The food critic shared an emotional farewell, leaving the camp due to medical reasons, leaving her fellow contestants heartbroken.

The cast of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! was deeply moved when they learned that food critic Grace Dent had left the competition, with her fellow campmates assuring her that she hadn’t “let them down.”

Grace, who was part of the original group of celebrities in the 2023 series, had been competing alongside high-profile contestants such as Jamie Lynn Spears, Fred Sirieix, and Nella Rose. However, ITV announced on Monday, 27 November, that the 50-year-old had left the show due to medical reasons. Her exit followed her apparent dissatisfaction with being selected by the public to take part in the “Down the Tubes” Bushtucker trial, alongside Josie Gibson.

Earlier in the episode, host Ant McPartlin reassured viewers that Grace was “doing fine” after leaving the jungle. Nick Pickard, the Hollyoaks actor, later informed the campmates of Grace’s departure, reading out a heartfelt message from the food critic. The message said:

“My dear campmates, I’m so sorry to let you down. I have left the camp for medical reasons. My heart is broken, I have loved and enjoyed getting to know you all. You’ve held me up, and it’s been a pleasure being your friend through this experience. Leaving you all at this stage will be one of the saddest things in my life. I love you all. Your friend, Miss Grace Dent.”

As Nick finished reading, Frankie Dettori exclaimed, “Grace, we miss you,” while Marvin Humes echoed his sentiments. Danielle Harold also expressed her affection, saying, “Love you, Grace.” Nick added, “That’s really sad,” but Marvin quickly insisted, “She hasn’t let us down.” Danielle, visibly emotional, said she was “gutted” and shed a tear in the Bush Telegraph. Fred Sirieix also reassured the group, saying, “She didn’t let us down!”

Grace’s sudden departure meant that Danielle, who had received the third-highest number of votes, was asked to step in as a last-minute substitute to compete in the trial. Danielle, still in shock, commented that she was unsure how to feel about the unexpected situation. Ant asked if it was easier not having had time to prepare, and Danielle agreed, admitting that the surprise factor might actually help.

Despite the circumstances, Danielle and Josie performed remarkably in the trial, securing 10 out of the 12 possible stars. Later in the episode, the newly appointed camp leader dedicated the meal to Grace, with Josie suggesting, “I bet she’s in a nice restaurant right now.”