Fans of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here have made a prediction over hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly after it was revealed that Matt Hancock is heading into the jungle. The former health secretary wasn't included in the line-up for the upcoming series of the reality show confirmed by ITV earlier this week.
And while the broadcaster still hasn't confirmed his surprise appearance as a latecomer to the series, reportedly alongside comedian Seann Walsh, Matt himself has confirmed his own signing as he was snapped arriving into Brisbane Airport as well as writing an article to defend his decision to say yes to appearing on the popular programme.
As he arrived at Brisbane Airport, the smiling MP, who has been suspended by the Tory party in the wake of his signing being revealed, has said he is going to Australia to join I’m A Celebrity so he can "go to where the people are — not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster."
The West Suffolk MP insisted "I haven’t lost my marbles" by deciding to join the reality show after being suspended from the parliamentary Conservative Party and that his "first priority" is to his constituents as he flew over 10,000 miles to join the programme. Mr Hancock has defended his decision in an article for The Sun, arguing it is “a great opportunity to talk directly to people who aren’t always interested in politics”.
But his upcoming appearance on the show has got I'm A Celeb fans thinking about the last two series of the show, filmed in North Wales amid the Coronavirus pandemic, and how Ant and Dec didn't hold back in mocking former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Partygate scandal.
During one episode last December, Ant and Dec spoke about Louise Minchin being chosen as the new camp leader. The BBC Breakfast host took over the role from former footballer David Ginola and picked Snoochie Shy as her deputy, replacing Emmerdale actor Danny Miller.
"David Ginola's reign is over," Ant told viewers before taking aim at claims that a Christmas party was held at Downing Street last year when the country was under strict coronavirus rules. "They weren't celebrating," the host continued. "They didn't have a party. They categorically deny having a party.
"They deny any suggestions they had a party and this 'fictional' party definitely didn't involve cheese and wine or a secret Santa." As the crew laughed, Dec chipped in loudly with a line that has become synonymous with the pair: "Evening Prime Minister," before cheekily adding: "For now."
Alongside a video entitled 'All the times Ant and Dec mocked Boris Johnson for party scandal on I'm a Celeb', @TaliFraser wrote: "A reminder that these are the gags Ant and Dec made about Boris and partygate Now Matt Hancock is actually going on the show !!! … will give them some new material."
@coffeestarsbook replied: "Looking forward to all those Durham jokes and Hancock being given every single trial and still losing." Meanwhile, some are threatening to boycott the show. @jacquimee said: "Don't think I'll be watching @imacelebrity @antanddec after all...Matt Hancock ffs."
@westwell_nina wrote: "I will be boycotting #ImACelebrityGetMeOutOfHere I can not support a show that has @MattHancock trying to boost his self-esteem." @MathThyMod tweeted: "So can we all agree to boycott #ITV‘s #ImACeleb if @MattHancock is one of the contestants?" @sue_simmonds added: "I have just stopped being excited for @imacelebrity . I probably won’t watch now @MattHancock #ImACeleb."
The Manchester Evening News has contacted ITV for comment.
Coronation Street’s Sue Cleaver, reality TV star Olivia Attwood, radio DJ Chris Moyles, rugby star and royal Mike Tindall, and Loose Women star Charlene White are just some of those who have headed to Australia as the ITV reality show returns to its spiritual home after two years of being filmed in the UK.
Making up this year's batch of campmates are Boy George, Hollyoaks’ Owen Warner, TV presenter and property expert Scarlette Douglas, former footballer Jill Scott and comedian Babatunde Aleshe. They'll be making their debut on Sunday at 9pm on ITV when the series returns earlier than usual due to the World Cup later this month.
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