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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jamie Roberts

Ant McPartlin doesn't think viewers will see 'the real' Matt Hancock on I'm A Celebrity

Ant McPartlin has revealed he doesn't know whether I'm A Celeb viewers will see the real Matt Hancock after the disgraced MP asked campmates for forgiveness following his Covid failings.

The Geordie presenter, 46, joined pal and co-host Declan Donnelly for a quick Instagram Live following Friday night's show and the pair discussed the episode's key points.

Among them were the campmates grilling Hancock over his lockdown actions, which saw him break his own guidelines and have an affair, which ultimately led to his resignation as Health Secretary in 2021.

He confessed he had "made mistakes" and pleaded for "forgiveness" before Sue Cleaver said it's time to the camp drew a line under the situation.

Ant and Dec spoke to fans on Instagram Live after the show (antanddec/Instagram)
The Geordie duo questioned Matt Hancock's sincerity (antanddec/Instagram)

However, while some campmates applauded Hancock for his words, radio star Chris Moyles believed the Tory MP was holding back the full truth - a view Ant seemingly shared too.

Speaking to the Bush Telegraph on the show, Chris said: "Honestly, the way I feel now is he’s pulled the mask slightly off his chin a little bit but I still think he’s not telling us the full truth."

He then discussed Matt's words with Scarlette Douglas and admitted Hancock's attempted honest portrayal was "eating away at me".

His words were echoed by Ant on the after-show live chat. As Dec admitted that everyone had wanted to see "open and honest" chat surrounding Hancock's antics, he said it was "good" that the subject had been broached.

Matt Hancock discussed his Covid mistakes with campmates (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

But both of the presenters disagreed with Sue that the conversation was now over, Ant added: "Chris still doesn't feel like he saw the real Matt and I kind of agree. Will you ever see the real Matt? I'm not so sure."

Dec also shared his doubts, saying over the top of his pal: "I don't know."

Fans of the show also took to Twitter to share their views on the scenes. While some showed sympathy towards Hancock, many blasted his attempts to apologise.

Among those commenting was Loose Women panellist Denise Welch who snapped: "Y'all falling for it?? Seriously??"

Chris Moyles wasn't entirely convinced following the conversation (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Later on Friday's show, Seann Walsh was amazed by how open Hancock was regarding how politicians avoid answering questions.

Hancock said: "Firstly practice and prep. I've got like 20 years of answering the question I want to answer, not the one that is given right. Blair used the word 'look' right if people would ask a difficult question.

"He would say 'Look what I came here to talk about was my marvellous programme' and such and such.

"I mean, in politics it is called the pivot. And so you have to give enough link to the question that it doesn't look like you're avoiding the question. Whilst pivoting and a good pivot is admirable."

I'm A Celebrity airs every night at 9pm on ITV and ITV Hub.

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