Matt Hancock’s decision to enter the I’m A Celebrity jungle has been one of the most talked-about appearances in the show’s history. Matt resigned as health secretary in 2021 after being exposed for breaking his own Covid rules, when leaked CCTV footage revealed his affair with aide Gina Coladangelo. When it was announced he was going to the jungle, the dad-of-three was suspended from the Conservative Party.
But his politician pal and I’m A Celebrity 2010 alumni Lembit Öpik has defended the 44-year-old’s stint on the show. “Matt is the most unpopular person in Britain right now,” Lembit, 57, tells OK!. “He’ll either maintain this role or he’ll redeem himself.”
Here, Lembit discusses the reasons for his friend’s latest adventure…
What do you make of Matt’s decision to take part in I’m A Celebrity? I was really pleased – I was probably the only person in Britain to say he was perfectly entitled to enter the jungle. Matt is the most unpopular person in Britain right now so there are two outcomes – he’ll either maintain this role or he’ll redeem himself. What does he have to lose?
This story is from the November 28, 2022 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 28, 2022 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
I might be a late bloomer but it seemed to work out'
Documenting her journey from shy beginnings to stardom with plenty of comedy and emotional moments along the way actress Rebel Wilson shares her story in a controversial book
CELINE IS HOPING FOR 'A MIRACLE'
In an emotional interview, superstar singer Céline Dion opens up on the incurable disease that has changed her life, and her hopes to be back on stage one day
'I thought I was a hopeless case'
Coronation Street star Stephanie Davis talks about her long road to recovery, finding love with Joe Mckalroy and what the future holds for her career and family
I'm really excited to spend more time with the girls'
As singer Kimberley Walsh prepares for a special anniversary tour with Girls Aloud, she lifts the lid on another artistic project that’s very dear to her heart
A 'MAGICAL' BIRTHDAY AWAITS CHARLOTTE
Princess Charlotte is growing into a confident young lady” says former royal correspondent Jennie Bond
PARIS SHOWS OFF DAUGHTER LONDON
Proud mum Paris Hilton shares a beautiful spring photoshoot of her baby girl and son Phoenix alongside their father Carter Reum as she celebrates the joy of family
'WE DON'T WANT MORE KIDS THAN WE'VE GOT HANDS!'
Gemma And Gorka: Life Behind The Lens stars Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez on pushing back their wedding, life with daughter Mia and son Thiago and why they're done at two kids
I'VE BEEN THROUGH A LOT BUT I'M STILL HERE'
Former EastEnders actress Cheryl Fergison opens up on battling womb cancer with the support of her soulmate” and a close circle of trusted friends
KING CHARLES RETURNS TO PUBLIC DUTIES
Three months after his cancer diagnosis, the monarch is ready to get back to the work he loves
TALES TO TELL - 'There are amazing women doing incredible things...we don't hear their stories'
Journalist Louise Minchin shares her passion for adventure as she celebrates kindred spirits across the globe
