Spencer Matthews has revealed the reason for his shock decision to quit I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here, claiming it was because of a secret steroid addiction.
In a statement given to the Mirror, the Made in Chelsea star spoke candidly about his decision, and explained how he intended to hide his drug use from producers.
However, he says his inability to wean himself off the supplement properly before entering the jungle meant going “cold turkey” could have had serious detrimental effects on his health and well-being if he remained in Australia.
That’s why the producers of the show informed Spencer he would immediately have to leave the jungle.
In the statement, he wrote:
Why did I leave I’m a Celebrity after just three days? The simple answer is that I screwed up, and have some explaining to do. Shortly after I arrived in Australia I told the production team that I was taking a steroid-based medication that had begun some weeks ago. When I started taking this programme of pills it was in preparation for a charity boxing match which, ironically, never took place.
Vanity, I suppose, had been the reason for wanting to bulk up a bit for the fight. I had intended to come off the pills gradually, but there was no time to do this before I reached the jungle. My admission to the production team that I was still taking these pills led to the conclusion that it would be unsafe for me to stay in the jungle – a decision which I found extremely hard to stomach. I pushed back but ultimately the show’s duty of care prevailed and bags had to be packed.
Taking these pills was a serious error of judgement, which I hugely regret. I have disappointed my family, friends and fans and would like to apologise. I would like to thank ITV for the opportunity and their support, they’re a class act. I loved every minute of being in the jungle and wish the remaining contestants the best of luck. Hoping for another shot at it someday.
ITV and the show’s presenters Ant and Dec confirmed Spencer’s exit from I’m A Celebrity on Friday, although they couldn’t reveal the reasons behind the decision at the time.
Although it’s clear Spencer has made a pretty stupid life choice in using steroids, you’ve got to give the guy credit for speaking out so candidly about his mistake.
