Why Did Grace Dent Leave I’m A Celebrity?

28 November 2023, 10:41

I'm A Celeb star Grace Dent standing in the jungle
I'm A Celeb star Grace Dent said she was struggling before leaving the jungle on medical grounds. Picture: Shutterstock

By Kathryn Knight

Grace Dent left I’m A Celebrity 2023 seven days into the series.

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Grace Dent became the first celebrity to leave the I’m A Celeb jungle on 27th November, saying goodbye to her fellow campmates including Jamie Lynn Spears, Marvin Humes, Nigel Farage and Danielle Harold.

Before her exit was confirmed, viewers became concerned after noticing how unwell Grace looked and she admitted to her campmates she was struggling with the experience.

The MasterChef judge was the first person to leave I’m A Celeb 2023, with eliminations yet to begin at that point in the competition.

Grace wrote a statement for her fellow campmates detailing how she was heartbroken to leave the jungle.

She wrote: “My dear camp mates, I’m so sorry to let you down. I have left the camp for medical reasons. My heart is broken, I have loved and enjoyed getting to know you all.

“You’ve held me up and it’s been a pleasure being your friend through this experience. Leaving you all at this stage will be one of the saddest things in my life. I love you all. Your friend, Miss Grace Dent.”

JLS star Marvin Humes was quick to say, "she hasn't let us down" as EastEnders actress Danielle Harold shouted: “Love you Grace.”

Grace Dent left I'm A Celebrity after a week in the jungle
Grace Dent left I'm A Celebrity after a week in the jungle. Picture: Shutterstock

Why did Grace Dent leave I’m A Celebrity?

Grace had to leave I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2023 on medical grounds. A spokesperson for the show confirmed: "Unfortunately Grace Dent has left the show on medical grounds. She has been a great campmate and will be missed by her fellow celebrities and viewers alike."

ITV confirmed her exit after she was seen on Sunday 26th November’s episode saying: “I just want to go home.”

Grace had been picked for a Bushtucker trial called Down The Tubes with co-star Josie Gibson.

After Grace left, EastEnders star Danielle took her place in the trial alongside the This Morning host.

Grace Dent looks unwell as she's announced to face trial with Josie

How much did Grace Dent get paid for I’m A Celebrity?

Grace was reportedly paid approximately £100,000 for her time in the jungle, which she will apparently still receive after having to leave the jungle early.

The rules state that a celebrity will receive their full fee if they stay in I’m A Celeb for 72 hours. Grace had to leave for medical reasons a week after her time on the show, a situation out of her control.

Will Grace Dent be replaced?

While Grace’s position on I’m A Celeb 2023 won’t be replaced by a new celebrity, another campmate stepped in to complete the Bushtucker Trial Grace had just been nominated for before deciding to leave.

Grace was due to take on Down The Tubes on Monday night’s episode, with campmate Josie. Instead, Danielle took her place in the challenge after receiving the third most votes from the public.

I'm A Celeb: Grace Dent left the jungle for medical reasons
I'm A Celeb: Grace Dent left the jungle for medical reasons. Picture: Shutterstock

Before Grace took part in a previous trial, Touchdown of Terror, she admitted to Josie that she was finding things hard in the jungle.

She told her: "I've had enough. I've completely had enough. I just want to go home. I haven't got a lot left in me at the moment. I'm just keeping on a face for everybody."

Two more campmates joined the competition on Thursday, jockey Frankie Dettori and boxer Tony Bellew.

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