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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katherine Heslop

I'm A Celebrity's Ant and Dec react to fans' anger over Matt Hancock entering camp

Ant and Dec have spoken out over Matt Hancock controversially entering the I'm A Celeb camp, with Ant saying there will be people shouting at their TV screens.

The MP and former health secretary is set to arrive in the I'm A Celeb jungle this evening as a late entry, a long with comic Seann Walsh.

Many are furious that the serving MP is going in the jungle, while others can't wait to see him undertake Bushtucker trials.

Hosts Ant and Dec have remained tight lipped so far over the controversial contestant, but broke their silence during an Instagram live.

Ant and Dec spoke about Matt Hancock in an Instagram live (antanddec/Instagram)
Ant said he didn't know the MP, and he reckons people will be shouting at the telly (antanddec/Instagram)

Speaking about Mr Hancock, Ant said: "I reckon a lot of people shouting at the telly. But let's just see what he's like. I don't know the man, I don't know anything about him, but I am sure we are about to find out a lot about him."

Dec added: "We have seen him on the telly a lot."

In a letter to constituents who have contacted his office to complain, Mr Hancock suggested he was fulfilling his duties by fleeing to the jungle.

Matt Hancock is entering the jungle this evening (ITV)

"While I fully understand your concerns and know there are those who don't think I should be going on the popular TV show, I wanted to respond to you at the earliest possible opportunity to explain why I have decided to go into the jungle," he wrote.

"There are many ways to do the job of being an MP… Whether I’m in camp for one day or three weeks, there are very few places people will be able to see a politician as they really are and where politicians can speak candidly to the nation."

Mr Hancock will enter the jungle in tonight’s episode. The Tory MP will be seen crawling through dark tunnels and wading through sludge during his first challenge.

A teaser shared by ITV ahead of the show showed the 44-year-old screaming as insects and thick liquid are poured on him from above.

Speaking ahead of his debut on the reality programme, Mr Hancock said: "I have never come across a snake at close quarters and so I am pretty worried about anything to do with snakes.

Matt Hancock arrives in Australia for I'm A Celebrity (Tim Merry/Mirrorpix)

"I am not claustrophobic or at least I haven't been found to be but that's the thing about I'm A Celebrity – it is the unknown.

"I've watched the show over the years, I love how it gets down to the essence of people but it's really entertaining as well."

Addressing whether he thinks his colleagues in Parliament and the British public will be voting for him to do trials, he added: "I wouldn't be surprised if I end up doing some of the trials.

"I am hoping I can win some stars for the camp, but most of all I am looking forward to being myself."

Appearing on Sky News this morning, shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said his appearance on the show "demeans politics and the job that we do" and added: "Those people like Matt Hancock should remember it is a privilege to be a member of Parliament."

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