‘Winning would be the icing on the cake but I’m not expecting it’
Hancock heads into TV jungle
MATT Hancock is dreaming of an unlikely jungle triumph as he heads into the I’m A Celebrity camp tonight.
The former health secretary will be seen joining this year’s contestants on ITV alongside his fellow late entrant, comedian Seann Walsh.
A 40/1 outsider to win the show, Hancock admitted victory in Australia would be “the icing on the cake, and that would be wonderful”.
He said: “I am not expecting it. My family are very supportive of me taking part on I’m A Celebrity.
“I think you will learn things about yourself. You have all that time to think about what is important.
Criticised
“Politicians are people too and it will be nice for people to see me as me. We are human too.
“Lots of people have a view on me from being health secretary in the pandemic, dealing with some very difficult issues, but that’s not the whole story.
“I am looking forward to throwing myself into it all like I do everything in life.You can’t hide anything in the jungle, you see somebody, warts and all.”
The MP forWest Suffolk has had the Tory whip suspended and was widely criticised for choosing to go on the show.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was “disappointed” in him. Hancock, 44, said: “There are lots of different ways to communicate with the public and we [politicians] are wrong if we think you can only do that on the political shows where you are mainly only talking to people who take an active interest in politics. “It’s important we engage with everyone, including young people, and this programme is a good way to do that. I am looking forward to it. I informed the Whip and I gave my reasons. I have had a lot of supportive messages from people who can see what I am trying to do – show that politicians are people too.”
Admitting he enjoys watching I’m A Celebrity, Hancock revealed his biggest fear, adding: “I have never come across a snake at close quarters and so I am pretty worried about anything to do with snakes.”
Of his new camp-mates, he said: “I have no idea what they are going to think. I am a pretty cheerful person and so I hope I can keep everyone’s morale up.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up doing some of the trials! I am hoping I can win some stars for the camp, but most of all I am looking forward to being myself.” Hancock and Walsh were unveiled at the end of last night’s show but viewers won’t see them in camp until tonight.
● I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! tonight, 9pm, ITV.