I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! viewers have been left disappointed by Matt Hancock not mentioning his dyslexia bill once while on-screen. The Member of Parliament has been asked why he chose to appear on the show by several of his campmates.
The Mirror says he has not mentioned dyslexia once in response to any of them, let alone talk about his Bill going through Parliament. Some viewers are questioning whether he has even mentioned it at all whilst in the jungle.
When asked by The Mirror if it was true Hancock had not mentioned dyslexia, an ITV spokesman said: "It is not possible to show everything that happens in camp due to time constraints, we're a 60-75 minute entertainment show. It is always our intention to produce a show that is a fair and accurate representation of life in camp."
A source told the news website that, while he had not seen 24 hours of footage from each day, he was not aware dyslexia was regularly mentioned. Fans of the show have also picked up on the lack of dyslexia discussion despite Hancock's claims going in to put it on the agenda.
Mark Stacey said: "Anyone buying Hancock performance? Still no mention of dyslexia."
Michelle Weaver said: "Just putting it out there if Matt Hancock was going in the celebrity jungle saying he was making awareness of dyslexia, then how come he's not mentioned it when asked 'why you in here?'. He never said a word. I smell a rat lol."
Times Radio broadcaster Matt Chorley said: "If only he mentioned dyslexia as many times as he mentioned the scorpion." And TV Broadcaster and critic Scott Bryan said: "The irony of Matt Hancock going on I'm A Celeb to raise awareness of dyslexia but has not given any mention or awareness of dyslexia."
Upon announcing he would be going into the camp, Hancock said raising awareness of dyslexia was more pressing than the £400,000 pay cheque. Hancock himself is dyslexic but was only diagnosed at the age of 18, after he left school.
Writing a lengthy column on his decision to enter the show, he said: "As a backbench MP, I have the freedom and time to champion causes I believe in and care about — including dyslexia. I want to raise the profile of my dyslexia campaign to help every dyslexic child unleash their potential — even if it means taking an unusual route to get there . . . via the Australian jungle! I’m A Celebrity . . . is watched by millions of Brits up and down the country.
"I want to use this incredible platform to raise awareness, so no child leaves primary school not knowing if they have dyslexia. By talking about dyslexia on prime-time TV, I hope to not only increase support for my Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training Bill."
A spokesman for Matt also said at the time: "The second reading of Matt's Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training Bill is just days after I'm A Celeb finishes. This is an amazing opportunity for Matt to raise the profile of his dyslexia campaign and to talk about an issue he really cares about in front of millions of people."
A source close to Hancock also claimed last night that even by going in the show and writing his initial piece he had raised awareness, although this was not how he explained his plans. Chivonne Preston, chief executive officer of the British Dyslexia Association, has said: "We are grateful when public figures like Matt use their platforms to draw attention to the barriers and challenges that the dyslexia community faces.
"Dyslexia is misunderstood and despite being incredibly common is often hidden; many people in our community feel like their struggles are unseen. We welcome opportunities to shine a light on dyslexia and inspire people to seek help and support."
If he is evicted on Friday, it would mean Hancock has just a couple of days left to bring it up in conversation. He would then need to hope it gets featured of the highlight shows.
