I'm A Celebrity: Spencer Matthews says shock exit was due to anabolic steroids cold turkey

The Made in Chelsea reality TV star admitted that going cold turkey from steroids could have affected his health. The 27-year-old confessed giving up the illegal muscle-building drugs was the real reason why he left the Australian jungle.

"Why did I leave I'm a Celebrity? The simple answer is that I screwed up, and have some explaining to do." He claimed he had tried to keep his steroid use under control, by attempting to wean himself off the drug.

"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 judgment, which I hugely regret," he said in a statement according to the Mirror.

"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."

A source from the show only gave a brief statement: "He has left the jungle on medical grounds. He was a great booking and was shaping up to be a great character. We are sorry to see him go."

Spencer was educated at Eton and holidayed at the hotel his parents owned – Eden Rock in St Barths. He has worked in PR, looking after London clubs like Movida and then had a short spell as a broker in the city. In 2011, Matthews appeared in reality show Made In Chelsea, quickly developing a reputation as a love rat, according to OK! Magazine.

Anabolic steroid abuse

Anabolic steroids mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone. While they do have medical uses – they can be used to treat the effects of anemia and sudden weight and muscle loss due to illnesses – they are frequently taken by athletes and bodybuilders to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance, according to NHS Choices. They are class C drugs and can only be sold by pharmacists with a prescription.

Side effects of anabolic steroid use include potentially dangerous medical conditions including high blood pressure, reduced sperm count, shrunken testicles, and erectile dysfunction. They can also cause violent mood swings – so call "'roid rage".

"More does need to be done, this is a growing issue, there are significant health harms associated with steroids," said Peter Burkinshaw of Public Health England (PHE).