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.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons / ITV/The Manc Group
TV & Showbiz
Channel 4’s The Dog House is looking for people who want to adopt dogs in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
If you’ve always wanted to rescue a dog and provide a forever home to an animal in need, this might be your sign – Channel 4 is looking for Mancs to take part in the next series of The Dog House.
The programme is looking for local applicants who may be thinking of adopting a rescue dog, with rescue centres around Greater Manchester feeling the strain.
Rehoming charities have said they’re facing an unprecedented surge in demand.
So now the BAFTA-nominated show The Dog House is keen to hear from people in Manchester who are interested in rehoming a dog, particularly individuals and families with touching, heartfelt reasons for wanting to rehome.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner, a family looking for a new companion, or looking for a new furry friend for your existing pets, The Dog House and its chosen rescue shelter can help.
The show launched in 2019 and is filmed at Woodgreen Pets Charity, shining a light and raising awareness for the joys and realities of rescuing dogs.
Channel 4’s The Dog House is looking for people to adopt dogs in Manchester
Around 90% of dog owners say their pet improves their life, 86% report being physically healthier, and 88% say it benefits their mental wellbeing, according to data shared by Channel 4.
Channel 4 has said that more than 47,000 people contacted Dogs Trust about giving up their dogs last year alone, with the RSPCA reporting that the number of dogs in their care has doubled since 2020.
The Dog House team is now seeking people in Manchester who may be thinking about adopting a rescue dog – whether for companionship, support, wellbeing, or simply the joy of bringing a four-legged friend into their life.
If you or someone you know is considering adopting a dog, you can apply HERE or email [email protected].
The full lineup for the Strictly Live tour has been revealed
Danny Jones
Yes, ballroom lovers, it’s here: the full lineup of dancers for the ‘Strictly Come Dancing Live’ tour has finally and officially been revealed.
It feels like fans have been waiting ages to find out the entire roster for the Strictly Live tour next year, with only limited waves having been released thus far.
However, the patience has paid off, and we now know who’ll be starring both on the stage and on down on the floors of some of Britain’s most beloved venues, including our very own AO Arena.
You can see the latest raft of additions down below.
As you can see, the final four couples who complete the next Strictly Live tour lineup for 2026 are social media personality George Clarke, Emmerdale face Lewis Cope, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and another actor in Layton Williams.
This quality quartet will be paired up with Alexis Warr, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley and Nikita Kuzmin, respectively; it has already been confirmed that much-loved trio Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood will be returning as judges, with Janette Manrara remaining as host.
Strictly‘s still ongoing season – the 23rd in the show’s history – is due to conclude this weekend, following the final on Saturday night (20 December), and it remains to be seen which of the current cast will be crowned champion, with several of those above and below now signed up for the live tour.
The rest of the Strictly Live dancers for 2026 here:
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka ‘Nitro’
Alex Kingston
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Balvinder Sopal
George Clarke
La Voix
Chris Robshaw
Ellie Goldstein
Thomas Skinner
Vicky Pattison
Stefan Dennis
Ross King
Karen Carney
Lewis Cope
Amber Davies
It isn’t guaranteed that each of these contestants will be taking part in EVERY single one of the tour dates, but either way, you’ve still got ‘The Professionals’ to come next spring, too.
The annual Strictly Come Dancing UK tour has become a firm fan favourite, not only among die-hard viewers of the BBC show but lovers of live entertainment in general.
Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and others confirmed the dates for their live shows earlier this year, with the AO set to host the two days’ worth of moves across Saturday, 31 January and Sunday, 1 February.
Hosting both normal evening shows as well as matinee slots, it’s simply up to you at what time of day you fancy panto-booing Craig…
If you’re interested in securing tickets for the typically fabulous festivals, you can grab yours HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
2nd November 2022 
