Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews has revealed he was axed from I'm A Celebrity after confessing to a secret steroid addiction.

The 27-year-old, who is believed to be landing back in the UK today, tweeted this morning: "Leaving was obviously not my call! I would do absolutely anything to still be in there. Was loving it!"

His message, to fellow reality star Spencer Pratt, is the strongest suggestion yet that producers sacked the star after he went into steroid withdrawal in the jungle.

In a statement released yesterday Spencer confessed: "Why did I leave I’m a Celebrity? The simple answer is that I screwed up, and have some explaining to do."

In his searingly honest statement, Spencer reveals he kept his steroid addiction a secret from producers until reaching breaking point.

He 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.

"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."

As Spencer left Australia today he was cheerful and greeted fans at the airport.

One onlooker said: "Spencer looked great, you would never know he has had a stressful week and just left a show that was arguably a huge chance to boost his TV career.

"He didn't look like a man with any extra weight on his shoulders."

Spencer lasted just a few days on the show and never even made it into the main camp.

Last night an ITV spokesman would only confirm: "Spencer Matthews has left the jungle. We're sorry to see him leave."

Other than a brief mention by show hosts Ant and Dec, Spencer was not referenced in last night's show.

And some fans had grown frustrated by the lack of news surrounding his shock exit.

Former Strictly star James Jordan led the charge, asking: "Does anyone know why Spencer Matthews has left @imacelebrity ? Why such a big secret? I hope he is ok."

Earlier this month Spencer was was seen in a promo video hyping up his charity brawl with Practice Philipp, although the bout never took place.

The two were set to face off at the Raffles Rumble event, which was originally scheduled for November 7, before being postponed until the following weekend.

The video, which makes disturbing viewing in light of today's news, shows a ripped Spencer vowing to beat his opponent - a professional wrestler.

Steroids: The facts and figures

  • According to South Westminster Drug and Alcohol Service an increasing number of young male clients were seeking support for anabolic steroid use.

  • Home Office figures state 60,000 people used steroids in the UK last year.

  • Disturbingly, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence branded official figures the "tip of the iceberg".

  • Roy Jones, from the South Westminster service, told the BBC: "Our numbers are increasing on a regular basis."

What are anabolic steroids?

  • Class C drugs, they can be injected or taken as tablets.

  • There are between 60 and 100 different types.

  • It is illegal to sell or distribute anabolic steroids but using them is not against the law.

  • Steroids can enhance physical performance and stimulate muscle growth but potential side effects range from acne and hair loss.

Do you think Spencer was fairly treated? Have your say in the comments below.