Fears that I’m A Celebrity bosses have made this year’s series too tough are mounting after Richard Madeley’s shock departure yesterday.
This year’s season has been thrown into chaos behind the scenes after three of this year’s contestants – Dame Arlene Phillips, Naughty Boy and Frankie Bridge – sought urgent medical treatment.
According to reports, the Strictly judge is being treated for chronic pain, while music producer (36) is struggling with mental health. According to The Sun, the Sundays singer has an itchy rash which doctors have yet to identify.
Madeley – arguably this year’s biggest signing – was forced to quit ITV’s I’m A Celeb after being admitted to Glan Clwyd Hospital. Following his treatment, Madeley could not return to the castle.
A spokesman for I’m A Celebrity refused to be drawn on concerns that this year’s series is too tough on the contestants, who are forced to sleep rough and endure gruelling Bushtucker trials.
Madeley, 65 years old, fell ill from eating fish guts. He had also complained about the castle’s ‘freezing’ temperatures.
Worries: I’m A Celebrity bosses are reportedly fearing they may lose more of the show’s stars following Richard Madeley’s departure on Thursday (pictured Arlene Phillips and Naughty Boy)
According to The Sun, Arlene has been prescribed painkillers for chronic pain. Naughty Boy’s mental state is deteriorating due to the fact that he is away from his mother with dementia.
Frankie has been reported to have had a rash that required medical attention.
A source said: ‘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 difficult enough trying to survive in the ruin of an old castle. She’s a strong woman who wants to prove everyone just how tough she can be.
In chaos? According to reports, three stars of the show were in urgent need of medical treatment and they created chaos.
After Richard (65), was admitted to the hospital on Thursday, Richard has been forced to quit I’m A Celeb.
The insider said Naughty Boy, real name Shahid Khan, is having counselling over his mother’s health.
According to them, “He has been communicating with the show’s mental team led by Sandra Scott on a specially-set up iPad to ensure he’s staying positive…
“This is his longest time away from his mother in the past two years since she was diagnosed with cancer. They want to ensure he doesn’t spiral into silence.”
Producers are also worried about Frankie who reportedly received an ointment for a rash, with doctors not sure what caused it.
The source said ITV simply ‘can’t afford to loose any names- especially after Richard left the camp just four days after the show started.
MailOnline reached out to ITV in order for them to comment.
After a difficult time in breakout camp The Clink, Arlene and Naughty Boy both expressed their desire for Gwyrch Castle to be left.
Following the Treacherous Traps trial the music producer made it clear that he wanted to leave.
His fellow campmates heard him say: “I think that my time here has ended.” It was a feeling I felt earlier. I thought about my mum, and it made me feel better.
Medical treatment: Naughty Boy, real name Shahid Khan, is reportedly having counselling over his mother’s health, while Frankie is said to have developed a rash
Family man. Before entering the jungle, his father described the health struggles of his mother, and he stated: “I believe it is important that people like me create awareness about it.”
‘I don’t think after knowing what the Main Camp probably knew what they were putting me through knowing I did the challenge earlier – I don’t know if I could ever join that camp.’
Naughty Boy’s fellow campers were quick to reassure him but he continued his threats quit altogether and was joined by Arlene – even after the news that they were to join the Main Camp.
Arlene stated that she felt exactly the same. It was my hope that I would emerge here proud and strong, but I haven’t had the best start.
The music producer commented that Arlene and Naughty Boy had threatened to quit the competition during the previous week.
“I consider it unacceptable. I realize that it is impossible to go on. My mind won’t change one night.
After entering Main Camp, however, the couple changed their minds and filmed scenes that were broadcast on Wednesday.
After Richard died, the crisis occurs. forced to leave the show after being rushed to hospital with an unknown medical condition.
After a difficult trial with Snoochie Shy, Naughty Boy was prepared to go.
Arlene shared her second thought: “I feel exactly what you are feeling.” My hope was that it would end in a strong, proud way. However, the process hasn’t been the best.
In a major blow to the show as one of their top signings, the broadcaster, who was paid an estimated £200,000 to star in this year’s competition, was taken ill hours after participating in a gruelling trial and complaining about the castle’s freezing temperatures.
In a statement Richard, who was believed to be treated at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl, confirmed he had to quit the series after breaking the show’s ‘Covid bubble’.
