Now Rishi Sunak swipes at Matt Hancock over his decision to go on I’m A Celebrity

Rishi Sunak has taken the extraordinary step of publicly rebuking Matt Hancock for his decision to join I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here for an estimated £400,000 fee while meeting world leaders at Cop27.

Speaking in Egypt the Prime Minister said he is ‘very disappointed’ in the former Health Secretary who he believes will alienate voters in his West Suffolk constituents more than 10,000 miles from his ITV jungle camp.

Mr Sunak refused to say if he had spoken to Mr Hancock before he headed Down Under and when asked if he would join the army of MPs and millions at home who will vote for him to do Bushtucker Trials, the PM insisted he ‘genuinely won’t have time’ to watch.

With Hancock due to enter the camp this week, in a stinging rebuke last night, Mr Sunak said: I think politics is a noble profession, at its best – it can and should be. But it’s incumbent on politicians to earn people’s respect and trust. They do that by working hard for their constituents, as the vast majority of MPs do. That is why I was very disappointed with Matt’s decision. 

‘The vast majority of MPs are really hard-working – they got into it because they want to make a difference for their communities’.

He told The Sun: ‘Most MPs spend their time street by street, constituent by constituent, trying to make a difference, that’s what my colleagues do. That’s really special and why I was disappointed with what Matt did.’

I’m A Celebrity! Get Me Out Of Here… returned to the Australian outback for the first time in three years on Sunday night as 10 new campmates arrived for the latest series of the gruelling ITV series. As stars including Boy George and Chris Moyles began their jungle journey, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly confirmed there will be two extra arrivals to the camp and poked fun at Tory MP Matt Hancock.

After the former Health Secretary’s appearance on the show was widely publicised, Dec quipped: ‘You are going to be surprised, guys. We are going to be rolling out the welcome mat for them soon.’

Today it emerged that Hancock is getting special treatment from ITV. He has even been allowed to speak to his personal adviser via Zoom, despite his co-stars having their devices confiscated and being banned from contacting the outside world. 

Business Secretary Grant Shapps said it was ‘tempting’ to watch fellow MP Matt Hancock eat disgusting critters on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. He said he will instead be focusing on his Cabinet job and will be off to Cop27 this week too.

Asked if he was looking forward to seeing Mr Hancock having to eat crocodile anus, Mr Shapps told Sky News: ‘Tempting as that is, I think I’ll probably be focusing on my job as Business Secretary, and I’ll be off at Cop27 later this week as well, so I fear I might miss him depending on how long he survives.’

He said he will not be voting for Mr Hancock on the reality show, adding: ‘I just think he should be here looking after his constituents, rather than in the jungle somewhere. So, no, I won’t be. I won’t be voting for him. I can’t promise I’ll be voting for anyone at all. So that might just be (by) omission rather than anything else.’

Mr Hancock has been isolating at a top-secret location in Queensland, Australia, and is believed to have round-the-clock security.

He is set to make his entrance in camp midweek alongside comedian and former Strictly star Seann Walsh, 36.

Before his departure, the West Suffolk MP said that he felt he could make the journey because the government is stable under Rishi Sunak.

Incredibly he has also claimed that he can deal with ‘urgent’ requests from constituents from the camp. 

He said he spoke to whips ‘in the same way any MP would when going on a foreign visit’ and added that he can support Rishi and the Government in ‘different ways’.

He said: ‘As an MP, my first priority is to my constituents. I have agreed with the show’s producers that I can be reached at any point on any urgent constituency matters.

‘While my excellent team in West Suffolk will continue to oversee matters relating to the constituency, like they already do when I’m in Westminster.

‘As soon as my time in camp is up, I will return to Suffolk to hold a surgery where I will catch up with my constituents and discuss matters of concern.’

Mr Hancock, who was forced to quit Boris Johnson ‘s Government after he was caught flouting his own Covid lockdown rules with his married aide Gina Coladangelo, previously said: ‘While there will undoubtedly be those who think I shouldn’t go, I think it’s a great opportunity to talk directly to people who aren’t always interested in politics, even if they care very much about how our country’s run.

‘It’s our job as politicians to go to where the people are – not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster. 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.

‘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. I was elected by the people, and it’s important to engage with voters, especially younger voters, no matter where they are, and show the human side of politicians.’

A probe is being launched into whether he should receive his taxpayer-funded £84,144 salary while in the jungle, as questions are raised over whether he followed the rules on seeking jobs within two years of leaving office.

Mr Hancock did not seek advice from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) before agreeing to the appearance, the PA news agency understands.

Lord Pickles, the Conservative chairman of the anti-corruption watchdog that advises on post-ministerial jobs, is expected to write to Mr Hancock to demand clarification.

Under the rules, Mr Hancock should seek clearance from Acoba for any new employment or appointments he takes on until next June.

