After news broke that Olivia Attwood had been forced to leave the jungle, fans have been asking who might replace the 2017 Love Island contestant on ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Attwood's family revealed that the star is 'heartbroken' by the exit.
Just 24 hours after the experience began, it was reported that Olivia had been forced to withdraw from the show on medical grounds. One Monday, November 7, a spokesperson said: "As a precautionary measure Olivia needed to leave the jungle to undergo medical checks".
Adding: "Unfortunately, the medical team has advised that 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." Show presenters Ant and Dec confirmed the situation on the show that evening.
READ MORE: I'm A Celeb fans 'fuming' as Olivia Attwood forced to leave full ITV statement
A statement posted on the 31-year-old's Instagram later explained that fans will 'hear the truth in due course' about her shock exit. 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 back on your screens in the new year." And it signed off by joking: "Ps who's going to roast Matt Hancock now?"
At the start of Monday night's episode hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly addressed Olivia's departure, saying she would still feature in tonight's show. "We're very sad to see her go and we wish her well," said Ant.
While there has been speculation that the former health secretary, Matt Hancock, along with comedian Seann Walsh could make an early appearance on the show due to the Love Islander's exit, according to Manchester Evening News, Olivia won't be replaced.
Andrew Pierce, on Good Morning Britain today, Tuesday, November 8, said he'd been told that Hancock would be on the show until Wednesday. News broke last week that Matt was joining the jungle and the West Suffolk MP, who has been suspended by the Tory party in the wake of his controversial signing being revealed, said he was taking part so he can "go to where the people are — not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster."
Matt confirmed his own signing for the show as he was snapped arriving into Brisbane Airport as well as writing an article to defend his decision to say yes to appearing on the popular programme.
During Sunday night's launch show the issue was addressed by Ant and Dec who joked about the surprise late arrival not exactly being a surprise. "We've also got not one but two late arrivals and fortunately we've managed to keep their identities a secret," quipped Ant. "Nobody's got a clue who they are."
And Dec agreed: "Yeah. You're going to be so surprised guys." He then added cheekily: "We'll be rolling out the welcome Matt for them very soon."
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