ITV boss defends signing Matt Hancock for I’m A Celeb as MP heads into the jungle

MATT Hancock’s appearance in the I’m A Celeb jungle has been defended by the show’s boss.

The serving MP has come in for criticism for leaving his political duties behind to star on the show, where stars are paid vast sums.

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Matt swiftly had the whip removed by the Conservative Party when it was announced he was taking part.

However, I’m A Celeb exec producer Olly Nash said it was down to the MP whether he appeared on the show or not.

He told the Mirror: “It’s always an individual’s choice to come into camp, isn’t it?

“And at any point, any celebrity can say I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Her!. So that’s the only thing really to add, I think.

“Nobody has to do the show in the same way and nobody has to stay in camp and nobody has to do a trial. So it’s up to any celebrity to make that choice.”

Matt, 44, landed in Australia last night – ready to become one of two latecomers on the show alongside comedian Seann Walsh.

ITV has revealed the 10 celebs who will start the show – among them singing superstar Boy George.

He will appear alongside several soap and reality stars, including Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver, Hollyoaks’ Owen Warner and Love Islander Olivia Attwood.

Also appearing are former England rugby ace Mike Tindall, former A Place in the Sun host Scarlette Douglas, Loose Women and ITV News’ Charlene White and radio host Chris Moyles.

Writing in The Sun today, Hancock defended his decision to go into the jungle, for which he is being thought to be being paid around £400,000.

He said: “While there will undoubtedly be those who think I shouldn’t go, I think it’s a great opportunity to talk directly to people who aren’t always interested in politics, even if they care very much about how our country’s run.

“It’s our job as politicians to go to where the people are — not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster.”

ITV