A spokesman for Mr Hancock said: ‘The second reading of Matt’s Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training Bill is just days after I’m A Celeb finishes. Matt doesn’t expect to serve in government again, so this is an amazing opportunity for him to raise the profile of his dyslexia campaign and to talk about an issue he really cares about in front of millions of people.

‘Matt is still working on constituency matters and producers have agreed that Matt can communicate with his team throughout the show if there’s an urgent constituency matter.

‘Matt will be making a donation to St Nicholas Hospice in Suffolk, and causes supporting dyslexia, off the back of his appearance. He will, of course, declare the amount he receives from the show to Parliament to ensure complete transparency, as normal.’

The news follows reports that Matt ‘angered’ bosses of SAS: Who Dares Wins after signing up to I’m A Celebrity. However, he is said to have already agreed to compete Celebrity SAS in September for the next series which will air in 2023. 

This year’s series has returned to the jungle for the first time in three years after the coronavirus pandemic meant recent series have been filmed in Gwrych Castle in Wales as travel restrictions prevented journeying Down Under. 

Viewers at home were delighted by the comeback of the hit show, admitting that it felt like ‘normal service had resumed’ after filming returned to Australia following two years in north Wales.

Show fans were delighted to see the scenes in Queensland, with many taking Twitter to express their joy.

One person wrote: ‘I’m A Celebrity back in Australia, COVID is officially over. Unreal.’

Another person posted: ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here back on our screens and back in Australia. Normality has resumed,’ while someone else shared: ‘That was brilliant really enjoyed the first of the new series of I’m a Celebrity. Really missed it not being from Australia. Anyway #TeamGeorge to win!!’

Meanwhile, someone else shared: ‘I’m am so so glad I’m a Celebrity is back in Australia and happy it’s back on TV, Ant and Dec the best,’ while another person wrote: ‘Never thought I’d be so happy to watch I’m a celebrity after two years of not being in Australia but the heights is terrifying me , I was petrified on the cable car in Dubrovnik.’

One other person posted: ‘So glad I’m a celebrity is back in Australia really missed the helicopters while it was in Wales,’ while someone else tweeted: ‘I’m a celebrity in Australia is much more exciting and funnier than wales. I’m glad your Back. X’

And another fan posted: ‘I’m a celebrity just absolutely belongs in Australia doesn’t it.’ 

On Sunday, Chris Moyles was the first celebrity to arrive in a luxurious black Rolls Royce. The star admitted he was hoping to endear himself to the public, saying: ‘People are going to be so pleased to see Chris Moyles. 

‘They’re going to say, ‘Wow, he’s so much nicer than I thought he was going to be. He’s not an a**ehole.”

Following on from Chris was former Love Island star Olivia Attwood. She said: ‘I do think that with reality TV people in general there is an idea that we’re lacking in the brains department and I’m going to confirm that.’

Of the show’s tough trials, she said: ‘My nerves are not actually trial-based. They’re more actually living with other people but I got used to that on Love Island… I think the shower and toilet stuff doesn’t actually phase me! I pee in the garden every time I go out.’

Charlene White was the third star to make appearance on the show. The ITV newsreader and Loose Women anchor said: ‘Of all the shows I said I was never going to do, I’m A Celeb was definitely one of those…

‘How do I think I’m going to cope? I’m not an outdoorsy person.’

Charlene has previously said she would not be able to resist crying on the show as she struggles to cope with the tough jungle living conditions.

The fourth celebrity to appear on screens was former England footballer Jill Scott. The Lionesses star said on entry: ‘My biggest achievement was winning the Euros against Germany. 90,000 people at Wembley. The best day of my life. My next step is entering the jungle which I’m very excited about.

Comedian and actor Babatunde Aleshe was the fifth star to enter, meeting the rest of the celebrities at a lavish villa: ‘I definitely don’t like rats. I had a hamster once and I was really scared of it.’

‘Can I camp? No! I’m not that crazy. Do I have survival skills? Yes! I’m from Tottenham. We run.

‘I’m scared of everything. Rats, spiders, snakes and at the top of that is frogs… Have you ever seen a toad?! Toads are huge! This is Australia, man. They’ve got animals that they ain’t even discovered yet.’

The group was greeted by hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly who expressed their excitement at being back in Australia after two years, after the show was held in Wales due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The duo explained the stars would not be heading into the jungle together, with one of the stars being named a Jungle VIP – Olivia was voted for the role by the public.

She was able to choose one of her fellow contestants to join her for a VIP meal at the villa, with Olivia choosing radio DJ Chris.

The rest of the group were told they would be leaving the villa and that they would have to earn their food on their way to their camp.

Chris said: ‘I think VIP realistically means we get to have a plate of fruit and then we get to do something that scares the living s**t out of me.’

Ant and Dec explained that VIP actually means Very Isolated Person.

