Matt Hancock made his debut appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! last night (Nov 9) and viewers were left divided over his arrival. While there were plenty who did not enjoy seeing him take part in the ITV show, some grew to like him, which left them feeling "annoyed".
The former Health Secretary - who oversaw the coronavirus pandemic and cheated on his wife - entered the Australian jungle Wednesday night alongside comedian and scandalous Strictly star Seann Walsh. The pair's arrival came ahead of schedule following Olivia Attwood's sudden exit from the show earlier this week, who was forced to leave on medical grounds.
Matt and Seann joined the rest of the nine celebrities - which came as a shock for many - as 'undercover moles', where they were given secret tasks to carry out, including called radio DJ Chris Moyles 'Greg' three times and stealing someone's hat and gilet. They successfully completed their secret tasks, meaning they were able to win luxury items for their campmates.
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The duo also managed to bring back six stars for camp after taking part in their very first Bushtucker trial - The Beastly Burrows. The challenge saw the two new comers dive head first into a dark, muddy hole in hunt for stars. But, in typical I'm A Celeb fashion, they weren't alone down there, as they were joined by plenty of creepy crawlies and slime.
Matt and Seann entertained some viewers who found the pair comical at times as they squealed during the Bushtucker Trial and worked together to complete their undercover mole tasks. Many of whom were particularly 'annoyed' with themselves for finding the MP - who is reportedly earning £400,000 for his stint on the show alongside his roughly £84,144 basic per annum MP's salary - 'surprisingly likeable' and 'funny'.
Taking to social media to express their conflictions, many people commented their 'annoyance' at the 'comedy double act'. @Annam4rtin tweeted: "nah cause why is matt hancock actually making me laugh I’m embarrassed #ImACeleb." @Jodieheather stated: "I really do not want to like this man, but he is quite funny #ImACeleb."
@Romanry12 added: "Sorry not sorry Hancock has got me in stitches with the mole stuff." @Laursm01234 said: "They really are hilarious to watch." @Danielnock90 wrote: "Matt Hancock is so awkward he’s funny!"
@Natgrey admitted: "I’m not sure how I feel about the fact the first task HE has to do is basically lie and trick the camp mates while he sits in comfort with treats and laughing about it…. I see what you’re doing ITV." @Christieparis98 put: "Don’t lie. You’re actually enjoying Matt and Sean in the jungle."
@Shepherdwales typed: "Matt and Sean and far more entertaining than the other lot I’ve been in stitches tonight." @Margcain confessed: "Loving @MattHancock and Co." @Richard_ch penned: "I am finding this whole situation amusing #ImACeleb."
@Modernlandgirl posted: "Bravo to the casting directors in #ImACeleb who would have thought Matt Hancock and Sean Welch would be a comedy double act." @Danielmarbbc said: "I can’t be the only one that feels so sorry for Matt Hancock at the end of the day we are all human. I can definitely see him leaving early!"
However, there were many others who were angry at those describing the politician as funny. @Rachelali said: "How are you lot forgetting what matt hancock did just because he’s making you laugh or you feel bad for him??? this is the guy who didn’t let people see their family members while he was partying and cheating on his wife."
@Muminpractice said: "Every time he smiles I think of him giving contracts to his mates, spending 'vast' amounts of public money, not giving proper PPE to front line staff, allowing covid to run rampant through carehomes and allowing people to die scared and alone."
As Matt surprised campmates with his arrival into camp last night, many contestants admitted to 'struggle with their feelings'. Babatunde told viewers: "I'm not saying certain people shouldn't come into the camp..." And he also told a fellow campmate: "It's hard to kind of like, push your views aside. It really is."
Eileen Grimshaw actress Sue Cleaver said: "He sticks out like a sore thumb. He makes me very nervous." Chris Moyles added: "I can't help but think.... he should be at work." His presence even caused Boy George to tell viewers how upset he was at seeing him again.
By the end of the episode, Ant and Dec confirmed unsurprisingly that it would indeed be Matt taking part in the next Buchtucker trial after being voted in by the public.
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