This year’s I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! was thrown into chaos after allegations of Jack Maynard’s inappropriate behaviour came to light.
Producers were said to be “locked in crisis talks for hours” over whether to kick the YouTube star out of the jungle.
The 22-year-old has a huge young following which they anticipated would boost viewing figures.
It was also hoped he could have a jungle romance, especially after he appeared to hit it off with Made In Chelsea’s Georgia “Toff” Toffolo, who he was paired up with on the first challenge.
However, before Jack had barely even made it into his jungle hammock, concerns about his past behaviour began to be raised in the press.
First of all, there was controversy over naked photos of the vlogger that had been leaked online.
Then his agent was forced to issue an apology over a number of racist and homophobic tweets he posted (and since deleted) back in 2012.
And now there are allegations he sent “inappropriate messages” to a female fan.
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A source told Mirror TV the latest revelation was the final nail in the coffin for Jack – but it still wasn’t an easy decision for bosses to let him go.
The insider said: “Producers were locked in crisis talks for hours. ITV bosses were forced into a tense conversation about whether to kick out Jack.
“And they finally decided they had no choice but to let him go from the show.”
A statement from Jack’s agent said the decision for him to leave had been made by “his representatives” as well as ITV and the social media star had agreed with it.
The full statement read: “In the last few days Jack has been the subject of a succession of media stories which 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 it would be better to bring him out.
“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.”
Jack has yet to respond personally on his social media channels while his brother, singer Conor Maynard, has also gone quiet on Twitter.
Two days ago he tweeted: “Hey I’m A Celeb… if there’s any Bushtucker trials Jack doesn’t want to do, I’d be happy to.. “cover”.. for him.”
Producers would no doubt be delighted if the popstar did now step in after Jack’s exit leaves a huge hole in the camp.
However, this will soon be filled by the arrival of two new campmates – radio host Iain Lee and Scottish politician Kezia Dugdale.
The pair had already been scheduled to join the camp before it was known Jack would depart.
Now it remains to be seen if an additional celebrity will be sent in to replace him. Often producers have stars on standby to substitute campmates in case of sudden absences.
In the show’s long history, some celebrities have been forced to suddenly leave early due to family bereavements or medical reasons.
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Commenting on Jack’s departure, an ITV spokesman said: “Due to circumstances outside camp Jack has had to withdraw from the show.”