Within the run-up to Matt Hancock’s look on I’m a Superstar, it was broadly speculated that he could be subjected to all probably the most grotesque challenges. In that respect, his first episode didn’t fail to ship.
The hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly – and doubtless a lot of the nation – may barely comprise their delight as the previous well being secretary was pressured to crawl via tiny, darkish tunnels the place he was showered with bugs and sludge.
Hancock made his debut on the present in its fourth episode, which aired on Wednesday evening, alongside the comic Seann Walsh. The pair went straight into their first trial, named Beastly Burrows, which concerned feeling their method via darkish, muddy tunnels and feeling round for the celebrities that symbolize achievement within the trials.
Notable moments embrace Hancock squealing whereas bugs and thick liquid had been poured on him from above. He supplied ample comedian alternative for his comic campmate, asking him: “Which method would you like me to go?” prompting Walsh to reply: “I’m not a satnav, I don’t know!”
Hancock’s inclusion is seen as an try by the producers to buoy scores, which have been flagging in current seasons. The launch episode – which aired on Sunday after Hancock’s participation was introduced – drew a median of 9 million viewers, with a peak of greater than 10 million at one level, a rise on final yr’s 10-year low of 8 million.
Viewers had been shocked to not see Hancock within the launch, as he had landed in Australia on 1 November. McPartlin and Donnelly hinted that he would be a part of quickly, confirming that they might shortly be “rolling out the welcome mat” for brand new arrivals.
Each Walsh, 36, and Hancock, 44, have sought to rehabilitate their pictures after kissing scandals. Hancock resigned as well being secretary for breaking Covid guidelines by having an affair along with his aide, whereas Walsh was pictured kissing his dance companion on Strictly, prompting his companion on the time to accuse him of emotional abuse.
Hancock’s choice to hitch the present was met with widespread criticism from parliamentary colleagues as he’s a serving MP and shall be away from his West Suffolk constituents for its length, though the producers will permit him to speak with them and he’ll maintain catchup surgical procedures upon his return.
He had the Conservative celebration whip eliminated and the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, expressed his “disappointment”.
Hancock had his telephone eliminated by the producers after touchdown in Australia and might not be totally conscious of the size of backlash.
Talking earlier than his debut on the present, Hancock defended his choice, saying it ws pushed by in search of “alternative ways to speak with the general public”, particularly younger individuals.
In a letter to constituents wherein he acknowledged their “considerations”, he mentioned he didn’t “anticipate to serve in authorities once more” and that he may assist Sunak “in different methods” as there have been “some ways to do the job of being an MP”.
He plans to make use of the platform to lift the profile of his dyslexia screening invoice, which goals to assist kids obtain diagnoses earlier, and can donate a part of his price from the present to causes together with the British Dyslexia Affiliation.
Hancock has expressed fears about working into snakes within the jungle, however not about different challenges. “I’ve by no means come throughout a snake at shut quarters and so I’m fairly fearful about something to do with snakes. I’m not claustrophobic, or a minimum of I haven’t been discovered to be, however that’s the factor about I’m a Superstar – it’s the unknown,” he mentioned.
Addressing whether or not he thought his colleagues in parliament and the British public could be voting for him to do trials, he mentioned he “wouldn’t be shocked”.
The shadow enterprise secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, informed Sky Information that Hancock’s look on the present “demeans politics and the job that we do”, however confessed that he would tune in to see how his parliamentary colleague was progressing.
Requested whether or not he would vote for Hancock to eat crocodile anus through the trials, Reynolds replied: “I believe there shall be a landslide throughout the nation for Matt being volunteered for that type of factor.”