In an incredible turn of events, the former health secretary Matt Hancock has reportedly been suspended as a Conservative MP after apparently agreeing to join the cast of I’m A Celebrity 2022.
Filed firmly under headlines we never thought we’d write.
After numerous reports of the official lineup for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2022 began trickling in last week, the BBC has confirmed that Hancock will “swap representing his constituents at Westminster for eating bugs in the jungle” and we, for one, cannot wait to see what that looks like.
Former chief whip Simon Hart said the decision to join the reality TV show while still serving as an MP “is a matter serious enough to warrant suspension of the whip with immediate effect.”
The deputy chairman of his constituency’s Conservative Association seems to be more excited by the prospect of him joining the reality show.
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Meanwhile, others have been less impressed by the decision by ITV producers, with journalist Nadine Batchelor-Hunt noting that “it says something when Matt Hancock has the whip removed more quickly over going on I’m A Celebrity than Chris Pincher did” over his sexual misconduct.
Many others echoed similar sentiments:
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Sources close to West Suffolk representative state that he “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.” Hancock is apparently using his time in the jungle to promote his dyslexia campaign.
Trying to raise awareness for charity sounds great but he does realise he’s just going to be kept in as long as possible and made to do virtually every single trial, right?
Either way, many have been left angered by the decision to let yet another politician join a reality show when they are supposed to be serving the public, especially in times of struggle like the ongoing cost of living and energy crises.
Retired or not, the likes of Anne Widdecombe, George Galloway, Ed Balls and many more have appeared on the likes of Strictly Come Dancing and Big Brother, while the last Tory MP to appear on the British TV institution was former culture secretary Nadine Dorries, who still remains an MP for Mid Bedfordshire.
Other members of the I’m A Celebrity 2022 cast confirmed so far include pop legend Boy George and recently retired Lionesses veteran, Jill Scott MBE.
Council calls on public to suggest names for new public square in Stretford
Emily Sergeant
The Greater Manchester public is being called on to help name a brand-new public square in the heart of Stretford.
Could we have another ‘Boaty McBoatface’ on our hands? As far as public naming competitions go, the comical suggestion for the name of a new RMS ship back in 2016 – which was then given to a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) instead – will probably always lead the way as the most well-known entrant.
But now, it’s Greater Manchester‘s turn to give it a go and get creative with their naming suggestions, as Trafford Council inviting the local community to name a brand-new public square that’s set to open in the heart of Stretford next year.
Connecting the newly restored King Street and Pinnington Lane, Trafford Council says the new public square will play “a key part in the transformation of the area” and be a “focal point” for the area – with lots of greenery, seating areas, and spaces to “meet, rest and play” and host events too.
Residents are being encouraged to “put their imprint on the Square” by putting forward their suggestions for its name.
All the entries will be condensed into a shortlist and the public will then vote on their favourite.
With the naming competition fully underway, Trafford residents now have the opportunity to talk to the Stretford town centre team, get creative, and post entries into the voting box that’ll be in place in Stretford Mall up until Sunday 19 May, as well as submit their ideas via the Stretford town centre website.
To come up with their names suggestions, the Council wants residents to take inspiration from these three themes:
Heritage – celebrating the fascinating history embedded into Stretford’s identity
Culture – showcasing the rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that defines the essence of the town and its residents
Community – reflecting the strong sense of unity among Stretford’s residents, making the town a welcoming place to live, work, and socialise.
After submissions are closed, the Stretford town centre forum will then decide on three entries that “best represent the area” and have made best use of the inspiration topics to go to the public vote for the final decision.
A town centre polling station will be open for residents to cast their votes in person, or they can do so online via both a Google form or a range of social media polls.
The public vote will officially close on Sunday 16 June, and the unveiling ceremony will take place at The StretFest on Saturday 6 July, where the winner and name of the new public square will be announced.
Fancy shooting a suggestion then? Find out more on the Stretford Town Centre website here.
Featured Image – STC / Bruntwood
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.