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Grace Dent’s Masterchef co-star Gregg Wallace reveals theory on her I’m A Celebrity exit

Her friends have been concerned about how much weight she has lost

GRACE Dent’s Masterchef co-star Gregg Wallace has revealed his theory on why the food critic quit I’m A Celebrity after 10 days.

The presenter has worked with Grace for years and knows her very well.

Gregg Wallace has opened up about his pal Grace Dent
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Gregg Wallace has opened up about his pal Grace DentCredit: BBC
Grace made the decision to leave the jungle
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Grace made the decision to leave the jungleCredit: Enterprise

Reacting to the news that his mate had left camp at an event today, Gregg said: “I don’t know why she’s gone. We’re in the middle of filming so I don’t know - I just hope she’s ok.

“But she’s been a guest judge on MasterChef many times - I’m sure she can cope with a bit of dodgy food in the jungle. I don’t think that’s the reason she’s gone.”

It had been speculated that Grace struggled with the meagre diet of rice and beans after gorging on rich meals before she jetted to Australia.

But Gregg reckons the varied diet of a food critic would actually make her better equipped to face the horror of a Bushtucker Trial.

READ MORE ON GRACE DENT

He added: “Those Bushtucker Trials wouldn’t trouble me at all - I’ve eaten far worse on 20 years of MasterChef!

“I don’t know if I’ve ever been asked to do I’m A Celeb, unless my agent hasn’t told me about it.”

ITV said the food critic had left on “medical grounds” and those close to Grace said she was completely drained from her nine-day stint in camp.

A source told The Sun: “Grace is hugely relieved to be out of I’m a Celeb. She pulled the plug because she couldn’t carry on, mentally or physically.

“It has been incredibly difficult for her and it all became too much. The cold and wet weather, coupled with the punishing tasks and lack of food took its toll.

“She has lost a lot of weight and looks gaunt. Her friends just want her to get home.”

Those close to Grace said it became evident something was wrong when she did not get involved in camp conversations – most notably in a camp row over Brexit between Nigel Farage and Fred Sirieix on Sunday night.

The source added: “Grace is incredibly talented and very passionate about politics. When she failed to get involved, it was clear she was feeling defeated.

“It is the first anniversary of her dear dad George’s death in a few weeks too so that would have no doubt been playing on her mind.

“Getting out is the best thing she could have done. I’m a Celebrity is a really tough show and it’s not for everyone.”

Gregg shared our screens with Grace, but is convinced that she wouldn't be worried about the food
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Gregg shared our screens with Grace, but is convinced that she wouldn't be worried about the foodCredit: BBC
Viewers expressed concern for the food critic during her final days in camp
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Viewers expressed concern for the food critic during her final days in campCredit: Eroteme
Dent jetted home from Brisbane Airport, presumedly back to the UK
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Dent jetted home from Brisbane Airport, presumedly back to the UKCredit: Jayne Russell
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