Richard Madeley quits I’m a Celebrity after being taken ill

Richard Madeley has quit I’m a Celebrity after he was taken ill and rushed to hospital in the early hours of the morning.

The Good Morning Britain presenter came down with a sudden illness in the early hours of the morning after participating in a gruelling trial.

In a statement Madeley reassured fans that he’s “fine” after his health scare, but he confirmed he had to quit the hit ITV series, which is being filmed at Gwrych Castle, in Conwy, after he broke the show’s “Covid bubble.”

He said: “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.”

“Obviously I’m gutted to be leaving so soon but the safety of all the campmates is the number one priority. I’m incredibly excited to watch their journey continue…even more so at the prospect of being somewhere a little warmer than Gwrych Castle…

“Thank you to everyone who supported me on my brief but completely unforgettable adventure – I’ve made some great friends and honestly had the time of my life.”

An I’m A Celebrity spokesperson said: “Our strict Covid protocols means Richard has sadly had to leave the show as he is no longer in the bubble the celebrities form when entering the castle.

“He has been a truly brilliant camp mate and we thank him for being part of this series.”

A source from the ITV show told MailOnline: “Richard is devastated. He was doing his best in the trials and embracing every part of life in camp, this isn’t the way he saw his I’m A Celeb journey ending.

“Richard going back to camp would pose as too much of a risk to the other contestants, who have isolated and formed a bubble to protect themselves from a possible Covid-19 outbreak on set.

“Everyone on the show will miss him – he’s been a huge part of camp and it’s so disappointing he won’t be able to return.”