Model Nell flown out of Basra in row over toilets
Nell McAndrew cut short visits to British troops in Basra because she was unhappy with her accommodation there, it emerged today.
The model was flown by helicopter from Iraq to Kuwait after reports suggested she was not satisfied about using an outside chemical toilet or about having to wash with other people.
Although McAndrew continued to visit troops in south east Iraq, the extra travelling time reduced the numbers she could visit.
She flew out on Monday and is leaving Iraq this evening.
McAndrew previously appeared on ITV1 show I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! after rising to fame by doing high profile modelling work.
Squadron Leader Alison Simmonds, who works in the press information centre, in Basra, said: “I understand that Nell McAndrew’s management were not happy with the accommodation that we provided for Nell McAndrew.
“There was some difficulty over the toilets and showers.”
She added: “A decision was made that she would not be staying and go to Kuwait and stay in a hotel.
“She was flown down to Kuwait to a hotel. Despite changing accommodation, she still continued with her programme to see British Armed Forces.”
Squadron Leader Simmonds added: “We had to provide transport to get her from Kuwait to the areas where the soldiers, sailors and airmen were.
“It involved travelling time, which put some of the programme out of sync. She has not been able to see all the troops as planned.”
Asked whether the model’s requests caused inconvenience, she replied: “We always rise to a challenge. We do as we are asked to do, if we can accommodate her.
“When the forces’ sweetheart cannot get to see certain troops, obviously some will feel disappointed.”.
She stressed that it would have been impossible for McAndrew to visit everyone, irrespective of where she stayed.
But she added: “Basra is pretty much in the centre, it is our headquarters. To get her out and about, it would have been far more convenient.
“Nell has done a super job with soldiers she has met. She is trying very hard and she wants to meet as many personnel as possible, including both men and women.”
