Olivia Attwood breaks her silence on rumours of a return to I’m A Celebrity after being spotted at the airport

Olivia Attwood has broken her silence on rumors of a return to I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.

The former Love Island star, 32, was thought to be returning to the jungle this year after having to withdraw from the show for medical reasons in 2022 when blood tests showed she had dangerously low potassium levels.

Sources close to the broadcaster admitted they were ‘absolutely disappointed’ by her departure and orchestrated a plan to get the TV personality back into the jungle.

The new series kicks off a week next Sunday, with the likes of Nigel Farage and Nella Rose heading to Australia from Heathrow Airport this weekend.

But Olivia has now revealed that she will unfortunately not be starring in the show this year, writing on Instagram on Sunday: ‘I wasn’t planning on talking about anything with the jungle because if I’m honest, the way the things that have been happening lately This year still hurts my heart… and my brain.

“I’ve been avoiding Instagram, but with the sheer amount of messaging you guys about the show, commenting on it, meeting you guys in person, etc., I feel like it’s wrong not to talk to you guys.”

She continued, “I couldn’t commit to going back this year. It wasn’t the right time for me.

“There were a lot of things I had to weigh, but ultimately the sheer intensity of my schedule doesn’t allow for much time away from the office…”

“I’ve read all your messages about the show, I will never take your support and love for granted.

“One day I hope the time is right. We can finish my jungle story… for you and for myself.”

‘Now seems like a good time to let my hair down for a few days. I’m bursting, screaming and crying to share with you the tele-things that are coming up.’

She was spotted at Manchester Airport this weekend in a casual gray tracksuit.

It comes after sources said she might not return I’m a celebrity after ‘get the chance to host a brand new dating show on ITV.’

Olivia was tipped to appear on the show after being left ‘devastated’ when the results of a routine medical test forced her to fly home for further tests last year.

A source previously told MailOnline: ‘Olivia was so upset when she suddenly had to leave the jungle last year… everyone saw how incredibly disappointed she was.

‘She had been in talks with ITV for months to return to I’m A Celeb, both parties wanted it to work as it was unfair that her time on the show was cut so short, when it was always her dream to be part to take.

‘But the opportunity to present a brand new dating show on ITV came up and she jumped at the chance.

‘The show has been tipped as the next big dating series since Love Island, but focused 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 has given her… this new role is a perfect fit for the two.’

The network’s fondness for the star led to Olivia’s casting in I’m A Celeb, making her the first former Love Island contestant to star in the lead role.

But her time in Australia was short-lived after a medical examination in which she underwent a blood test revealed she was anemic, raising concerns among producers.

After being rushed to a local hospital, it was deemed too risky for Olivia to return to the jungle, where campmates compete in grueling trials and survive without rations.

She was forced to deny speculation that she was pregnant or had contracted Covid after the internet was filled with rumors about why she was suddenly removed from the show.

This year’s line-up includes This Morning presenter Josie Gibson, influencer Nella Rose and presenter Grace Dent.

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 planned a great future for her. She is a big draw for the in-demand younger viewers.

‘Then it all came to an end after her blood tests came back.

“Now they’re bringing her back for this year and starting the whole plan over again. ITV bosses know she will be so popular on I’m A Celeb… and that viewers will 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 a month or so ago, so I don’t know what to think.

‘I wondered if I had contracted a virus, if I was pregnant, it all went through my mind. It was scary.’

Due to insurance issues, ITV producers deemed her return to last year’s series too risky.

The star said: ‘If I went back to camp my levels could drop and that could be detrimental to my health and wellbeing… I was absolutely devastated.

‘I’m not a crier, but I started crying. It was emotional. My heart was broken.’

After appearing on Love Island in 2017, Olivia presented the ITV documentary Getting Filthy Rich about the sale of sexual content on website OnlyFans.