Chloe Richard’s daughter (34-year old) revealed that Richard is upset his father can’t return to I’m A Celebrity camp following the shock hospital escape.
‘Gutted’: In a statement Richard, who was believed to be at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl, reassured fans he’s ‘fine’ after his health scare
He said in a statement: ‘Hello all! Richard here – firstly just to say that I’m absolutely FINE. As a precaution, I was admitted to the hospital because I felt unwell during the early hours of the morning.
“By leaving camp, I had therefore broken the Covid bubble and I have had to leave the castle with all the amazing celebs that are still in it.
“Obviously I’m sad that they are leaving, but my number one priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the campmates. I’m incredibly excited to watch their journey continue…even more so at the prospect of being somewhere a little warmer than Gwrych Castle…
Health scare: Richard, who was paid an estimated £200,000 to star in this year’s competition, was taken ill hours after participating in a gruelling trial
Worry: Richard was believed to be at Glan Clwyd Hospital after falling ill overnight
‘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.
A spokesperson from I’m A Celebrity stated that Richard was forced to quit the show because he’s no longer inside the bubble celebrity enter when entering the castle.
We are very grateful to him for his participation in this series.
Statement: Presenter Chloe, 34, took to Instagram to say she had spoken to him and that while he was annoyed he couldn’t return, he was ‘absolutely fine’, before gushing she was ‘so proud’
On Friday, Richard was ‘too sick’ to be on Good Morning Britain Monday after his I’m A Celebrity departure.
Discussing Richard’s experience on Friday show, his fellow GMB star Richard Arnold also spoke of the host’s whopping £200,000 fee, admitting he’s ‘not sure he’ll forfeit his fee yet’.
Ben Shephard said that his bosses were unsure if the former This Morning anchor will be well enough for them to invite him to their shows.
“Maybe we won’t. We’re hearing he’s too ill. We’re going to talk with Richard Monday.
Ben shared his view on Richard’s decision to leave camp. It was a real shame that Richard, who had been trying to persuade others to stay put was now gone.
“It seems like it was a Covid-19 protocol problem, he burst the bubble to get to hospital but then couldn’t return in.
“It feels like somebody’s made some mistakes there.” This is a shame, though. He has been an integral part in the success of this show.
Concerns? After his exit from I’m A Celebrity, Richard was ‘too ill’ on Friday. (Photo: ITV)
Richard (who was being treated at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Rhyl) issued a statement reassuring fans that he was ok after his health scare. He also confirmed that he had to stop the series due to the breaking of the Covid bubble.
Meanwhile, Richard Arnold said the star’s exit was a ‘devastating loss’ for the show, and also added that he was unsure whether Richard’s ‘tasty’ £200k feel would be forfeited now he’s out.
He explained that the show is suffering a major loss. However, the actor had long been interested in the role and stated that it was something that he wanted.
“And then four more days and we are told quite a wedge as well. Whether or not he forfeits the fee, I am not across that, but it’s quite tasty money!”
As the Good Morning Britain star’s departure from the 2021 series was due to medical reasons and not from quitting of his own accord, it is thought he will get his full salary – which is believed to be an eye-watering £200,000 – after just four days in the jungle.
Richard stated that Dickie was a marquee signing, despite Simon Gregson’s and Adam Woodyatt’s brilliant signings.
‘The duty of care would be paramount with Richard set, and there are an on-site medical team at any time as well. But it was felt, perhaps, that it was escalated in order to take Richard to hospital for some reason. Richard without doubt would protest.
The 2021 I’m a Celebrity Line-up
LOUISE MINCHIN
LOUISE MINCHIN
AGE: 53
CLAIM TO FAMILY: Broadcaster & ex BBC Breakfast Host
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL in THE CASTLE It’s nice to be able to show the fun side of me rather than the serious news presenter.
PHOBIAS: It is horrifying to think of tiny, enclosed areas with spiders and cockroaches!
ROLE IN CAMPYou can count on me to give you hugs, and I’ll make your food even more delicious!
MISS MOST My comfortable bed and lovely bath.
DREAMER CAMPER Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig – we wouldn’t have a problem getting stars if he were in the Castle.
MATTY LEE
MATTY LEE
AGE: 23
CLAIM TO FAME: Olympic Gold Medallist
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE:I am known for being very calm and focused on diving. I hope you enjoy this opportunity to meet me.
