Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Lucy Needham & Anita McSorley

Boy George lets rip at Matt Hancock with sensational claim about why he entered I'm A Celebrity

Boy George has let rip at Matt Hancock, claiming that the politician "lied" to the public and his co-stars about his reason for entering I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

The singer unleashed a tirade at his former campmate, who previously said he took part in the reality show for "forgiveness" over his Covid rule-breaking.

In an explosive new interview, Boy George - whose real name is George Alan O'Dowd - said Matt Hancock is only interested in raising his profile and becoming a "rock star" in his fans' eyes.

READ MORE: Ireland braced for Sunday weather chaos as Met Eireann issues multiple warnings amid -10C snow blast

Matt Hancock came third in the show, behind actor Owen Warner and footballer Jill Scott, and has so far announced plans to quit politics and released a tell-all book on his life.

Britain's former health secretary had insisted that his constituents were his "first priority" when entering the Australian jungle, claiming the reality TV show would be an "honest and unfiltered" way to communicate with voters.

But Karma Chameleon singer Boy George, who initially clashed with Matt Hancock on the show, has now warned: "Don't believe anything he says about why he did it."

"He did it because he wants to kick up his heels and have a good time," he told The Sun on Sunday.

"We all know that politicians are real people. We also know everyone wants to be a rock star, everybody. Especially politicians.

"So it's impossible to believe some people's reasons for doing something.

"Ultimately, they are doing it for a bigger profile, a bit more attention, hopefully showing people a different side."

Matt Hancock surpassed the expectations of many by reaching the final of the ITV reality show, which airs on Virgin Media in Ireland, but came behind the winner, Euro 2022 champion Jill Scott, and Hollyoaks actor Owen Warner following a public vote.

During his time in the jungle, he was voted to complete a host of Bushtucker Trials and was grilled over his handling of the Covid pandemic by fellow contestants, including Boy George.

His decision to join the show also prompted criticism from the British Prime Minister and MPs across the political spectrum.

Since leaving the jungle, Matt Hancock was booed as he attended co-star Seann Walsh's comedy gig.

Viewers saw the campmates attempt to grill the MP on his time as health secretary, affair with Tory aide Gina and his reasons for taking part in the show while still holding down his job in parliament.

Matt Hancock said he was doing the show for "forgiveness" and explained he had cheated on his wife of 15 years simply because he had "fallen in love".

After leaving camp, many of Matt Hancock's co-stars said they tried to separate their views of the politician with 'Matt' to keep things civil on the show.

However on leaving, ITV newsreader Charlene White said her experience in camp was never the same after Matt Hancock joined as she said she had to "walk a tightrope" and in her eyes the "fun stopped" when the MP joined.

READ NEXT:

Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.