'He's too ill to come back on the show': GMB confirms host Richard Madeley remains unwell despite assuring fans he is 'fine' after he was forced to QUIT I'm A Celeb following hospital dash
- The broadcaster, 65, was taken ill hours after participating in a gruelling trial
- Ben Shephard said of his co-star: 'Apparently we'll be talking to him on Monday. Maybe we won't. We're hearing he's too ill'
- Richard, who was reported to have been paid £200,000 for his time on the show, spent just four days living in the castle
- He confirmed in a statement that after breaking the show's 'Covid bubble' he'd been forced to leave the show
Richard Madeley is reportedly 'too ill' to join his Good Morning Britain co-stars on Monday's show following his early exit from I'm A Celebrity.
The GMB presenter, 65, left the Welsh camp after falling ill in the early hours of Thursday morning, prompting an emergency dash to a local hospital - which subsequently resulted in him breaking the Covid bubble formed with his campmates.
And 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'.
Poorly: Richard Madeley is reportedly 'too ill' to join his Good Morning Britain co-stars on Monday's show following his early exit from I'm A Celebrity
During the show, presenter Ben Shephard was joined by Richard Arnold, Nick Hewer and Ruthie Henshall, where they discussed the ITV show and Richard's unfortunate exit.
Ben admitted that show bosses are unsure whether the former This Morning anchor would be well enough to join them, stating: 'Apparently we'll be talking to him on Monday.
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'Maybe we won't. We're hearing he's too ill. Okay, hopefully we'll talk to Richard on Monday.'
Sharing his opinion on Richard having to leave the camp, Ben added: 'It was short and sweet. It’s such a shame because Richard was the person who was trying to persuade the others not to leave and all of a sudden, he’s gone.
No money? 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'
Early exit: The GMB presenter, 65, left the Welsh camp after falling ill in the early hours of Thursday morning, prompting an emergency dash to a local hospital
'It sounds like it was a bit of a Covid-19 protocol issue, he broke the bubble to go to hospital and then couldn’t go back in.
'I feel like someone’s made a bit of a mistake there. It’s such a shame though because he’s already been such an integral part of the show.'
In a statement Richard, who was believed to be treated at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl, reassured fans that he's 'fine' after his health scare, but confirmed he had to quit the series after breaking the show's '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 fee would be forfeited now he's out.
Worries: Ben Shephard admitted that show bosses are unsure whether Richard would be well enough to join them, stating: 'Apparently we'll be talking to him on Monday. Maybe we won't. We're hearing he's too ill. Okay, hopefully we'll talk to Richard on Monday'
Having his say: Ben said: 'I feel like someone’s made a bit of a mistake there. It’s such a shame though because he’s already been such an integral part of the show'
He said: 'I think it's a devastating loss for the show, and also he's been courted by the show for years and he said it was something he desperately wanted to do.
'And four days, and we're told quite a big wedge as well, whether or not he'll forfeit the fee or not, I'm not across that but it's quite a tasty sum of 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 also said of the situation: 'With Simon Gregson and Adam Woodyatt going in, I mean they're brilliant signings as well, but Dickie was very much a marquee signing.
'The duty of care would have been paramount with Richard on set, and there is an on set medical team at all times as well, but it was felt that perhaps it was escalated to take him to hospital for a reason, and a very valid reason, because Richard no doubt would have protested.'
Opinion: 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
Money talks: 'And four days, and we're told quite a big wedge as well, whether or not he'll forfeit the fee or not, I'm not across that but it's quite a tasty sum of money!'
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 to fans, he said: 'Hello all! 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.
'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.
'Obviously I'm gutted to be leaving so soon but the safety of all the campmates is the number one priority. I'm incredibly excited to watch their journey continue…even more so at the prospect of being somewhere a little warmer than Gwrych Castle…
'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.'
'Gutted': In a statement Richard, who was believed to be at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl, reassured fans that he's 'fine' after his health scare
Gross! 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
An I'm A Celebrity spokesperson added: 'Our strict Covid protocols means Richard has sadly had to leave the show as he is no longer in the bubble the celebrities form when entering the castle.
'He has been a truly brilliant camp mate and we thank him for being part of this series.'
A source also told MailOnline: 'Richard is devastated. He was doing his best in the trials and embracing every part of life in camp, this isn't the way he saw his I'm A Celeb journey ending.
'Richard going back to camp would pose as too much of a risk to the other contestants, who have isolated and formed a bubble to protect themselves from a possible Covid-19 outbreak on set.
'Everyone on the show will miss him – he's been a huge part of camp and it's so disappointing he won't be able to return.'
It had been thought that musician DJ Locksmith had been enlisted as a standby contestant, but no one is set to replace Richard in the castle.
Richard's daughter Chloe, 34, revealed her father is 'livid' he can't go back into the I'm A Celebrity camp after his shock hospital dash.
She wrote: '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.'
Statement: Richard's daughter Chloe, 34, revealed her father is 'livid' he can't go back into the I'm A Celebrity camp after his shock hospital dash
Meanwhile, I'm A Celebrity bosses are reportedly fearing they may lose more of the show's stars following Richard Madeley's departure on Thursday.
The series is said to have been thrown into chaos behind-the-scenes after three of the celebrities - Arlene Phillips, Naughty Boy and Frankie Bridge- have sought urgent medical treatment.
The Strictly judge, 78, is reportedly being medicated for chronic pain while the music producer, 36, is struggling mentally and The Saturdays singer, 32, has developed a rash that doctors are battling to diagnose.
The reports come after Richard, arguably the show's biggest signing, was forced to leave I'm A Celeb after being admitted to hospital and was unable to re-enter the castle after breaking the Covid-safe bubble to be treated.