Olivia told Chris on why she chose him as her VIP: ‘I know you’ve got a good sense of humour and we’re obviously going to spend some time together so we can have a laugh.’

Jill, Babtunde and Charlene were then seen lifting off in a helicopter and flying over the Pacific Ocean towards a 32-storey tall tower block to take part in the infamous ‘Walk The Plank’ challenge.

They were told there were three stars for collection which they could exchange for meals and they needed to walk to the end of the plank, let go of the rope securing them and they would win their meals for camp.

While Charlene quickly made her way out to the end of the plank, which was swiftly removed so she could not turn back, Babatunde had to fight his instincts to convince himself to take tiny steps forward.

The comedian was unable to walk to the end and called ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ and walked backwards to the roof of the building to return to safety.

Jill was able to quickly complete the task, marching towards the end of the plank without a second guess.

Both Charlene and Jill were then tasked with standing on a slant at the end of the plank and leaning forward to look over the edge while holding on to a wire behind them.

To complete the task both Jill and Charlene had to let go of the rope and launch themselves off the end of the plank where they were left suspended in mid air on a wire.

After enjoying their lavish meal together at the villa, Olivia and Chris were seen making their way to the helicopter to complete a skydive over the water off the coast of the city of Surfers Paradise, Queensland and onto a sandy beach.

After jumping out of the aircraft from 10,000 feet, and screaming all the way down, Olivia excitedly declared: ‘That was the most incredible experience of my life! I’m crying!’

With Olivia’s VIP pal Chris having landed safely on the beach, only for the pair to have no clue where they were, the next five celebrities were welcomed onto the show.

Singer Boy George was heard saying he’s perfect for the show because he’s a ‘natural born show off’ before he was joined by Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver.

Hollyoaks star Owen Warner was then seen arriving by boat after saying his worst jungle nightmare would be encountering snakes.

A Place In The Sun presenter Scarlette Douglas then made an entrance, saying she will bring her excellent cooking skills to the jungle camp to contribute.

The final of the second lot of five celebrities to arrive was former rugby player Mike Tindall, who advised his fellow contenders ‘not to choose fear’ when taking part in the gruelling jungle tasks.

George was chosen as the VIP for this group, with the performer opting for Scarlette to join him for a meal on a luxury yacht.

Sue, Owen and Mike were seen jetting off in the helicopter before landing in the jungle where they were tasked with completing a number of puzzles.

They were seen rowing across a lake to different games in a bid to collect a number of stars to exchange for meals in camp.

Each member of the group was seen climbing into tanks where they were confronted with a variety of creepy crawlies, including spiders and maggots.

Meanwhile, Boy George and Scarlette finished their meal and they were then tasked with rowing to meet Chris and Olivia on their remote desert island.

The other eight contestants were then seen making their way into camp where Babatunde amused himself as he was unable to start the campfire.

He laughed in the Beach Hut as he was joined by sportsman Mike who instantly sparked up the flames to keep the group warm.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! continues on ITV1 on Monday at 9pm. 

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hancock’s I’m A Celeb ‘special treatment’: Ex-Health Secretary is given access to phone and laptop during isolation before going into the jungle – while his co-stars were stripped of technology

By SARAH PACKER, CHIEF SHOWBIZ REPORTER, IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA FOR MAILONLINE

Matt Hancock could find himself embroiled in a row with his I’m A Celebrity campmates after receiving special treatment during his isolation period ahead of entering the jungle.

The Daily Mail can reveal the former Health Secretary, 44, was granted permission to use his phone ‘to carry on working’ as part of a deal he struck with ITV bosses.

Mr Hancock, who lost the Tory whip last week when it was announced he was joining the cast of the show, also has access to his laptop.

He has even been allowed to speak to his personal adviser via Zoom, despite his co-stars having their devices confiscated and being banned from contacting the outside world.

A source told the Daily Mail: ‘Matt has been given a different arrangement during his isolation period to the other contestants. He has been allowed his phone and laptop so that he can carry on working and keep in touch with his constituents.’

The Mail revealed last week that Mr Hancock’s girlfriend Gina Coladangelo, 45, will be flying out to Australia to support his stint.

The source added: ‘The only option for the rest of the cast is to have one designated family member or friend from back home to receive updates on their welfare via a chaperone.

‘Some feel he has been given preferential treatment ahead of his time on the show, especially as stars such as Charlene [White] have found the isolation process extremely difficult and emotionally draining.’

Mr Hancock’s special access could be a point of contention with his campmates, with ITV newsreader Miss White, 42, previously describing the quarantine process as ‘absolute torture.’ 

The Loose Women star, who struggled to hold back tears as she spoke ahead of Sunday night’s launch show, admitted she couldn’t look at photos of her two children – Alfie, five, and Florence, three – because she was yearning for them so much. 

