TV sources have revealed what is believed to be the real reason why Olivia Attwood was forced to drop out of I'm a Celebrity so early into the series, claiming it all revolves around that dreaded C word - yep, Covid.
An unnamed insider told The Sun that Attwood wanted to return to camp after leaving to deal with a medical issue, but that the show's strict Covid rules meant she was unable to, amid fears she could potentially infect others with the virus.
They said: “She could see it was an impossible situation.”
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The only way she would have been allowed back into the I'm a Celeb camp was if she went through another week's isolation period, which was seen as 'impossible'.
The source continued: “It was felt this would be too much time to spend away from the competition and potentially place her campmates at a disadvantage to her.
“Obviously viewers at home couldn’t include her in any votes, including selecting them for different challenges during the series.
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“Olivia would have been going back in almost halfway through the series, which simply wasn’t fair.
“As frustrating and upsetting as that was for Olivia, who was willing to do whatever it took to go back, she could also see it was an impossible situation.”
With the specific reason not yet officially confirmed by ITV, Tyla has reached out to the channel for comment.
A show spokesman previously said of Attwood's shock departure: "As a precautionary measure Olivia needed to leave the jungle to undergo some medical checks.
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"Unfortunately, the medical team has advised it is not safe for Olivia to return to camp as there needs to be further investigation.
"She has been absolutely brilliant and she'll be very much missed on the show."
A statement on behalf of Attwood was later posted to her Instagram.
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It read: "To say Olivia is heartbroken would be an understatement, 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."
The statement added: "You will hear the truth from Olivia in due course and she will be back on your screens in the new year.
"Ps. Who's going to roast Matt Hancock now??"
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A later Instagram post also clarified that Attwood didn't leave the jungle for Covid-related reasons.
As explained, she had to exit the show on medical grounds - it's re-entering the camp that was affected by Covid restrictions.
Topics: Celebrity, Im A Celebrity, Olivia Attwood
Jess Hardiman