Matt Hancock joins I'm A Celeb line-up as late arrival

He's been suspended as a Tory MP

Author: Alex RossPublished 1st Nov 2022

Hold onto your hats people, as it looks like the 2022 series of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here just got a whole lot more interesting, with former Health Secretary Matt Hancock signing up for the show!

That's right, as well as the 10 already confirmed celebs who've signed up for the show, including Mike Tindall MBE and Boy George, Matt is set to be one of this year's late arrivals alongside comedian Seann Walsh.

With rumours swirling about Matt's apparent involvement in the show, it's now been confirmed he's been suspended as a Conservative MP.

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."

Check out the confirmed I'm A Celeb line-up below:

Boy George

Best known for: Singer/songwriter
Age: 61

Jill Scott MBE

Best known for: England footballer
Age: 35

Mike Tindall MBE

Best known for: Former rugby union player and Zara Tindall's husband
Age: 44

Owen Warner

Best known for: Hollyoaks actor
Age: 23

Charlene White

Best known for: Broadcaster and Loose Women star
Age: 42

Sue Cleaver

Best known for: Coronation Street actress
Age: 59

Babatunde Aleshe

Best known for: Actor, writer and comedian
Age: 36

Chris Moyles

Best known for: Radio DJ
Age: 48

Scarlette Douglas

Best known for: Actress and presenter
Age: 32

Matt Hancock MP

Best known for: MP and former Health Secretary
Age: 44

Seann Walsh

Best known for: Comedian
Age: 36

OUT: Olivia Attwood

Best known for: Love Island/Reality star
Age: 31


Olivia was forced to leave the show after just 24 hours as a precautionary measure to undergo medical tests. An ITV spokesperson said: "As a precautionary measure Olivia needed to leave the jungle to undergo some medical checks. Unfortunately, the medical team has advised it is not safe for Olivia to return to camp as there needs to be further investigation. She has been absolutely brilliant and she'll be very much missed on the show."

According to various reports, Matt will enter the Australian camp as this year's late arrival alongside comedian Seann Walsh, who of course was caught up in a 'Strictly curse' scandal when he was spotted kissing pro partner Katya Jones back in 2018.

Matt Hancock was the Heath Secretary throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but the 44-year-old stepped down when he was caught breaching lockdown rules during an affair with ministerial office with aide Gina Coladangelo.

An ally of Matt Hancock has now said: "There are many ways to do the job of being an MP.

"Whether he's in camp for one-day or three weeks, there are very few places people will be able to see a politician as they really are.

"Where better to show the human side of those who make these decisions than with the most watched programme on TV?

"Politicians like Matt must go to where the people are - particularly those who are politically disengaged.

"Matt's of the view that we must embrace popular culture. Rather than looking down on reality TV, we should see it for what it is - a powerful tool to get our message heard by younger generations."

Despite the reports, ITV are yet to confirm Matt or Seann's involvement in the 2022 series of I'm A Celeb.

I'm A Celeb will begin at 9pm on Sunday 6th November on ITV.

Now read:

I'm A Celeb 2022: Everything you need to know

I'm A Celeb 2022: Full line-up confirmed

ITV confirm start date and time for I'm A Celeb 2022

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