PHOBIAS: I don’t like rats.
ROLE IN CAMP I don’t mind helping out with cleaning.
MISS MOST My bed
DREAM CAMPER: Ed Sheeran, Will Smith
SNOOCHIE SHY
SNOOCHIE SHY
AGE: 29
CLAIM TO FAME: Radio 1Xtra DJ
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE:My friends know me for my bubbly personality, but I am also very shy when I go outside my comfort zone.
PHOBIAS: Bugs, heights and I’m claustrophobic.
ROLE IN CAMP I love twerking on a Friday night and I’m going to teach everyone how to do it in the Castle!
MISS MOST My cat and lip gloss.
DREAMS CAMPERJim Carrey, Big Narstie.
RICHARD MADELEY
RICHARD MADELEY
AGE: 65
CLAIM TO AME: Journalist and TV Presenter
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: Nothing. I don’t worry about what people think.
PHOBIAS: Heights. I’m not sure how I will feel if I have to walk across a plank very high up!
ROLE IN CAMP Cook. Interviewer. I love finding out about people’s lives.
MISS MOST Apart from Judy, Judy and my family I don’t know what is going on in the news. A news addict, I am.
DREAMER CAMPER Jimmy Greaves, the late Jimmy Greaves. He would have been a great person to talk with about goals in Castle.
DAME ARLENEPHILLIPS DBE
DAME ARLENEPHILLIPS DBE
AGE: 78
CLAIM TO FAMEChoreographer
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People don’t really know the real me at home and I’d like to show people the motherly side, the side my family sees.
PHOBIAS:Ich hoffe that I can overcome my fear and take part in Trials
ROLE IN CAMP Mum and to organise some fun dance routines!
MISS MOST My notepad and pencil –I am known for always having to write down ideas.
DREAMER CAMPER Giovanna Fletcher –she is such a lovely, warm person.
NAUTTY BOY
NAUGTY BOY
AGE: 36
CLAIM TO FAME:Produce
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL in THE CASTLE People don’t know the real me and I want everyone to get to know me.
PHOBIAS: Constrained spaces and high heights, but I’m determined to make the Trials work again.
ROLE IN CAMP Castle chef and someone who everyone can confide in.
MISS MOST My mum. I live with her and it’s going to be hard being away from her.
DREAMER CAMPER Sir Elton John would be amazing.
KADEENA COPX, MBE
KADEENA COPX, MBE
AGE: 30
CLAIM TO FAMILY: Paralympic Gold Medallist
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL in THE CASTLE It is great to demonstrate to people all kinds of disabilities that they are able to do different things in their lives.
PHOBIAS: Snakes, rats, spiders, heights – everything!
ROLE IN CAMP Chef – so long as there isn’t too much pressure to make the food interesting!
MISS MOST TikTok my mother and dog.
DREAMER CAMPER Thierry Henry –I love watching Arsenal play.
DAVID GINOLA
DAVID GINOLA
AGE: 54
CLAIM TO FAMILY:The football legend
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL in THE CASTLE No, I do not hide behind any false identity. You get what you see.
PHOBIAS: I am going to tell you when I am in the Castle!
ROLE IN CAMP Chef. I love cooking and will add garlic and rosemary to my food.
MISS MOST My partner and my little girl. It’s going to be tough.
FRANKIE’S BRIDGE
FRANKIE BRIDGE
AGE: 32
Claiming to Fame:The Saturday star
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People think if you are in a pop group, you lead a glamorous lifestyle and won’t get stuck in, but I’m determined to muck in with all the chores.
PHOBIAS: Spiders, rats and confined spaces scare me.
ROLE IN CAMP The serial hugger.
MISS MOST Wayne and my brothers.
DREAMER CAMPER Larry Lamb and father figures
DANNY MILLER
DANNY MILLER
AGE: 30
CLAIM TO FAME: Emmerdale actor
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL in THE CASTLE No, I just want to be able to tell everyone how I really am in real life.
PHOBIAS: I am absolutely dreading the eating Trials! It is possible that I might gag.
ROLE IN CAMP A shoulder to cry on and a person everyone can come to if they have a problem.
MISS MOST My fiancée, Steph, and our new baby.
DREAMER CAMPER Fred Sirieix and any other ex-football player. I won’t be able to leave them alone asking lots of questions!