Worries: I'm A Celebrity bosses are reportedly fearing they may lose more of the show's stars following Richard's departure on Thursday (pictured Arlene Phillips and Naughty Boy)
In chaos? The series is said to have been thrown into chaos behind-the-scenes after three of the celebrities have had to have urgent medical treatment (pictured Frankie Bridge)
The Sun reports Arlene is on painkillers for 'chronic pain', while Naughty Boy is having a 'tough time' mentally due to being away from his dementia-stricken mum.
Frankie is said to have developed a rash and has had to seek 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 hard enough roughing it in the ruins of an old castle let alone at 78 years old. She is a trooper and wants to show everyone how tough she is.'
The insider said Naughty Boy, real name Shahid Khan, is having counselling over his mother's health.
They said: 'He's been speaking to the show's psych team, led by Sandra Scott, on a specially set-up iPad to make sure he is staying upbeat...
'This is the longest he has been away from his mother since her diagnosis so they are keen to make sure he's not spiralling quietly.'
Also adding to producers worries is Frankie, who has reportedly been given an ointment to treat a rash- with doctors unsure about what has 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 has contacted ITV for comment.
Arlene and Naughty Boy have both previously expressed their desire to leave Gwyrch Castle after struggling in breakout camp, The Clink.
The music producer had been particularly vocal about his desire to leave following the Treacherous Traps trial, with the star remarking: 'My time here is done!'
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
He told his fellow campmates: 'I do think my time here is done. I had a feeling earlier and I was thinking about mum and obviously I love you guys.
'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.
Meanwhile, Arlene said: 'I feel exactly the same. For me, I was hoping I was going to come out here strong and proud, but it hasn't started in the right way.
'I find it unacceptable. I know that I can't go on and my mind isn't going to change in the morning, one night isn't going to change.'
However the pair changed their minds after entering Main Camp, in scenes which were aired on Wednesday's show.
I'm A Celebrity 2021 Line-up
LOUISE MINCHIN
LOUISE MINCHIN
AGE: 53
CLAIM TO FAME: 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: The idea of small, enclosed spaces with cockroaches and spiders is horrific!
ROLE IN THE CAMP: I will give out hugs and make the food more edible!
MISS MOST: My comfortable bed and lovely bath.
DREAM 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: People always see me as very composed and serious on the diving board. This will be a nice opportunity to let people get to know me better.
PHOBIAS: I don’t like rats.
ROLE IN THE CAMP: I don’t mind helping out with cleaning.
MISS MOST: My bed!
DREAM CAMPER: Ed Sheeran and Will Smith
SNOOCHIE SHY
SNOOCHIE SHY
AGE: 29
CLAIM TO FAME: Radio 1Xtra DJ
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People know me as a very bubbly person but when I am outside of my comfort zone, I can be shy.
PHOBIAS: Bugs, heights and I’m claustrophobic.
ROLE IN THE 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.
DREAM CAMPER: Jim Carrey and Big Narstie.
RICHARD MADELEY
RICHARD MADELEY
AGE: 65
CLAIM TO FAME: TV presenter and journalist
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 THE CAMP: Cook and interviewer. I love finding out about people’s lives.
MISS MOST: Aside from Judy and my family, not knowing what is happening in the news. I am a news junkie.
DREAM CAMPER: The late Jimmy Greaves. I would have loved to chat about goal scoring in the Castle with him.
DAME ARLENE PHILLIPS, DBE
DAME ARLENE PHILLIPS, DBE
AGE: 78
CLAIM TO FAME: Choreographer
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: I am hoping I will overcome my fears to take part in the Trials!
ROLE IN THE 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.
DREAM CAMPER: Giovanna Fletcher –she is such a lovely, warm person.
NAUGHTY BOY
NAUGHTY BOY
AGE: 36
CLAIM TO FAME: Producer
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: People don’t know the real me and I want everyone to get to know me.
PHOBIAS: Confined spaces and heights but I want to give the Trials a go to bring back some stars.
ROLE IN THE 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.
DREAM CAMPER: Sir Elton John would be amazing.
KADEENA COX, MBE
KADEENA COX, MBE
AGE: 30
CLAIM TO FAME: Paralympic Gold Medallist
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: Great to be able to show people with all disabilities they can try different things in life.
PHOBIAS: Snakes, rats, spiders, heights – everything!
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Chef - so long as there isn’t too much pressure to make the food interesting!
MISS MOST: TikTok, my mum and dog.
DREAM CAMPER: Thierry Henry –I love watching Arsenal play.
DAVID GINOLA
DAVID GINOLA
AGE: 54
CLAIM TO FAME: Football legend
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: None because I never hide behind a false image. What you see is what you get.
PHOBIAS: I am going to tell you when I am in the Castle!
ROLE IN THE CAMP: Chef. I enjoy cooking at home and I will be hoping to add some garlic and rosemary to the food.
MISS MOST: My partner and my little girl. It’s going to be tough.
FRANKIE BRIDGE
FRANKIE BRIDGE
AGE: 32
CLAIM TO FAME: The Saturdays 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 THE CAMP: The serial hugger.
MISS MOST: Wayne and my boys.
DREAM CAMPER: Larry Lamb or a father figure type.
DANNY MILLER
DANNY MILLER
AGE: 30
CLAIM TO FAME: Emmerdale actor
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION TO DISPEL IN THE CASTLE: None but I would like to show everyone what I am like in real life rather than my soap character, Aaron Dingle.
PHOBIAS: I am absolutely dreading the eating Trials! I fear I will gag!
ROLE IN THE 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.
DREAM CAMPER: Fred Sirieix or any ex football player. I won’t be able to leave them alone asking lots of questions!