‘I have been trying really hard not to look at their pictures, because I know that it will get me all emotional,’ she said.

Former Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles, 48, described isolating as ‘psychologically fascinating.’ 

Mr Hancock has been isolating at a top-secret location in Queensland, Australia, and is believed to have round-the-clock security.

He is set to make his entrance in camp midweek alongside comedian and former Strictly star Seann Walsh, 36.

The former health secretary said he signed up to the popular ITV series to raise awareness of dyslexia.

He has vowed to give a portion of his fee to charities supporting the cause.

Last week The Sun claimed Mr Hancock could annoy his future campmates by being greedy with food. 

He reportedly irritated his SAS: Who Dares Wins co-stars over his ‘selfish’ food habits during mealtimes on the Channel 4 series. 

A source said: ‘It was clear he wasn’t a team player. Matt looks after number one first, and he’s bound to annoy his I’m A Celebrity cast mates when he does the same thing in the jungle.’

A spokesman for Mr Hancock said: ‘Matt does not have his personal phone at all and any laptop access is for constituency and zoom work purposes only while in quarantine.

‘Matt does not have general internet access. It has been agreed that Matt will be informed about any urgent constituency matter.’

 

King of the fumble! I’m A Celebrity’s Mike Tindall playfully tackles blonde crew member before heading into the Australian jungle for his first terrifying trial

• The former England rugby ace, 44, threw his arms around the ITV worker and pretended to throw her off the pier and into the water
• Mike had plenty of energy after his isolation period and couldn’t stop laughing as he messed around in between filming
• It comes after Mike confirmed wife Zara will be flying to Australia to support him on I’m A Celebrity ‘if it got to the end’
• Mike will become the first member of the Royal family to compete in the ITV series, which kicks off on Sunday

By Codie Bullen For Mailonline

I’m A Celebrity ‘s Mike Tindall playfully tackled a blonde crew member as he killed time before heading into the Australian jungle for his first terrifying trial.

The former England rugby ace, 44, put his arms around the worker and pretended to throw her off the pier and into the water. 

Mike had plenty of energy after his isolation period and couldn’t stop laughing as he messed around in between filming scenes for the ITV show.

An onlooker told The Sun: ‘Mike cheekily ran up behind the pretty crew member before swinging her around on the pontoon. At one point he pretended to push her over the edge as he killed time while waiting to be taken to his first trial.

‘Mike was certainly bursting with energy after being cooped up in isolation for a week and is bound to be full of practical jokes in the camp.’

It comes after Mike confirmed wife Zara will be flying to Australia to support him on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! ‘if it got to the end’ – and has warned him not to eat too loudly.

The rugby star will become the first member of the Royal family to compete in the ITV series, which kicks off on Sunday.

And his appearance has the full backing of Zara, 41, who is King Charles’ niece, but he’s told how the Olympic equestrian star has begged him not to embarrass her with his uncouth eating style.

Speaking from New South Wales, Australia, Mike, said: ‘We have some work out here so if it got to the end then hopefully, she’d be able to come out.

‘Zara told me to go and be myself, which is all you can be. She said to go enjoy and be yourself.

‘Zara’s biggest worry is how loud I am when I eat. She will be very happy if someone comments about how loud I breathe when I eat because it’s always a point that she brings up.’

Mike, who shares three children with Zara whom he married in 2011, has fond memories of Australia.

He was part of England’s victorious World Cup winning squad who beat the Wallabies in a pulsating final on their home turf in 2003.

It was that same month he met Zara for the first time, in a Sydney bar during the tournament.

Indeed, Mike has such a fondness for Australia he turned down appearing on I’m A Celeb while it was being filmed in Wales for the past two series, preferring to wait until it returned to its traditional home Down Under.

And he asked former England teammate James Haskell and ex-I’m A Celeb star for advice before signing up.

He explained: ‘They asked me while it was in Wales but Wales wasn’t that appealing to me. We come to Australia quite a bit for a couple of stuff that we do over here.

‘Obviously I chatted to Hask about it, and he thought I’d have quite a bit of fun doing it and then we have other commitments over here not long after, so it all fitted together well to make it worthwhile doing it.

‘What I expect from it I’m not entirely sure but hopefully if we have a good bunch of people in camp it’ll be fun, Hask said he had quite a bit of fun with it so I’m looking forward to it.’

Mike says he has ‘no phobias’ and believes he’ll make a good campmate given his history of playing in a team and acknowledging the importance of morale within a group.

He admits his children, daughters Mia, eight and Lena, four, plus son Lucas, one, are too young to stay up to watch their dad in the jungle, but Zara will hopefully ensure they catch up in the mornings.

Mike added: ‘With the kids it’ll be the case of they’ll be in bed before the show goes out on a normal evening, so it’ll be down to Z to get them the highlights – only the good stuff probably.’