Matt Hancock lands in Australia for I’m a Celebrity
MP told reporters he’d had a ‘very pleasant flight’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Matt Hancock has arrived in Australia ahead of his appearance on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!.
The former health secretary will take part in the forthcoming series of the ITV reality show as a “bombshell” contestant, arriving once the show has already started and the original line-up of contestants have settled into jungle life.
The news has sparked anger across the country, with the MP immediately having the Tory whip revoked and prime minister Rishi Sunak sharing his disapproval in the decision.
On Wednesday (2 November), the MP was photographed grinning as he touched down in Brisbane Airport and was greeted by paparazzi in arrivals.
Hancock wore a white t-shirt and navy long-sleeved shirt, along with a pair of jeans, and told reporters that he’d had a “very pleasant flight”.
James Corden denies intentionally stealing Ricky Gervais’ ‘brilliant’ stand-up joke 
‘I used to eat a four-pack of Magnums and a four-pack of Soleros in one sitting’: Bill Nighy on sugar cravings, Method actors, and never retiring
Daniel Radcliffe explains why he wrote open letter in response to JK Rowling trans row
However, when asked how he felt about entering the jungle, Hancock said he was “keeping my mouth zipped”.
Hancock’s forthcoming appearance on the show has been met with outrage, with many questioning why a sitting MP is able to take part, as he will be unreachable while in the jungle.
I’m A Celebrity series one winner Tony Blackburn joked that the former Tory minister was probably appearing on the show to pay for “the soaring cost of his electricity bill”, while adding that it was clear Hancock’s “political career at the moment isn’t going any further”.
Hancock resigned as health secretary last year after violating his own Covid regulations by having an affair with aide Gina Coladangelo.
During Wednesday’s episode of Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid was forced to apologise after Daily Mail journalist Andrew Pierce called Hancock a “d***head”.
“We’ve known Matt Hancock for a long time,” Pierce added, indicating himself and Daily Mirror associate editor Kevin Maguire. “When they see him, warts and all, it will not be nice.”
I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! returns Sunday 6 November at 9pm on ITV.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments