Hancock is wanting to be forgiven

Matt Hancock admitted he made a “mistake” and regrets the actions that led to his resignation as health secretary after partaking in the first eating trial of the I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! series.

The West Suffolk MP yesterday faced a number of unappetising dishes at La Cucaracha Cafe with Culture Club’s Boy George.

The public voted for the pair to take part in the Bushtucker trial, marking Hancock’s third consecutive challenge since arriving in camp on Wednesday.

Hancock had to drink an entire glass of blended meal worms accompanied with a witchetty grub garnish.

After the challenge, Hancock was asked about breaking social distancing rules during the pandemic by having an affair with Gina Coladangelo.

Hancock said: “It was a mistake, because I fell in love with somebody. That’s why I apologised for it.”

TV presenter and property expert Scarlette Douglas said: “It’s that kind of, you just do it and then afterwards it’s like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, I’m sorry’.”

Hancock replied: “No, because it’s bigger than that.”

Loose Women star Charlene White said: “It’s massively bigger than that. My aunt died from Covid in the first wave.

“So, we couldn’t go to the hospital to go and visit her. I had to sit by myself in the church at her funeral. We couldn’t hug each other because we were following guidance.

“And I get that you fell in love, I understand all of those things, but sorry for a lot of families like mine doesn’t really cut it.”

Speaking to White, he added: “Do you know what it is actually? What I’m really looking for is a bit of forgiveness. That’s what I’m really looking for.”

The exchange prompted both White and Cleaver to give him a hug, to which the actress added: “That took courage to say that.”

Hancock later told the Bush Telegraph his campmates asked questions that the public have got and “it’s only respectful to just give completely straight and truthful answers”.

The MP joined the cast of I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! on Wednesday after facing much criticism over his decision from the public and fellow politicians.

I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues on ITV tonight at 9pm.

SORRY: The former health secretary spoke about his resignation.