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
You can go on a festive tour of the Coronation Street set this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
One of TV’s most famous streets has had itself a festive makeover, and fans can hear the stories of Christmas past on a behind-the-scenes tours.
In case you missed it, the ever-popular Coronation Street: The Tourreturned back in March after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s been giving fans of the iconic Manchester-based soap – which has recently celebrated 60 years on air – the chance to discover the hidden world that lies behind the camera at the external sets at MediaCityUK in Salford once again.
The 90-minute tours let you follow in the footsteps of all your favourite characters, and give you the chance to walk around the famous sets of the Rovers Return, Roys Rolls, Underworld, The Kabin, and so much more.
Tour guides are also known for sharing secrets of the show as they take you round the set too.
But now, with the festive season officially upon us, and Christmas soon to be here before we know it, Coronation Street has been turned into “the ultimate festive experience” for the all new behind-the-scenes tour – Christmas on the Cobbles.
You can go on a festive tour of the Coronation Street set this Christmas / Credit: Coronation Street: The Tour
This is your chance to experience the nation’s most famous street like never before.
Organisers are encouraging fans of the iconic soap to wrap up warm as they head out on an expert tour Coronation Street “dressed in its finest festive grandeur” to hear stories of Christmas past and spread yuletide cheer.
There’ll be carol singers dotted around the street’s famous sites, and festive treats like mince pies and gingerbread lattes to feast on.
This is your chance to experience the nation’s most famous street like never before / Credit: Coronation Street: The Tour
The whole street will be festooned with lights and Christmas decorations
Christmas on the Cobbles Tours are running on selected dates this month up until 31 December, with tickets setting you back £28 for adults, £25.50 for under 16s, and £80 for families.
On his first night back on the live circuit last Friday, Peter had barely said a word before the entire audience took to its feet to give him a rousing standing ovation.
The huge crowd was then heard chanting ‘Peter, Peter, Peter’.
Despite a ban on filming in the venue, several people managed to share a snippet of the heartwarming moment, which left the comic wiping away tears.
Peter, who has been largely out of the public eye for around 12 years, took a moment to compose himself, leaning over against a stool.
He then said: “Oh Jesus look at me, I mean what’s that all about… how am I supposed to do bloody comedy now?
“I can’t believe I cried, where did it come from, all that emotion?”
On Twitter, someone wrote: “peter kay came out on stage and everyone gave him a standing ovation for about 5 minutes and he cried and i actually can’t cope.”
peter kay came out on stage and everyone gave him a standing ovation for about 5 minutes and he cried and i actually can’t cope
Another wrote: “What an absolute privilege to be there for Peter Kay’s return to the big stage. He got a standing ovation for his entrance and was reduced to tears, never seen anything like it. No spoilers, just a superb night.”
Someone else said: “I was expecting a huge standing ovation for Peter Kay’s return, but that was just mega. I felt so privileged to be there tonight. I’ve waited to see him live for so long. If you recorded anything, please don’t be a d*ck sharing it and ruining it for everyone else.”
One person tweeted: “What a beautiful moment yesterday. Peter Kay in tears after such a rapturous reception.”
Daisy Jackson -
2nd November 2022 
