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Scarlett Moffatt ruled out of Bushtucker Trial as she's battling facial paralysis

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Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
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Scarlett Moffatt is one of the favourites to win this year's I'm A Celebrity – but an ongoing battle with facial paralysis has meant she is unable to take part in some of the more hazardous Bushtucker Trials. Scarlett was struck down with Bell's palsy following a car accident when she was 11, and it meant that she was ruled out of this week's 'Great Ascent' challenge on "medical grounds".

In her autobiography, Scarlett Says, the 25-year-old recalled the first moment she was struck with the condition. "I was doing a performance for my mum and dad – I used to put on little shows for them – when all of a sudden, my mouth drooped and I remember standing in front of the mirror and just screaming," she revealed.

Scarlett Moffat ruled out of Busktucker Trial because of facial paralysis

Scarlett Moffatt was ruled out of a Buchtucker Trial on 'medical grounds' - thought to be her Bell's palsy diagnosis

"My eye dropped, I couldn't speak properly, I got all slurred, and my mum and dad thought I was putting it on. I was screaming so loudly to try and get my mouth to go straight. I burst into tears and then they realised. It was awful."

The star added: "I can't close my left eye properly. I have to sleep with a little eye mask and my mouth still goes to the side when I talk, although people don't really notice.

"Sometimes if I'm tired, my left eye feels a bit twitchy, but I don't get pain or slur my words. I don't feel sorry for myself, as there are so many worse afflictions people can get."

I'm A Celebrity star Scarlett Moffatt battling Bell's palsy

The popular 25-year-old recently took part in the dreaded eating challenge

Although Scarlett was unable to take part in the Great Ascent trial, she has already participated in the dreaded eating challenge, alongside campmate Carol Vorderman. "I've always watched this programme and thought it can't taste that bad surely," she said afterwards. "It can taste that bad, and a lot worse! It was disgusting!"