'This is the law of the jungle, Jill.’
Matt Hancock lost out back in 2019’s Tory leadership race – but he has finally got a taste of what it’s like to be king of the jungle on I’m A Celebrity.
Last night, viewers unexpectedly picked the former health secretary as a finalist in the race to be camp leader.
He then squared off against ex-rugby player Mike Tindall to determine which finalist would go on the power trip.
Each picked a deputy, with Mike going for Corrie’s Sue Cleaver and Matt choosing journalist Charlene White – who fans predicted would clash with him after she called out lockdown- breaking politicians.
‘You couldn’t make leader of the Conservatives but you’re leader of camp,’ Loose Women’s Charlene told Matt, to which he laughed: ‘Not yet!’
The boys were then blindfolded and had to follow their deputies’ instructions to switch on lights, with Matt and Charlene triumphing.
‘Does this win feel sweet, especially after you lost to Boris?’ Charlene asked. He replied: ‘This more than makes up for it.’
As Matt then dished out chores, Lioness Jill Scott quipped: ‘Are these guidelines or rules?’ The MP clarified: ‘These are rules. This is the law of the jungle, Jill.’ Meanwhile, the politician – who has lost the Tory whip – got another sting when a scorpion attacked him. ‘It hurts a lot and I’m feeling slightly dizzy,’ the 44-year-old admitted after yelping in pain.
Chuckling over the incident, singer Boy George said: ‘Of all the people that could get stung by a scorpion. I’m not laughing, I’m sure it was horrible.’
ITV confirmed the creepy-crawly wasn’t poisonous and Matt was seen by a medic. And shaking off the drama, the unlucky contestant braced himself for his fifth bushtucker trial in a row.
The House of Horrors challenge saw Matt crawl around a giant dolls’ house full of pigeons, 2.5million flies and his biggest fear – snakes. ‘Oh my goodness, that’s alive,’ he exclaimed after coming to face-to-face with a slithering foe that unsuccessfully tried to strike him.
He went on to win nine out of 11 stars.
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