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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Nadeem Badshah

‘The real me’: Matt Hancock promises to show human side on reality TV show

Matt Hancock, the former health secretary.
‘People will see me warts and all,’ said Matt Hancock, the former health secretary. Photograph: ITV/Rex/Shutterstock

Matt Hancock has said “people will see me warts and all” and gain a perspective on the “human side of the guy behind the podium” ahead of his first full appearance on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! on Wednesday.

A video clip of the former health secretary telling viewers what to expect was broadcast during Tuesday evening’s episode of the ITV reality show.

Hancock said: “When I’m in camp, people will just see the real me. Survival in the jungle is a good metaphor for the world I work in.

“People will see me warts and all. See the human side of the guy behind the podium. I don’t think I’ve got any fears or phobias, but I’m about to find out.”

The MP for West Suffolk, 44, will enter the Australian jungle along with comedian Seann Walsh.

Hancock’s decision to appear in the show has been criticised by the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, who said he was “very disappointed” in the former health secretary. It resulted in Hancock losing the Tory whip.

He resigned as health secretary in June 2021 after he breached social distancing guidance by kissing a colleague, Gina Coladangelo.

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