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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Entertainment
Heather Saul

Spencer Matthews 'gutted' over being forced to leave I'm a Celebrity after steroid use

Spencer Matthews has admitted he was forced to leave the I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here jungle after producers became aware he had been using “steroid-based medication”. 

The Made In Chelsea star travelled back to London from Brisbane Airport on Saturday just six days after entering the jungle.

Spencer, 26, said he had quit he programme after taking steroid-based medication to bulk up for a charity boxing match and had made a "serious error" in taking the pills. The Mirror reports Matthews is now heading to a rehabilitation centre for treatment. A spokesperson for Matthews declined to comment on this report when contacted by The Independent

On Sunday, Matthews replied to a tweet from Spencer Pratt, a US reality TV star, who joked about his steroid use by asking how he would retain his muscular physique. Matthews said he was “gutted” to have left, adding that quitting “was obviously not my call”.

In a statement released on Saturday, Matthews said: "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."

“Taking these pills was a serious error of judgement, which I hugely regret.”

Matthews also addressed his departure on Twitter, where he apologised to his family and his supporters.

"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.”

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