I’m a Celebrity viewers gutted to find out why Matt Hancock isn’t entering the jungle yet

Charlie Herbert

‘Have I just wasted 1hr45mins just to see Matt Hancock when HE ISNT EVEN THERE??!!’

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! viewers have voiced their disappointment after finding out why Matt Hancock won’t be entering the jungle yet.

The buildup to this year’s series has arguably been the most controversial in the show’s history following the announcement that Hancock would be taking part.

The new series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! got underway on Sunday, with a bumper 105-minute episode, but the former health secretary was nowhere to be seen.

More than 42,000 people have signed a petition calling for him to be removed from the show, arguing his appearance on the show will “cause real pain and anguish to those of us who lost loved ones to Covid-19.”

But many are excited for the Tory MP to enter the jungle so they can get voting for him in the Bushtucker Trials – although he may be able to swerve a few.

Unfortunately for them though, they’ll have to wait a little bit longer.

Although Ant and Dec teased his appearance on tonight’s episode, saying they’ll be “rolling out the welcome mat [Matt]” for the new arrivals later in the show, it turns out fans will have to wait to see him enter the competition.

This is because of the show’s classic structure, which sees two contestants always arrive later, usually around four episodes in.

If producers stick to this format, then we can expect Hancock on our screens on 9 November – so there’s not long to wait.

The politician, who had to resign after being caught on camera cheating on his wife during the pandemic, will be the 12th star to go into the jungle and will arrive alongside comedian Seann Walsh.

However, some were expecting the politician in the series opener, and so were left fuming as the credits rolled at the end.

One viewer wrote on Twitter: “Can’t believe the turd that is @MattHancock won’t be on tonight.”

Another said: “Are we gonna have to wait to watch the five other celebs arrive to camp tomorrow because this was not what I signed up for in tonight’s episode.

“I want to see Matt Hancock thrown from a helicopter NOW. #ImACeleb.”

Also are we gonna have to wait to watch the 5 other celebs arrive to camp tomorrow because this was not what I signed up for in tonight’s episode. I want to see Matt Hancock thrown from a helicopter NOW. #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/lHZb2p2az3

— Sophs.🤠 (@sophstar007) November 6, 2022

Are you fucking joking?? Have I just wasted 1hr45mins just to see Matt Hancock when HE ISNT EVEN THERE??!! #ImACeleb #ImACelebrity pic.twitter.com/6rHTTnKAZN

— AJ 🤍 (@ajt05_) November 6, 2022

Ant and Dec referenced his imminent arrival in the opening minutes of the series, joking about the surprise late arrival not exactly being a surprise.

“We’ve also got not one but two late arrivals and fortunately we’ve managed to keep their identities a secret,” quipped Ant. “Nobody’s got a clue who they are!”

And Dec agreed: “Yeah. You’re going to be so surprised guys.” He then added cheekily: “We’ll be rolling out the welcome Matt for them very soon.”

The petition to have him removed from the show was set up by Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice. It says that Hancock’s appearance on the programme will “cause real pain and anguish to those of us who lost loved ones to Covid-19.”

It goes on to say that the Tory MP “isn’t a ‘celebrity’, he’s the health secretary who oversaw the UK having one of the highest death tolls in the world from Covid-19 whilst breaking his own lockdown rules.”

Hancock was swiftly suspended by his party following the news that he would be a late arrival in the jungle this year.

The former health secretary had the party whip removed “with immediate effect.”

Chief Whip Simon Hart MP said: “Following a conversation with Matt Hancock, I have considered the situation and believe this is a matter serious enough to warrant suspension of the whip with immediate effect.”

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