Olivia Attwood sparked rumors she could be returning to the I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here jungle as she departed the UK from Manchester Airport on Saturday.
The 32-year-old TV personality was forced to withdraw from the show for medical reasons last year when blood tests revealed her potassium levels were dangerously low.
Sources close to the channel admitted they were “absolutely disappointed” by her exit and hatched a plan to bring the former Love Island star back to the jungle.
The new series starts on Sunday for a week, with Nigel Farage also appearing on his way to Australia from Heathrow Airport this weekend.
Olivia’s exit came after sources said she could not return to I’m A Celeb after being “given the opportunity to host a brand new dating show on ITV”.
On the way to the jungle? Olivia Attwood, 32, sparked rumors of her return to I’m A Celebrity as she left the UK from Manchester Airport on Saturday
Flight: The TV personality was forced to withdraw from the show for medical reasons last year when blood tests revealed her potassium levels were dangerously low
When the documentary filmmaker arrived at the airport, he was dressed for a long flight, wearing a comfortable gray hoodie and matching sweatpants.
For the outing, she went makeup-free, wore stylish tortoiseshell glasses and carried a Chanel tote bag.
Web has contacted Olivia’s representatives and ITV for comment.
Olivia was tipped to appear on the show after she was “devastated” last year when the results of a routine medical test forced her to fly home for further tests.
A source previously told Web: “Olivia was so upset when she suddenly had to leave the jungle last year… everyone saw how incredibly disappointed she was.”
“She has been in talks with ITV about returning to I’m A Celeb for months. Both sides wanted it to work because it was unfair that her time on the show was cut so short even though she had always dreamed of being on it.
“But the opportunity to host a brand new dating show on ITV came her way and she jumped at the chance.”
“The show is seen as the next big dating series since Love Island, but focuses more on exploring relationships, so it really comes full circle for Olivia.”
“She loves presenting but also loves reality television and has never forgotten the platform Love Island gave her… this new role brings the two together perfectly.”
Get me out of here! Sources close to the broadcaster admitted they were “absolutely disappointed” by her exit and hatched a plan to bring the Love Island star back to the jungle
Could it be? Olivia’s exit comes after sources said she could not return to I’m A Celeb after being “given the opportunity to host a brand new dating show on ITV”.
Practical: But when the documentary filmmaker arrived at the airport, he was dressed for a long flight, wearing a comfortable gray hoodie and matching sweatpants
Casual: For the outing, she went without makeup, wore stylish tortoiseshell glasses and carried a Chanel tote bag
Out and about: Olivia was seen pushing two suitcases through the parking lot
Favourite: Olivia was tipped to appear on the show after she was ‘devastated’ last year when the results of a routine medical test forced her to fly home for further tests
The channel’s fondness for the star led to Olivia being cast on I’m A Celeb, making her the first former Love Island contestant to play a role.
However, her time in Australia was short-lived after a medical examination in which a blood test revealed she was anemic, causing concern among producers.
After being taken to a local hospital, it was deemed too risky for Olivia to return to the jungle, where campmates must compete in grueling trials and survive on rations.
She was forced to deny speculation that she was pregnant or had Covid after rumors began circulating online about why she had suddenly been removed from the show.
This year the line-up reportedly includes This Morning presenter Josie Gibson, former rugby star Danny Cipriani and Made In Chelsea’s Sam Thompson.
A source told The Mail on Sunday: “Olivia’s time in the jungle last year was to give her a platform so ITV could give her a big show.”
“They had a great future planned for her. It is a big draw for the coveted younger viewers.
“Then it was all over when her blood tests came back.”
“Now they’re getting her back for this year and will start the whole plan all over again. “ITV bosses know she’ll be so popular on I’m A Celeb… and that viewers will just love her.”
In an exclusive interview with The Mail on Sunday, she said: “It felt like the longest journey ever.”
“I thought my blood was normal about a month ago, so I don’t know what to think.”
“I was wondering if I had caught a virus, if I was pregnant, all these things were going through my head. ‘It was scary.’
A source told The Mail on Sunday: “Olivia’s time in the jungle last year was to give her a platform so ITV could give her a big show.”
Due to insurance issues, ITV producers felt her return to last year’s series was too risky.
The star said: “If I went back to camp my levels could drop and it could have a negative impact on my health and wellbeing… I was absolutely devastated.”
“I’m not a crier, but I started crying.” It was emotional. My heart has been broken.’
After appearing on Love Island in 2017, Ms Attwood presented the ITV documentary Getting Filthy Rich last year about the sale of sexual content on the website OnlyFans.