Grace Dent's replacement delights I'm A Celeb fans after star's dramatic exit

27 November 2023 , 22:32

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I'm A Celebrity co-star steps in to replace Grace Dent after food critic's exit before Bushtucker trial (Image: ITV/REX)

Grace Dent's Bushtucker Trial replacement was revealed as EastEnders actress Danielle Harold, after food critic Grace left the ITV show on medical grounds earlier today.

Fans of the star-studded reality TV show were delighted to see Danielle take on the gruesome challenge and watch the former EastEnders star team up with one of her campmates in order to win some food for the camp.

Grace had been set to join Josie Gibson in a gruelling task called Down the Tubes but pulled out of the series just before the challenge kicked off. As Danielle was the next celebrity with the highest number of votes, she stepped in to try and win stars for herself and campmates.

Danielle took part next to Josie Gibson in Grace Dent's absence (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Presenters Ant and Dec spoke to Danielle, who is best known for her longstanding role as Lola Pearce on the BBC soap, as Ant said: "Danielle, as you know, Grace was unable to take part and as you had the next highest number of votes we’ve got you down here as a last minute substitute. Do you feel OK about it? Is it better that you haven’t had a long time to prepare?"

Replying and putting a brave face on for the task, Danielle said: "I think so, the shock might help a little bit and I’m glad I’m here with my Josie." Dec then explained the task to Danielle and Josie as it was revealed they would need to work together throwing stars between themselves whilst suspended in the air above the ground.

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Taking to social media as Josie and Danielle took on the challenge, one viewer tweeted: "Josie nicknaming Danielle tinkerbell is so wholesome #ImaCeleb." Another added: "Josie nicknaming Danielle tinkerbell is so wholesome #ImaCeleb." A third simply quipped: "Danielle Harold appreciation post #ImACeleb."

On Monday morning (Monday 27 November), a spokesperson for the ITV show confirmed Grace's premature exit from the show. They said: "Unfortunately Grace Dent has left the show on medical grounds. She has been a great campmate and will be missed by her fellow celebrities and viewers alike."

Announcing the sad news this evening on tonight's programme (Monday 27 November), Ant began the show by saying: "Big news in the jungle - sadly, Grace Dent has left the camp for medical reasons but she's doing fine and we all send her our best." Dec Donnelly added: "We certainly do."

Breaking her silence in a letter to her campmates on tonight's show, Grace explained her reasons for leaving. The letter read: "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.”

In response, EastEnders actress Danielle Harold broke down in tears and shouted out: "Love you, Grace." Whilst jockey star Frankie Dettori said: "Grace, we miss you.” Marvin Humes also yelled: "Miss you, Grace" before he then added: "She hasn’t let us down!"

Concern for Grace had grown as viewers noted she looked gaunt and unwell, with some worried viewers saying the food critic 'looked broken'. On Friday Grace took part in the Touchdown of Terror trial, but shortly before taking part she said: "I’ve had enough. I’ve completely had enough. I just want to go home." Josie Gibson encouraged her and said: "It’ll be good for you. What an experience."

Grace went on to confess in the Bush Telegraph: "I haven’t got a lot left in me at the moment. I’m just keeping on a face for everybody." Following the news of her early exit from the I'm A Celebrity jungle, fans of the show have taken to X to share their reactions as one wrote: "Sad to hear Grace has quit but probably for the best. She wasn't looking great at all." Another echoed: "I really liked Grace, hope she's doing okay."

Niamh Spence