DISTRAUGHT Olivia Attwood was booted off I’m A Celebrity yesterday over an ongoing medical issue despite begging to be allowed to rejoin campmates.
The Love Island star, 31, said she was “heartbroken” that ITV bosses told her to leave after just 48 hours.
Seann Walsh and Matt Hancock could now be brought in earlier than planned.
Olivia Attwood’s dramatic I’m A Celebrity exit began when she suddenly felt ill on Sunday night.
The reality star, who has opened up in the past about her ADHD, panic attacks and crippling anxiety, was checked over by medics after just 48 hours in the Australian jungle.
Producers then deemed it unsafe for her to continue.
HOAR can reveal she begged to be allowed to rejoin her campmates, including Boy George and Mike Tindall.
However the “heartbroken” beauty had no option but to fly home yesterday.
A source told HOAR: “Everyone is just so sad for Olivia.”
On tonight’s show Dec said: “As you might have heard, unfortunately Olivia Attwood has left the jungle for medical reasons and sadly won’t be returning.”
Ant then seemed to nearly let slip the full details, adding: “Now, she does feature in tonight’s show which was filmed before she accidentally . . . we’re very sad to see her go and we wish her well.”
She should be able to keep her fee, reportedly between £100,000 and £125,000 as it was not her decision to leave.
The show source told HOAR: “The health and safety team is second to none and they immediately checked Olivia over, but because the situation needed further investigation they had to call time on her I’m A Celebrity journey.
“She was absolutely gutted. This was a long time coming for Olivia and she was ecstatic to be cast. She begged the team to be allowed back in but ITV just couldn’t take the risk.
“So after a sleep she was on the next flight home — and arrives in the UK any moment.” ITV confirmed Olivia would not be replaced by a stand-in celebrity.
But it is expected that late arrivals Seann Walsh and Matt Hancock could be brought in earlier than planned as a result.
Before her sudden illness, Olivia took part in a group challenge called HMS Drown Under where she rummaged in “hell holes” to find stars.
Critters hidden inside included bearded dragons and a carpet python.
The source went on: “It was initially thought Olivia might have injured herself taking part in the task but she didn’t quit as a result of an injury.”
A TV insider confirmed: “Olivia just felt ill.”
ITV said the dramatic moment will not be shown on screen.
Last year, I’m A Celebrity’s major booking, Richard Madeley, was rushed to hospital from Gwrych Castle after having a “funny turn”, which was also not shown.
He said he was unable to return to camp because of strict Covid rules.
An I’m A Celebrity spokesman said yesterday: “As a precautionary measure Olivia needed to leave the jungle to undergo some medical checks.
“Unfortunately the medical team has advised it is not safe for Olivia to return to camp as there needs to be a further investigation. She has been absolutely brilliant and she’ll be very much missed.”
Olivia’s team released a statement on Instagram, saying: “To say Olivia is heartbroken would be an understatement. You will hear the truth from Olivia in due course.”
With an added sad face emoji, the note ended: “PS. Who’s going to roast Matt Hancock now??” ITV are now left ruing the loss of their glamorous signing.
A TV source said: “Bosses are really upset for Olivia — especially as she was shaping up to be such a big part of the show.
