I'm a Celebrity hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly looked excited as they celebrated their return to the Australian jungle for the new series with a fresh batch of campmates. The pair tweeted on Sunday launch day (November 6): "POV: You realise #ImACeleb is back TONIGHT at 9pm live from Australia."
A host of stars, including Coronation Street favourite Sue Cleaver, popstar Boy George, former rugby plater Mike Tindall and DJ Chris Moyles, will spend up to three weeks in the Australian bush. Campmates also include Hollyoaks star Owen Warner, comedian Babatunde Aleshe, Loose Women star Charlene White, England Lioness Jill Scott MBE and Love Island star Olvia Attwood.
This year the popular reality show has returned to Australia after two years at Gwrych Castle in Abergele, Wales because of Covid-19 restrictions. The 2021 series was won by former Emmerdale actor Danny Miller.
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But as Ant and Dec posted a photo from their offiicial Twitter account of the pals cheering on the I'm a Celebrity helipad, viewers reacted to say they 'won't be watching' the ITV reality show this year, namely because of the news that former health secretary Matt Hancock is joining the camp as a late arrival.
@lesleyharris2 replied: "Usually can’t wait! Sorry won’t be watching now Matt Hancock is going in!" @bayzeebird said: "Big mistake guys involving Hancock, this may be your downfall. won't be watching you two on anything in future or ITV or I'm celeb. That's because I have integrity and compassion for the bereaved families."
@EmmakathEmma wrote: "Won’t be watching this year as you have given air time to @MattHancock #boycottimacelebrity." @PamLorne echoed with a fuming-face emoji: "Won’t be watching Matt Hancock so I’ll give it a miss." And @dwthwnhwn said: "Gutted that you’re having that Hancock in so won’t be watching."
While the broadcaster still hasn't confirmed his surprise appearance as a latecomer to the series, reportedly alongside comedian Seann Walsh, Matt himself 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.
The West Suffolk MP, who has been suspended by the Tory party in the wake of his signing being revealed, 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 news that he was flying out to the jungle was met with widespread anger last week. Loose Women panellist Denise Welch blasted the idea of Mr Hancock, who was health secretary at the centre of Britain's fight against COVID, as they discussed the news on the ITV chat show.
"I am fuming," she said. "Which won't surprise anybody but I am fuming and I am disgusted." Denise continued: "I cannot find any humour in this appointment at all. As far as I am concerned we are still suffering the repercussions of what happened over the last few years."
Other fans are rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of Mr Hancock running the gauntlet with some of the famous terrifying challenges. @nconway2411 told Ant and Dec: "I'll be watching to see him do every trial."
@DeborahParr agreed: "I’ve never watched it, but if it involves Hancock suffering, I might just." And @chezza701 said: "So excited."
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