Matt Hancock has broken his silence and explained his reasons for going on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.
The politician was suspended as a Tory MP and lost the whip yesterday when the news broke that he would be joining this year’s famous contestants in the Australian jungle.
Now, in a column in The Sun, Hancock has explained that he hasn’t ‘lost his marbles’ by choosing to go on reality TV.
Rather, he wants to use the platform to reach people who ‘aren’t always interested in politics’ and ‘show the human side of those who make decisions’.
Hancock told the paper: “While there will undoubtedly be those who think I shouldn’t go, I think it’s a great opportunity to talk directly to people who aren’t always interested in politics, even if they care very much about how our country’s run.
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Matt Hancock will join the rest of the I’m A Celebrity 2022 cast. Credit: ITV
“It’s our job as politicians to go to where the people are — not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster.
“There are many ways to do the job of being an MP. Whether I’m 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.
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“Like you, politicians are human, with hopes and fears, and normal emotions just like everyone else.”
Next week, I'm going into the jungle, as part of this year's @imacelebrity
He added that he hopes to use the platform to raise awareness for his campaign to better identify and support dyslexic children.
Saying that he had been approached three times by ITV before accepting the place on I’m A Celebtity, Hancock continued: “And no, it wasn’t the cheque that changed my mind. I will be making a donation to St Nicholas Hospice in Suffolk and causes supporting dyslexia off the back of my appearance.
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“I will, of course, also declare the amount I receive from the show to Parliament to ensure complete transparency, as normal.”
Matt Hancock will be joining other celebrities including Boy George, Sue Cleaver and Jill Scott on this year’s I’m A Celebrity 2022, which will be back in Australia for the first time in two years.
Other I’m A Celebrity 2022 contestants will be Manchester-based TV personality and former Love Island star Olivia Attwood, Hollyoaks actor Owen Warner, ex-England rugby player Mike Tindall MBE, and comedian Babatúndé Aléshé.
Completing this year’s line-up are presenter and property expert Scarlette Douglas, presenter and journalist Charlene White, and radio legend Chris Moyles.
Ant and Dec will be back as hosts as the celebs battle it out to be crowned king or queen of the jungle.
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Campmates will spend their first night on an island and face their first trial there, ITV has confirmed.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here 2022 will return to ITV on Sunday 6 November at 9pm.
Molly-Mae and Tommy shared their happy news about their new arrival with a joint post last night, showing a black and white photo of the trio in hospital, captioned with the date of their baby’s birth – 23/01/23.
She then added further updates and adorable photos in her Instagram stories, writing: “One week old today. I can’t believe we get to keep you forever.
“Becoming your mum has been the best thing to ever happen to me… it doesn’t seem possible but my love for you grows with each passing moment.
“There is no feeling like holding you in my arms little one, my heart literally explodes.
“Thank you for entering the world safely for us and blessing us with the gift of being your parents.
“We promise to love and care for you unconditionally forever.”
Tommy posted: “I’ll protect you forever my little girl.”
Featured image: Instagram, @mollymae
TV & Showbiz
Molly-Mae Hague announces birth of baby girl with Tommy Fury
Daisy Jackson
Molly-Mae Hague has given birth to her baby girl, the star has announced.
She welcomed the new arrival with long-term boyfriend and boxer Tommy Fury, who she met on the fifth series of Love Island.
Molly-Mae, an influencer, creative director and reality TV star, announced the news on her Instagram today.
The couple, both 23, first announced that they were expecting a baby last September, sharing a black-and-white video of her growing baby bump.
She has since vlogged her pregnancy on her YouTube channel, to 1.73m subscribers.
Molly-mae and Tommy shared their happy news with a joint post, showing a black and white photo of the trio in hospital, captioned with the date of their baby’s birth – 23/01/23.
Daisy Jackson -
2nd November 2022 
