Aimee Walker
Former health secretary Matt Hancock has joined the cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
The West Suffolk MP will swap representing his constituents at Westminster for the reality TV show in the jungle.
But Tory party bosses have not reacted well to his decision to take part in the popular ITV programme, hosted by Ant and Dec, while parliament is sitting.
The Tory chief whip, MP Simon Hart, said it was ‘serious enough’ to warrant Hancock’s immediate suspension from the party, reports BBC.
Watch Matt Hancock’s resignation video in the clip below…
Ten celebrities will be trekking into the jungle when the new series starts on ITV on Sunday, however, Hancock will be joining later on.
A source told The Sun: “Matt is a sensational signing for the show as producers love a star with a story to tell – and they always hope they’ll spill the beans round the campfire.”
It was also revealed that Hancock was a ‘late-minute signing’ and had been a ‘top secret’ plan.
An I’m A Celebrity spokesperson added: “We will announce the full lineup in due course.”
Many people have taken to social media and reacted to the news that Hancock will be potentially eating bugs in the jungle.
One joked: “Matt Hancock to appear in I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!, his first big gig since appearing as health secretary in ‘I’m Completely Bloody Useless, Get Me Out of Here’.”
Another tweeted: “Matt Hancock has signed up for I’m a Celebrity because he was concerned not enough people understand what a complete k*** he is.”
While another added: “It’s just been announced that Matt Hancock is joining I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!
“Setting my phone up to speed dial for the Bushtucker trials.”
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Speaking of Hancock’s suspension from the Tory party, the chief whip said: “Following a conversation with Matt Hancock, I have considered the situation and believe this is a matter serious enough to warrant suspension of the whip with immediate effect.”
When an MP loses the whip, they are basically expelled from their political party. They will be then independent unless reinstated.
A source close to the former health secretary has stated that Hancock ‘doesn’t expect’ to be back in parliament anytime soon anyway.
Insiders close to the 44-year-old said, via BBC: “Matt doesn’t expect to serve in government again, so it’s an incredible opportunity for him to engage with the 12 million Brits who tune in every single night.
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“Matt has told the whips in Parliament and he will use his time in the jungle to promote his dyslexia campaign.”
Last year, Hancock made headlines when The Sun reported that he was having an affair with his aide, Gina Coladangelo, 44, amid the pandemic. He then resigned from his job.
Apologising for his actions, the politician went on to say: “I accept that I breached the social distancing guidance in these circumstances.
“I have let people down and am very sorry.”
Hancock will be just one of many stars that will be heading into the camp this year.
This year’s series will include many familiar faces, including musician Boy George, former Love Island star Olivia Attwood and royal family member Mike Tindall.
I’m a Celebrity 2022 starts on Sunday, November 6, at 9pm on ITV.
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