The former health minister said he hoped to show “the real me” in a short teaser clip at the end of Tuesday night’s episode. In the video, the MP was officially confirmed as a contestant alongside comedian Seann Walsh. “This experience is going to be an adventure,” Mr Hancock said. He added: “When I’m in camp, people will just see the real me. Survival in the jungle is a good metaphor for the world I work in. “People are going to see me warts and all, they’re going to see the human side of the man behind the stage. I don’t think I have any fears or phobias, but I’m going to find out.” His appearance was confirmed on social media after the show with a post on the official I’m a Celeb Instagram page. The former cabinet minister, 44, has been widely mocked for his decision to appear on the reality TV show and was stripped of the Conservative Party whip as a result. Addressing those concerns, he said he felt it was “really, really important” to show the public that politicians are “real people”. Unlike the rest of the camp, Mr Hancock has access to his phone and laptop during his isolation so he can continue to work and stay connected to his constituents. Walsh, his fellow resident, said in comments that he was “not prepared” to enter the jungle and expressed concern that there would be no tea or coffee at the camp. Referring to his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, during which he was at the center of a media firestorm after being photographed kissing Katya Jones, his dance partner, Walsh said he “went on a dance show” and “didn’t get off very good at it.’ “I understand I’ll be doing a test or two,” he added. One of the favorites to win the show, Love Island’s Olivia Attwood, was forced to withdraw from the jungle for medical reasons after just one day. Other celebrities taking part in this year’s series include: Culture Club star Boy George, TV presenter and property expert Scarlette Douglas, Lioness Jill Scott, Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver, Hollyoaks actor Owen Warner, star rugby player Mike Tindall, comedian Babatunde Aleshe and journalist and broadcaster Charlene White. I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! continues Wednesday at 9pm on ITV and the ITV Hub.
