl’s X Factor comeback slammed as “painful” by viewers
We’re rooting for you, Anne. You’ll be amazing in tonight’s trial.
Do you think Anne will stay? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.