Punters back Hancock despite complaints
OFCOM has received nearly 2,000 complaints about Matt Hancock’s appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, with some viewers claiming he is being bullied but most simply objecting to his presence.
Most of the complaints, about 1,100, were from people who said he should not have been included in the line-up. Others expressed concern about how he was being treated by the fellow contestants. On social media, some viewers have suggested that Hancock was being bullied by Chris Moyles and Boy George.
Ofcom said it would assess every complaint before deciding whether or not to investigate.
It added: “It’s worth being aware that under our rules, in principle – and taking into account freedom of expression – there’s no ban on any particular person taking part in programmes.
“However, if the mere presence of a person is likely to cause offence, we would expect broadcasters to take steps to mitigate or justify that offence.” Mr Hancock lost the Conservative whip for taking part while still serving the constituents of West Suffolk. However, bookmakers have slashed the odds on him winning the show. The former health secretary is now third favourite. Punters were offered 40/1 odds for the MP to win when the show started on Nov 6. Betfair now says he is 6/1 to be crowned King of the Jungle.
Lee Phelps, spokesman for William Hill, said: “Despite supposedly being one of the most unpopular people in the whole of England, punters continue to back Matt Hancock to win.”