Grace Dent breaks her silence on her I’m A Celebrity exit as she admits ‘I am overwhelmingly sad right now but my plan is to recover’
Grace Dent has broken her silence on her shock I’m A Celebrity exit.
Posting on Instagram on Thursday, after arriving back in the UK from Australia, Grace admitted she was feeling ‘overwhelmingly sad’ about her exit which wasn’t what she ‘planned or wanted’.
In her lengthy message to fans, the restaurant critic, who left on ‘medical grounds’, blamed the wet weather and being apart from her loved ones.
She admitted surviving 10 days in the jungle ‘has showed me that I am physically stronger than I thought’.
Sharing a photo of herself sitting with a plate of baked treats, Grace started her post by thanking fans for ‘the outpouring of love I’ve received since I was removed on Monday’.
Grace Dent has broken her silence on her shock I’m A Celebrity exit, admitting she was feeling ‘overwhelmingly sad’ about her exit which wasn’t what she ‘planned or wanted’
In her lengthy message to fans, the restaurant critic, who left on ‘medical grounds’ , blamed the wet weather and being apart from her loved ones
She wrote: ‘I am overwhelmingly sad right now, but determined to keep alive in my heart the huge personal breakthroughs I made over the weeks.
‘I spent 15 days without a phone or any contact with loved ones, living much of the time outdoors in a rainforest in very wet weather. It gave me a short, sharp glimpse into the pain some folk worldwide endure. Normal life, forever, will always feel beautiful.’
Making reference to the Bushtucker Trials she took part in, Grace continued: ‘Until now, I had no idea I could find a mental space where I could calmly climb down the side of a skyscraper and then slide out on a pole, unlocking stars, as the cars below on the street felt the size of ants.
‘I had no idea it was possible to be shown an American Football helmet and be informed I was shortly to be locked in at the neck and filled to the eyebrows with cockroaches, and for me to think “OK this is doable, the trick is to breathe”.’
She also referred to the infamous moment in camp when a live cockroach got stuck in her ear after a trial, admitting that ‘for as long as I live, I shall never forget the cockroach that entered my ear canal and the sound of its little feet creeping closer down to my brain. It took us two goes to lure him out. Sat on the grass behind the “Scarena” he finally washed up.
‘The jungle showed me how quickly I could become blasé about sleeping with hungry rats, noisy toads, moths and Huntsman spiders. It taught me that when you have to sleep close to the enemy the trick is to stay calm, have empathy and that screaming achieves nothing but wasted calories.’
After fans voiced their concerns for Grace’s health in her final days of the show, she admitted that she surprised herself with her physical strength, writing: ‘The jungle showed me that I am physically stronger than I thought; I can carry a lot of logs and water up hill, build fire and eat hare innards at dawn for breakfast.
‘I hope I gave you all a smile. I didn’t go out as I planned or I wanted, but I did what I could, and I did it in a siren-red gel manicure without chipping a nail. I didn’t cry when I took off my bra to find a family of mealworms living in the right cup. At some level, this MUST be an achievement.’
She wrote: ‘I am overwhelmingly sad right now, but determined to keep alive in my heart the huge personal breakthroughs I made over the weeks’
She also referenced the moment when a cockroach got stuck in her ear, admitting that ‘for as long as I live, I shall never forget the sound of its little feet creeping closer down to my brain’
Her post was meant by an outpouring of support, including message from her friend Nadia Sawalha who commented: ‘I really bloody like you . And having done Big Brother I get it!’
Grace ended her post by revealing that ‘my plan is to recover… and when the adrenaline finally ebbs away, to make some serious plans for dinner. Three courses, extra potatoes, definitely pudding. I think I deserve it.
‘I love you all and miss my jungle crew. Miss Grace Dent xxx’
Her post was met by an outpouring of support, including a message from her friend Nadia Sawalha who commented: ‘I really bloody like you . And having done Big Brother I get it! Big hugs! Maybe one day we can share a large bowl of potatoes! X’.
Actress Catherine Tyldesley added: ‘Oh love! WHAT can achievement!!! I lose my s**t if a wasp flies into the house! You’re an absolute hero! Xxx’
Elsewhere on Thursday, a podcast – recorded before her entrance into I’m A Celebrity – was released, with Grace discussing her parents’ deaths.
Speaking to Kathy Burke on her Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake podcast, Grace admitted she would give ‘anything’ to see her parents again and watch TV with them.
She lost her father George in 2022 following a battle with dementia, while her mother Grace died following a cancer battle in February 2021.
Grace said: ‘My mum and dad have died in the last couple of years, very close together. My mum had cancer for a long time but she was far too busy to die because she had too much stuff to buy from QVC.
