I’m A Celebrity bosses fear the show could be thrown into chaos if more stars follow Richard Madeley out of camp.
GMB host Richard was forced to walk from the ITV show after being rushed to hospital with a mystery illness in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The star updated fans later via his Instagram account, saying that he couldn’t return to camp because he’d broken the secure COVID bubble.
Read more: I’m a Celeb’s Richard ‘livid’ at being forced to quit says daughter Chloe
The Sun reports that ITV bosses are now panicking as three other celebs have received medical treatment at Gwrych Castle, Wales.
Who could follow Richard Madeley and quit I’m A Celebrity?
According to the report, producers are worrying about Dame Arlene Phillips. The former Strictly star is the show’s oldest ever contestant at 78. She’s also reportedly taking painkillers.
Elsewhere music producer Naughty Boy is speaking to the ITV psych team over his mum’s health.
Frankie Bridge is also a concern after reportedly developing a mystery rash which she’s needed a steroid cream for.
And, with Storm Arwen set to bring snow and 80mph winds to places in the UK – including North Wales – bosses are nervous about unhappy celebs walking.
A source told the publication: “They can’t afford to lose any more big names.”
Morale is flagging in camp
The report also claims that producers have tried to lift the campmates’ flagging morale by providing Haribo sweets and biscuits in a private room.
The source added: “There are growing concerns for Arlene who is really struggling and in chronic pain.
“She is being helped around by the likes of David Ginola and Naughty Boy and is looking really frail. It’s hard enough roughing it in the ruins of an old castle let alone at 78 years old.”
What has Richard said about leaving?
Richard’s departure came as a shock yesterday following his dramatic hospital dash.
Writing on his Insta stories, he said: “Richard here – firstly just to say that I’m absolutely FINE. I started to feel briefly unwell in the small hours of the morning and was taken to hospital as a precaution.”
He went on to say: “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 in the camp.”
“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,” Richard said, ending his post.
Read more: Naughty Boy’s spat with Frankie Bridge leaves I’m A Celeb fans divided
“Speak soon.”
Meanwhile, his daughter, Chloe, says he’s “livid” about the decision not to let him return.
Chloe wrote on her Instagram Stories: “Thanks for all your lovely messages. Dad’s absolutely fine, we’ve been speaking to him all day and ultimately, he’s just livid he can’t go back into camp because of COVID restrictions.
“He did himself proud, though. He worked hard and was his calm, collected, kind and funny self.”
She adds: “We are so proud.”
The Sun also reports that Richard will get his full fee. He’ll pocket around £200k. This is because he didn’t quit by his own volition.
ED! has contacted ITV for comment.
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