Matt Hancock grinned as he arrived at Brisbane Airport as a shock late arrival for this year's I'm A Celebrity.
The former Health Secretary, 44, was spotted strolling through the Australian airport as he spoke to reporters shortly after landing.
Quizzed on whether he was looking forward to appearing on the show, he coyly replied: "My lips are sealed."
He declined to answer any more questions.
News of his appearance on the ITV show has sparked shock throughout the country, leading to him being suspended from the Tory whip.
Friends of his estranged wife Martha have also expressed their disbelief, branding the father-of-three a "total halfwit who's making some unwise career moves”.
While his pals said that they can't wait to see him on the show, with Andy Drummond, the Deputy Chairman of the West Suffolk Conservative Association saying: "I'm looking forward to him eating a kangaroo's penis. Quote me. You can quote me that."
However, Mr Hancock has claimed that he's not (just) going to the ITV show for the undoubtedly large pay check, but also to show his "human side".
"It’s as clear as day that politicians like me must go to where the people are — particularly those who are politically disengaged. We must wake up and embrace popular culture," he told The Sun.
"Rather than looking down on reality TV, we should see it for what it is — a powerful tool to get our message heard by younger generations."
He added that he believed it was "patronising" to hear that reality TV was beneath politicians and hoped to raise the profile of his dyslexia campaign.
"By talking about dyslexia on prime-time TV, I hope to not only increase support for my Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training Bill (which receives its second reading in Parliament just days after I’m A Celebrity . . . finishes), but I aim to help the public better understand this very common condition, that affects around one in ten people," he continued.
The MP added: "So, the truth is, I haven’t lost my marbles or had one too many pina coladas. It’s something I’ve given a lot of thought to."
But Mr Hancock's trip to Australia - branded a "serious" breach by the Chief Whip - will leave him out of the country unable to vote in Parliament while still able to claim his £84,144 salary.
Covid bereaved families accused him of trying to "cash in on his terrible legacy" and said he should "be sharing his private emails with the Covid inquiry, not eating bugs on TV".
Labour MP Chris Bryant demanded a “by-election now” adding: “If @MattHancock thinks representing his constituents is an inconvenience, his constituents should have a chance to decide whether they could bring that inconvenience to an end.”
Deputy chairman of West Suffolk Conservative Association Andy Drummond said: "I'm looking forward to him eating a kangaroo's penis. Quote me. You can quote me that." Shadow health minister Andrew Gwynne said: "To be fair to Matt Hancock, I'd sooner eat wallaby anus than be a Tory MP too.''
A Labour source said it would be "a unique experience for Hancock - eating b****cks rather than talking it".
Tory MP Tim Loughton said Matt Hancock was an "absolute prat", losing the whip is "the least he deserves" and he should be deselected.
He told Times Radio: "I'm completely disappointed and disgusted that he's put his self and a so-called celebrity career ahead of serving his constituents."
The MP for West Suffolk split from his wife and was forced to resign as Health Secretary last year after it was revealed he had been unfaithful to his wife.
Leaked CCTV showed him in a clinch with adviser Gina Coladangelo in his Whitehall office. At the time a ban on indoor social gatherings of people from different households were in place, meaning he also broke Covid rules during the tryst.
Among celebs not mincing their words was Loose Women star Denise Welch, who branded his appearance on the show "disgusting".
He will be joining a number of stars who have already arrived in Australia, including Chris Moyles, Olivia Attwood, Sue Cleaver, Owen Warner, Jill Scott, Charlene White, Babatunde Aléshé, Mike Tindall, Scalette Douglas and Boy George.
Meanwhile I'm A Celeb's hosts Ant and Dec have also been spotted in Australia as they prepare to head into the jungle – reuniting for a stroll on an Aussie beach before their hosting duties begin.
