I’m a celebrity… Get me out of here! Richard Madeley ‘guts out’ for not being able to return to ITV show – but says he feels ‘fit as a playboy’ | UK News

Richard Madeley “guts out” that he can’t return to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – but he says he feels “well as a player”.

The journalist and broadcaster was taken to hospital after falling ill at Gwrych Castle in North Wales in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Although he was given a “completely clean health bill” and discharged after 90 minutes, the COVID restrictions meant he had to leave the ITV show.

Joining Ant and Dec for an exit interview, he said: “If there were no COVID, I would go back there for rice and beans.”

Madeley added that the pandemic is “still biting into our souls,” and explained: “What happened was I just had a funny little turn.”

He also suggested some reports may have exaggerated things: “No matter what you may have read, I’m perfectly fine.”

The 65-year-old presenter – best known for hosting with his wife Judy Finnigan – also revealed that his “first stop” after being discharged from the military was to receive a large cup of tea and a bacon sandwich. .

“If it weren’t for COVID, I would still be in the game. I’m gutted. I’m gutted, I really am,” he said.

Madeley also recorded a message to his former camp mates explaining his departure, which was broadcast to them during Friday night’s episode.

He told them, “My adventure is over. I just wanted to say how much I love you, you know I mean it and how grateful I am to you for all you are. said and done for me these past few days and I will form the WhatsApp group we talked about when you launched.

“We can all talk to each other again and hopefully see each other. Anyway, I’ll be watching over the next few weeks and I wish you all the love and luck in the world, I can’t wait. wait and see who wins.”

The night before she was taken to the hospital, Madeley was found ducking her head through a pipe filled with rotten fruit and vegetables.

According to the PA news agency, he will not be replaced by another contestant.

This year’s I’m A Celebrity series – which once again takes place in Wales instead of Australia because of the pandemic – has suffered some setbacks.

Friday’s episode was pre-recorded than to live for Storm Arwen, due to have attacked the area near the castle at around 9pm.

ITV took “precautionary measures” after a severe storm warning was issued, Ant and Dec recorded their links earlier in the evening.

A spokesperson for I’m A Celebrity said: “Our celebrities will be inside the castle, where it is safe and secure and we have backup facilities available to handle any weather situation. details to ensure the safety of our cast and crew.”