‘My mother on her deathbed was literally ordering s**t off QVC, I was literally letting in district nurses with morphine and then somebody from Yodel going “I’ve got too clutch purses and a watch!”. I was like mum where are you going? There’s no best-dressed person in heaven!’
She went on: ‘It would be lovely to see my mum and dad again but for them to be well. I would give anything to walk back into the living room when they were 50 or 60 years old and they were well, they were flourishing.
‘They were probably arguing and them to just bully me into making tea and toast, and sitting down and watching c**p telly with them… my family just sat down and took the p*** out of each other, that was love… one of the saddest things about your family ageing is those last 10 to 15 years just robs you of that.
‘Now that they’re both gone and there is some time, I’m beginning to get back those feelings about what they were actually like, how funny they were.’
MailOnline has revealed that Grace has snubbed all TV appearances and interviews to jet off on holiday in a bid to put her jungle ‘hell’ behind her.
Referring to the Bushtucker Trials, Grace said: ‘I had no idea it was possible to be shown a Football helmet and be informed I was to be filled to the eyebrows with cockroaches, and for me to think, OK this is doable’
MailOnline has revealed that Grace has snubbed all TV appearances and interviews to jet off on holiday in a bid to put her jungle ‘hell’ behind her (pictured flying home on Monday)
Fellow quitter Jamie Lynn Spears, 32, is expected to do likewise as the pair have no contractual obligations to fulfil media duties after leaving the ITV show on ‘medical grounds.’
Sources close to the food critic, 50, told MailOnline that Grace just wants to ‘forget’ about her I’m A Celeb experience and get as far away from jungle life as she possibly can.
Grace quit the series on Monday after it was ‘mutually decided’ between her and the broadcaster that she would leave the competition following her visible mental and physical deterioration.
Days later, Britney Spears’ tearful sister Jamie Lynn also walked from the show amid mounting welfare questions about the health and safety of the celebrity contestants.
A source told MailOnline: ‘Grace has chosen not to do any TV appearances or interviews after leaving the jungle.
Fellow quitter Jamie Lynn Spears is expected to do likewise as the pair have no contractual obligations to fulfil media duties after leaving the ITV show on ‘medical grounds’
‘Instead, she’s going on holiday and hopes to relax and forget about her time in camp, which she found extremely difficult.
‘She will be addressing her fanbase with an Instagram post on Thursday but aside from that she doesn’t want to open up about her experience just yet.
‘Given celebrities that leave the show on medical grounds aren’t contracted to do any TV appearances on Good Morning Britain or This Morning, it is expected that Jamie Lynn also won’t be addressing her departure.
‘It is very disappointing for ITV, who hoped that as their best signing this season that Jamie Lynn would do interviews post show but that’s looking very unlikely.’
Despite quitting I’m A Celeb, both contestants will receive their lucrative fees in full.
I’m A Celebrity 2023: Meet the campmates
NIGEL FARAGE
Claim to fame: Former leader of the UK Independence Party and leader of the Brexit Party.
Phobias: Nobody likes rats, snakes and I am dreading anything to do with heights.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel?: I have been demonised over the years and so it will be nice to show people I am not nasty.
Role in camp: Lead on starting up plenty of campfire discussions.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp?: A pint in the pub and the news.
Best & worst attributes: I hope to cheer people up when they are down. Worst? I am impatient and I do snore.
Dream camper: As a controversial political media figure, I never name names… But I am looking forward to meeting interesting people from all different fields
DANIELLE HAROLD
Claim to fame: EastEnders actress.
Phobias: Rats. I hate them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I can be a little ditzy at times but I am definitely not a ‘dumb blonde’. I want to show I can do the trials, challenges and get stuck in.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on, help others if they are feeling low in camp.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Snacking. I am a little muncher and I am going to miss my morning cup of tea, too!
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I will be good if people are really struggling. I am not, however, very good at being bored, nor am I a morning person either.
Dream camper: Ed Sheeran. If he brings his guitar into camp, he can sing for us.
FRED SIRIEIX
Claim to fame: First Dates star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything. I am dying to find out how vile the food will be!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I don’t think there is anything but I am looking forward to learning more about myself during my time in the camp.
Role in camp: I will definitely muck in with all the jobs. I don’t mind cooking or cleaning the toilets.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My bed. It’s super comfy. I will also miss a cup of coffee in the morning.
Best & worst attributes: I like to have fun but I do snore and I am impatient!
Dream camper: It’s going to be nice to meet everyone but I’d love to see Dolly Parton, The Rock or Snoop Dog in there.
NELLA ROSE
Claim to fame: YouTuber and Catfish UK star.
Phobias: I am fearful of everything!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle? I am a pretty open book.
Role in camp: Keep the morale and humour high.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My phone… I am always on it!
Dream camper: Alison Hammond or Adele.
