Why Grace Dent’s Total Body Language Shut-Down Said She Had To Quit…
Judi James, speaking to Paddy Power Games said of Dent’s departure:
“Watching Grace’s body language gradually break down and finally go on strike altogether was a concerning, worrying sight. When she was told she’d been voted by the viewers for the next challenge she sat rigidly upright, staring ahead with a blank eye expression and with a total lack of facial movement apart from an accelerated blink rate that suggested inner turmoil.”
Food critic Grace Dent left I’m A Celebrity on medical grounds the programme announced on Monday. A statement from ITV read: “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.”
She was selected along with her co-campmate Josie Gibson for a Bushtucker Trial, Down The Tubes with Ant and Dec giving the self-appointed grub critic the bad news on Sunday night’s show.
Judi James adds:
“Her mouth was clamped and turned down at the corners in a mask of misery and her chin was raised, but not in any suggestion of defiance. This total body and facial masking looked like a worrying response. It didn’t suggest stoicism, it hinted at a complete shut-down.
“This stone-faced response would scare the other campmates too because it’s as though she stopped communicating. Nella is clearly feeling exhausted and fearful at times herself and bent to stare into Grace’s face in a bid to show empathy and support, but there really did seem to be nothing there in Grace’s eyes at that moment. It looked like Grace’s battery charger has been plugged into Sam’s batteries by mistake.
Earlier in the week, Dent expressed fatigue with her jungle stay, telling Gibson she had “had enough” and was ready to go home. “I haven’t got a lot left in me at the moment. I’m just keeping on a face for everybody,” she revealed in the Bush telegraph.
Judi James speaking to Paddy Power Games said:
“Grace was the thinking viewer’s campmate in there. Her observations and debates were important for a slightly older and more intellectual fanbase. She gave up during one of the easier challenges though and when the serious debates start around the campfire, she picked up her skirts and swept out of the room like a Victorian wife leaving the men to their port and cigars.
“Without her the Brexit debates were lacking any nuance whatsoever. Grace couldn’t afford to be tired of the games and the discussions and the irritating campmates. She’d been given a chance to redeem herself by pairing up with Josie and bravely winning all the stars for a meal, but she clearly didn’t feel strong or well enough to accept the offer.”
I’m A Celebrity continues on ITV1/STV at 9pm tonight
