This year, Olivia Attwood becomes the first female contestant confirmed to join the show, but she left the Australian jungle in just 24 hours.
When it was revealed that Olivia Attwood, a former Love Island star, had to leave the jungle less than 24 hours into the show, fans were surprised.
In the first episode of the season, the former Love Island contestant was spotted entering the Australian rainforest alongside Boy George of Culture Club and Mike Tindall, among others.
Why did Olivia Attwood leave the show?
ITV later stated that Olivia, 31, had to leave the program due to health reasons; the TV star claimed to be ‘heartbroken’ to be leaving the program so soon.
The details of Olivia's departure are still pending confirmation, but the medical team claims that it is 'unsafe' if the former Love Island star carries on her journey in the jungle, reports the Mirror.
‘Unfortunately, the medical team has advised it is not safe for Olivia to return to camp as there needs to be a further investigation.’
They added to PA: ‘She has been absolutely brilliant and she’ll be very much missed on the show.’
A message on the star’s Instagram page said:
‘You will hear the truth from Olivia in due course and she will be back on your screens in the New Year.’
Can contestants quit the show like Olivia?
Although Olivia isn't the first person to leave the program before being eliminated, has anyone ever done so? Are competitors just permitted to exit the show?
According to the Dailypost, 19 celebrities have left the jungle before going up for a public vote since the series premiered in 2002. Their departures were caused by a variety of factors, including conflicts with other campers and medical issues.
The answer is yes: Candidates are free to leave the program. This is especially true for those who are forced to leave the competition for medical reasons, as Richard Madeley or Olivia Attwood in the previous season's series.
The renowned anchor, like Olivia, was forced to depart the jungle due to a medical issue.
He said on Instagram last year,
‘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.’
What are the consequences of leaving early?
But according to Metro, participants who quit before their terms are up risked having their salaries slashed significantly. The publication claims that to get their full fee, performers must remain in the jungle or the castle for 72 hours.
When tv personality Gemma Collins claimed she had only been paid a portion of her initial price when she departed the jungle after three days in 2014, this restriction was brought to light.
After leaving the program, Gemma said she would give the £4,800 she earned to Save The Children.
When this happened, a representative for Gemma replied and issued a statement that said:
‘The show is three weeks long and Gemma was in Australia for five days, therefore she will receive a percentage based on that.’
It was widely rumored that ITV paid Gemma £100,000 to join the program.
Read more:
⋙ Olivia Attwood forced to quit I’m A Celebrity after just 24 hours in jungle
⋙ I'm A Celebrity 2022 start date as show returns to Australian jungle
⋙ Boy George's net worth as he becomes highest-paid I'm A Celebrity contestant
