Matt Hancock insists he has "lots of support" about his decision to sign up for I'm A Celebrity - despite being disowned by his own political party.
The 44-year-old former health secretary was suspended by the Tories and criticised by dozens of MPs including Rishi Sunak the Prime Minister.
But despite all this Hancock said: “I informed the Whip and I gave my reasons. I have had a lot of supportive messages from people who can see what I am trying to do to show that politicians are people too.”
In his final interview before going into the camp, he added: “I don’t expect to serve in Government again but there are lots of ways you can communicate and engage with people.
“When I got approached to take part, I did think long and hard about it but one of the reasons that I felt able to say yes was because the IAC team have put in place a system so I can be reached at any point on any urgent constituency matters.
“Lots of people have a view on me from being Health Secretary in the pandemic dealing with some very difficult issues, but that’s not the whole story. I am looking forward to throwing myself into it all like I do everything in life. You can’t hide anything in the jungle, you see somebody warts and all.”
Hancock also insisted a lack of food in camp could lead to him letting his guard down.
He said: “I am not very good on low (amounts of) food. It really shows people who they truly are because you do let your guard down when you can’t eat.
“But I have done quite a lot of camping in quite extreme places. I love the adventure of it and so the camping side I will be fine with.”
Hancock will enter the camp alongside comedian Seann Walsh as late entries on Wednesday's show.
Some fans are predicting a jungle showdown with other celebrities who may be puzzled by his decision to enter the show whilst being paid to serve a constituency as an MP.
Campmate Charlene White has strong opinions on Loose Women and also will know of Hancock's failings from her times reading ITV news bulletins during covid.
Before going on the show Charlene said: “I have got a natural curiosity for people so it doesn’t matter who I meet on a daily basis it could be, I don’t know the security that has been working on this show, or people I bump into on the street, I am constantly asking questions because I love to learn about people.
“I think that you can learn a lot about life by asking questions and I think there is too much of a temptation for people to not be interested in other human beings, whereas I am of the opinion like ‘oh my God there is like a million stories in each and every one of us’ why do you not want to find out more about another person.“
Other campmates who could take issue with Hancock include outspoken singer Boy George and Corrie actor Sue Cleaver who has campaigned for Labour in previous elections.
