I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! fans are not interested in watching Matt Hancock discuss his upcoming book.
During this evening's update from the Australian jungle, viewers watched as the disgraced Tory MP claimed his upcoming book will 'tell the story straight' regarding his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, before going on to sensationally insist he didn't break any laws during national lockdowns.
The former health secretary - who receives a basic salary of £84,144 thanks to his role as a sitting MP - claimed he didn't break any rules but rather 'made a mistake' and ignored his own guidance due to falling in love with a co-worker.
As tonight's show aired on ITV, many viewers watching at home took to social media to fume that the channel had given Mr Hancock "air time to promote his book" and begged the show to broadcast less scenes involving the politician.
The West Suffolk MP was forced to quit as Health Secretary in June 2021 after breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by conducting an affair in his ministerial office with aide Gina Coladangelo.
Mr Hancock played a prominent role in the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and branded anyone ignoring social distancing rules and restrictions as "very selfish" prior to being caught having an extra-marital affair.
The controversial MP lost the Tory whip last month, as it was confirmed he would be leaving his constituents for up to three weeks to enjoys a lucrative stint in the jungle.
"What’s the plan, come out of here, write a book?" Chris Moyles asked Mr Hancock round the camp on tonight's instalment of I'm a Celebrity.
Mr Hancock replied: "I’ve just finished a book - Pandemic Diaries. Does what it says on the tin."
After Chris asked the sitting MP "How warts and all is it?" Mr Hancock added: "Totally. Tells the story straight. Needs telling."
"Also, there’s going to be an inquiry. That will tell the story straight as well."
Last year, former Downing Street chief adviser Dominic Cummings alleged, "tens of thousands of people died who didn't need to die" during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic due to what he claimed to be "criminal, disgraceful behaviour" within Downing Street under the supervision of Mr Hancock.
"Why is ITV giving Matt Hancock air time to promote his book? #ImACeleb," one viewer mused on Twitter as Mr Hancock discussed his upcoming book, with another adding: "i do not care about matt hancock's book stfu #imaceleb."
Another scathing tweet reads: "So that’s why Matt is in here to sell his book! #ImACeleb #MattHancock #antanddec #w*****."
"I’m in total disbelief that Matt Hancock has gone onto I’m a Celebrity essentially to promote a book he’s written about him breaking the law. Profiting off not doing his job properly and cheating. Unbelievable," yet another angry view ranted on Twitter.
"Tucker trials practise for your big trial?" Jill Scott quipped as Mr Hancock spoke with his campmates about his new book.
Laughing, Chris declared:"Jill Scott - grilled by a Lioness."
The former Radio One DJ went on to ask Mr Hancock if he got a lockdown fine for his behaviour throughout the pandemic.
"No, of course I didn’t. No, I did not. I didn’t break any…" Mr Hancock began when replying to Chris, before Charlene White interpreted to declare: "You were socialising with someone outside of your household."
Mr Hancock claimed: "I didn’t break any laws. Guidance is different."
Scarlette Douglas continued: "So there’s a rule and there’s a law."
Mr Hancock replied: "Guidance is guidance. But the problem was it was my guidance. That’s why…"
"Why did you break your own guidance?" Scarlette pushed the MP on.
Mr Hancock replied: "Because it was a mistake, because I fell in love with somebody."
Speaking in the Bush Telegraph, the former health secretary said: "In a way, lots of the campmates asked questions that the public have got as well and it’s only respectful to just give completely straight and truthful answers."
