When Matt Hancock, former UK Health Secretary, stepped into the jungle for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2022, he was already one of the show’s most controversial contestants. Facing backlash for his role during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hancock claimed his intention was to raise awareness about dyslexia and “humanize politicians.” Yet, before even joining his campmates, reports emerged of Hancock receiving privileges no other contestant had experienced.
The “Special” Arrangements
Unlike the standard isolation rules for contestants, Hancock was reportedly allowed to use a laptop during his pre-jungle quarantine. According to The Daily Mail, this access was granted so he could respond to urgent work emails. While his laptop use was monitored to prevent personal communication, Hancock insisted the arrangement was necessary.
“As an MP, my first priority is to my constituents,” Hancock wrote in The Sun. “I have agreed with the show’s producers that I can be reached at any point on urgent constituency matters.”
Sources claimed he also used Zoom to stay in contact with his personal adviser—a luxury not afforded to others. ITV, however, clarified that contact with the outside world was only permitted in emergencies, leaving some to question the fairness of these exceptions.
Ant and Dec Weigh In
Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly acknowledged the challenge of remaining impartial towards Hancock. Speaking to The Huffington Post, Dec shared, “We were all affected by decisions he made… but we tried incredibly hard to be impartial.”
Ant agreed, emphasizing that every contestant enters the jungle with “baggage,” but they strive to treat everyone equally. “Once they’re in there, they’re campmates, and we let them tell their stories,” he added.
Hancock ultimately placed third, but the revelations about his pre-show treatment sparked lasting debates about privilege and fairness in the jungle.
