Entertainment
I’m A Celebrity boss defends booking Matt Hancock after thousands call for him to be axed from series-Louise Griffin-Entertainment – Metro
Thousands have signed a petition calling for him to be axed from the series.
Matt Hancock’s booking on the show has sparked backlash (Picture: ITV/Rex Features/Getty Images)
Many were left fuming over Matt Hancock being booked for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here, but the show’s executive producer has defended his appearance.
The former health minister will be the 12th celebrity to head into the jungle, alongside stars including Boy George, Mike Tindall, Charlene White, and Chris Moyles.
Despite plenty of people arguing that Mr Hancock, who is still a sitting MP, should not appear on the reality show, executive producer Olly Nash said: ‘It’s always an individual’s choice to come into camp, isn’t it?
‘And at any point, any celebrity can say I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. So that’s the only thing really to add. I think.’
He added to The Mirror: ‘Nobody has to do the show in the same way and nobody has to stay in camp and nobody has to do a trial. So it’s up to any celebrity to make that choice.’
Mr Hancock has insisted he will make a donation to charity following his appearance in the jungle, and that he’s reached an agreement with producers that he can be reached for urgent constituency matters.
Mr Hancock will be the 12th campmate to step foot in the jungle (Picture: Hollie Adams/Getty Images)
However, many people aren’t happy, and Mr Hancock has had the Tory whip withdrawn.
Chief whip Simon Hart MP 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.’
In Mr Hancock’s constituency, Andy Drummond, deputy chairman (political) of West Suffolk Conservative Association, added: ‘I’m looking forward to him eating a kangaroo’s penis. Quote me. You can quote me that.’
He’ll join stars including Chris Moyles, Mike Tindall, and Boy George (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
Also among those criticising him is Charlene’s Loose Women colleague, Denise Welch.
‘I am fuming, which wouldn’t surprise anybody,’ she began.
‘I am fuming and I am disgusted, and I cannot find any humour in this appointment at all.’
Reflecting on her personal experience, she continued: ‘And I was very vocal about Covid restrictions, some being incredibly unnecessary and the impact that would have on people’s livelihoods and mental health, and Matt Hancock was at the forefront of those.’
Mr Hancock was England’s health secretary at the time leaked CCTV showed him kissing aide Gina Coladangelo in breach of the social distancing guidelines he helped create.
Thousands have also signed a petition calling for Mr Hancock to be axed from the show.
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here begins on November 6 at 9pm on ITV.
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