Richard Madeley on I'm A Celebrity
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Richard Madeley could make sensational return to I’m A Celebrity

Richard's exit has given ITV bosses a headache

Richard Madeley, who dramatically left I’m A Celebrity yesterday (November 25), could make a sensational return to the show, it has been claimed.

Despite having left due to a medical emergency, ITV bosses are yet to decide whether the door to return is permanently closed for the presenter.

Richard Madeley reveals he will definitely not go back into I'm A Celebrity this year
Richard left the show after a trip to the hospital (Credit: ITV)

Why did Richard Madeley leave I’m A Celebrity?

Yesterday came the dramatic news that 65-year-old Richard had left Gwyrch Castle.

The GMB presenter was rushed to hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning after falling ill during the night.

Ambulance crews were called to Gwyrch Castle in North Wales at 5:23 am on Thursday. Shortly afterwards, the I’m A Celebrity Twitter account posted an update.

“Richard was unwell in the early hours and was immediately seen by our on-site medical team. He’s since been taken to hospital as a precaution. The health and safety of our campmates is our priority.”

Read more: I’m A Celebrity bosses ‘fear mass walk-out” after Richard Madeley quits 

It was believed that Richard would rejoin the I’m A Celebrity camp, however, things worked out differently and the star was forced to leave the show.

Richard Madeley on I'm A Celebrity
Richard took part in a gruelling challenge the day before he fell ill (Credit: ITV)

What else was said about Richard Madeley’s exit?

Richard took to Instagram yesterday to share the disappointing news.

He wrote: “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.”

Richard 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.”

Richard’s daughter, Chloe Madeley, posted on her Instagram Story yesterday to let fans know her father was okay.

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.

“He did himself proud, though. He worked hard and was his calm, collected, kind and funny self.”

However, a source told the Sun that the doors to a potential I’m A Celebrity return aren’t fully shut for Richard.

They said: “Richard was the star signing. ITV has wanted him on the show for years and everyone was expecting TV gold. They can’t afford to lose any other big names.”

“They are deciding whether the door remains open to him in future, or if his I’m A Celebrity experience is over for good.”

Richard Madeley's I'm A Celebrity campmate, Arlene Phillips
ITV bosses worry Arlene Phillips and Naughty Boy will leave too (Credit: ITV)

Are any more celebrities leaving I’m A Celebrity?

The source also said that ITV bosses were panicking more celebrities would leave. Their panic could well be justified, with Storm Arwen threatening snow and 80mph winds.

Bosses are reportedly worried about Dame Arlene Phillips – the oldest contestant in the show’s history. The 78-year-old is struggling with chronic pain and is on daily painkillers.

Naughty Boy, 36, is also another celebrity ITV bosses are concerned about. The music producer is struggling following his mother’s dementia diagnosis.

He has reportedly spoken to a psychologist via a specially set-up iPad.

Read more: I’m A Celebrity viewers urge Naughty Boy to ‘grow up’ after ‘acting like a child’ in camp

Frankie Bridge, 32, has also developed a rash, and is taking steroid cream to treat it.

Richard Madeley’s medical emergency won’t be shown on I’m A Celebrity tonight.

Instead, he will appear in an interview with hosts Ant and Dec. His fellow campmates will be made aware of his exit via a video message.

I’m A Celebrity continues tonight on ITV and ITV Hub at 9pm.

Tension Rises between the Campmates | I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Do you want Richard to come back to the I’m A Celebrity camp? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.


Robert Emlyn Slater
Senior Writer