Matt Hancock hopes to show the “real” him on the new series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, a friend of his has shared following the announcement he’s joining the show.
The disgraced MP was confirmed today as the shocking new addition to the star-studded group of contestants headed to the jungle, and is expected to arrive at least a few days into the series.
Matt quit his role as health secretary in June 2021, after he was found to have broken coronavirus social distancing rules by kissing an aide, Gina Coladangelo, in his ministerial office. The then-health secretary was married at the time.
Following news he will be heading Down Under, Mr Hanock has been suspended as a Conservative MP.
Despite his suspension, a political ally has come forward in support of Mr Hancock and his latest decision to join the ITV2 series.
They told The Mirror: “I'm A Celeb is the most watched show on TV. 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.
"Matt has told the whips in Parliament and he will use his time in the jungle to promote his dyslexia campaign. Matt has an excellent team working with him in West Suffolk, but producers have agreed that he can communicate with them if there's an urgent constituency matter."
The ally shared Mr Hancock’s aim in connecting with the public during his show stint, and possibly mending any negative opinions about him caused by his scandal last year.
They continued: "Matt has always believed in communicating directly with the people he represents – whether that’s getting out and pounding the streets in West Suffolk, through all sorts of media or via those press conferences.
"There are many ways to do the job of being an MP. Whether he's in camp for one-day or three weeks, there are very few places people will be able to see a politician as they really are.
"Where better to show the human side of those who make these decisions than with the most watched programme on TV?"
The ally added: "Matt's of the view that we must embrace popular culture. Rather than looking down on reality TV, we should see it for what it is – a powerful tool to get our message heard by younger generations.”
The House of Commons is in recess from November 10-14, but celebrities could spend up to three weeks in the jungle – meaning Mr Hancock could miss out on significant Commons business, including the Autumn Statement on November 17.
Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union which represents senior civil servants, said: “Oh to have a job where you can decide for yourself you’re taking a month off, abandon your work and responsibilities, get paid shedloads and face little consequence.
“I’m sure he’ll be an inspiration to other public servants.”
I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! returns on ITV on Sunday 6 November at 9pm.
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