The Member of Parliament for West Suffolk joined the cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! on Wednesday, entering the camp with comedian Seann Walsh despite widespread public and political condemnation of his decision.
Matt Hancock acknowledged that there was “no justification” for the activities that led to his resignation as health secretary after a fellow campmate described them as “a smack in the face” for the public.
On Wednesday, the 44-year-old joined the cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here, joining the camp with comedian Seann Walsh after facing anger from the public and fellow politicians.
The West Suffolk representative was forced to resign from Boris Johnson’s cabinet in June 2021 after having an affair in his ministerial office with Gina Coladangelo, in violation of COVID social distancing guidelines.
When questioned by his campmates, Hancock said he wasn’t proud of his behavior, but insisted it was because he “fell in love.”
As they performed chores in the jungle, Scarlette Douglas, a property expert, and television host addressed him, stating: “Numerous events occurred during your lifetime, which makes it tough since people are furious and outraged; emotions are running high.
“It was arduous. Numerous individuals endured harsh circumstances. I believe it was a slap in the face for everyone to discover that those who had essentially established the rules had broken them.”
Hancock answered: “I understand how people felt. Correct? That’s why I resigned. I understand how people feel, therefore I appreciate you stating that.”
Later, he said in the Bush Telegraph: “Scarlette was extremely frank and also very thoughtful, and this is essentially the point.
“The ability to talk about things, whether you’re proud of them or ashamed of them.”
‘You were grabbing booty bruv’
Later, while chatting to comedian Babatunde Aleshe, Hancock described how his life had changed after his affair became public, stating that it had been “very difficult.”
“I made a mistake and admitted it. It’s hardly an excuse, but I quit because I fell in love, right? This also has a lot of other ramifications “he remarked.
Alesha said, referring to the CCTV tape, You didn’t simply “fall in love;” you were grabbing booty, bruv “, to which Hancock replied “oh surrender”
Hancock also participated in the latest Bushtucker Trial, Tentacles of Terror, in which he was confined within an octopus-shaped cage filled with aquatic creatures.
As he began his trial, co-host Ant McPartlin remarked, “You must have encountered a few snakes in Westminster.”
“How dare he be in his position when that was occurring!”
Hancock returned to camp as comedian Walsh and soap actress Sue Cleaver discussed his decision to enter the Australian jungle.
Walsh defended him by stating, “I’m not excusing what he did or the government’s policies, but he should not have been in his position while it was occurring.”
Cleaver answered: “I fully, totally agree with you, but the decision to enter I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! after everything that has transpired and the impact on everyone at home, families, and people in their homes is unfathomable. I do not agree with this.
He has constituents back home and is an active member of parliament.
Hancock, along with musician Boy George, will participate in the trial on Friday’s program, after being voted in by the people.
Both will compete in the eating contest at La Cucaracha Cafe, which translates from Spanish as “cockroach cafe.”
