Gregg Wallace hopes Grace Dent is 'OK' after I'm A Celebrity exit but downplays food theory

Gregg Wallace hopes Grace Dent is "OK" after she left 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' "on medical grounds" - but has poured cold water on a fan theory it was because of the food in the jungle.

The 'MasterChef' judge doesn't think the 50-year-old restaurant critic, who regularly appears on the BBC One show to critique the contestants' creations, will have been "put off" by the rice and beans grub in camp, because she has eaten some questionable meals on 'MasterChef' over the years.

Speaking at the Rose d'Or Awards, he told reporters: "She's been a restaurant critic for years and years - she's eaten some really bad food! That won't have been it.

"I've stood beside her while she's cut into semi-raw chicken - there's no way that [the jungle] would've put her off!

"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."

Gregg's comments come after he departed 'I'm A Celebrity' this week "medical grounds".

On Monday night's (27.11.23) episode, campmate Nick Pickard read out a message from Grace following her jungle exit.

It 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 to the message, 'I'm A Celebrity' star Frankie Dettori said: "Grace, we miss you."

Danielle Harold said: "Love you, Grace."

Grace's exit from the show was first confirmed by ITV.

The broadcaster said in a statement: "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."