NICK PICKARD
Claim to fame: Hollyoaks star.
Phobias: I am a bit scared of the dark. When you go to the House of Horrors at Halloween and things jump out at you, I am not very good when I can’t see!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: It will be nice to go in as me and not as my Hollyoaks character.
Role in camp: Grafter or chef, I am quite good at cooking. But I’ve never cooked on a fire before. Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp: Football and my creature comforts.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am a nice person and a good team player. I am not lazy but I do have a few bad habits like picking my nose. My girlfriend has been trying to train me to stop!
Dream camper: Sir Alex Ferguson or Neil Warnock.
FRANKIE DETTORI
Claim to fame: Champion Jockey
Phobias: I am not sure as I don’t walk across rooftop planks in the middle of the day nor do I have any snakes or rats in the house!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: None. I’ve lived in the public domain for as long as I can remember so I’d hope everyone knows me well.
Role in camp: To have fun with everyone, I am a happy-go- lucky person.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? Travelling. I have spent my whole life at airports and I’ve got to like it!
Best & worst attributes: I am outgoing and I am a fighter. Worst? I can’t sit still and I am impatient.
Dream camper: Robbie Williams would be fun.
JAMIE LYNN SPEARS – LEFT!
Claim to fame: Zoey 101 and Sweet Magnolias star.
Phobias: I am scared of everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I think this is a nice chance to show who I really am.
Role in camp: Hopefully I will be the one who can support everyone.
Aside from family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? A normal bathroom, air conditioning and my bed.
Best & worst attributes: I think my best quality is it takes a lot to hurt my feelings; but I am impatient and my family would say I get in a bad mood a lot.
Dream camper: Nicole Kidman, she is my favourite actress in the whole wide world, or Reece Witherspoon.
SAM THOMPSON
Claim to fame: Made In Chelsea star and radio presenter.
Phobias: I am not a creepy crawly guy and I hate anyone or anything touching my neck.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: Since the age of 21, I’ve spent my whole life on TV and so I feel whether people have a good or bad opinion of me, it’s probably warranted!
Role in camp: I’m a ‘yes’ man so cooking, cleaning I will do whatever they want me to do.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: I know this sounds lame but gaming.
Best & worst attributes: I’d like to think I am the court jester and I don’t take things too seriously, so if anyone is having a bad day I would like to put a smile on their face. Worst? I am quite forgetful and I am bad at focusing on things.
Dream camper: Stephen Fry. I think I would self-combust if he was going in the jungle!
JOSIE GIBSON
Claim to fame: This Morning presenter.
Phobias: Insects and I freeze every time I see a spider and I am not sure what I am going to do if I am in a trial with them!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle?: I would like people to know I am very clever at knowing useless information!
Role in camp: Mum. I am very motherly and I also love chatting to people.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: Getting up to blow dry my hair and putting a bit of make-up on!
Best & worst attributes: I am an optimist and I love meeting people from all walks of life. Worst? I can be quite nosey and I am worried about my temper if I am too hungry.
Dream camper: Dawn French, I love her.
MARVIN HUMES
Claim to fame: JLS star.
Phobias: Heights. I have pulled out of a skydive with JLS in the past because I was too scared!
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: To show I am not just a member of a boy band. It will be nice for people to learn more about me.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I will be a shoulder to cry on and a mediator.
Aside from family, what will you miss most whilst in camp?: My fantasy football app! I am obsessed with it! Four weeks without music is a long time, too.
Best & worst attributes: I’ve got three children under the age of ten and you definitely need a lot of patience for that! Worst? Rochelle would probably say I get ‘hangry’ if I don’t have enough food.
Dream camper: Paddy McGuinness – I’ve done Soccer Aid with him before and I know he’s funny, he gets stuck in and he is hands on.
GRACE DENT – LEFT!
Claim to fame: MasterChef star and food critic.
Phobias: Horrible people.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People think I am quite forthright and scary but I don’t think I am scary! Hopefully people will see this.
Role in camp: Shoulder to cry on and I am a practical cook so I can help out.
Aside from your family, what will you miss the most whilst in camp? My three cats and my make-up bag. I love a bit of glamour.
Best & worst attributes: I would like to think I am funny! My worst quality is lack of sleep. I like my sleep.
Dream camper: Queen Camilla. She would be very practical. And Madonna – she could perform tracks from her Greatest Hits tour!
TONY BELLEW
Claim to fame: Former champion boxer
Phobias: Like most normal people, I am scared of almost everything.
Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: People will portray me as something I am not because of the profession I have had. I am just a normal person.
Role in camp: I’d like to think I am domesticated so hopefully I can help out.
Best & worst attributes: I do get hangry…who doesn’t! But I am easy going and I get on with everyone.
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