ITV bosses react to criticism of Matt Hancock’s I’m A Celeb stint after huge backlash

ITV bosses have defended signing disgraced MP Matt Hancock for this year's series of I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! saying it's his choice to take part.

Former health secretary Matt, 44, landed in Australia earlier this week ahead of the I'm A Celebrity launch show, which will air on Sunday 6 November.

Since news broke of Matt's reality TV stint, he has been suspended from the Conservative party and the public have been quick to criticise both him and ITV.

However, ITV bosses have now defended their decision to book the MP for the show, insisting it's down to each individual to decide whether to enter the I'm A Celeb jungle.

Having been told about the backlash, executive producer Olly Nash said: "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 Here. 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."

Opening up about their decision to sign a politician up for this year's I'm A Celeb, Olly added: "It's always good to get a good cast in an ensemble cast.

"That's really the basis of putting everybody together. We cast everybody from all sorts of walks of life and always have done. We have had politicians going back for many, many years.

"You never know when they sort of get here what they're going to do. And how it's going to work out."

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Other MPs have previously took part in the show, including former Culture secretary Nadine Dorries and Scottish labour leader Kezia Dugdale.

Meanwhile Matt has insisted that he is heading into the jungle as the TV show is a "powerful tool" to reach younger people.

"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. In fact, I think it's patronising to hear some say reality TV is beneath a politician.

"It's as clear as day that politicians like me must go to where the people are — particularly those who are politically disengaged. We must wake up and embrace popular culture," the 44 year old said.

Matt will join celebrities such as Boy George, Coronation Street's Sue Cleaver, Chris Moyles, Love Island's Olivia Attwood and former Rugby player Mike Tindall on this year's series of I'm A Celebrity.

The MP is set to enter the jungle as a latecomer alongside comedian and Strictly Come Dancing star Seann Walsh.

I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! begins on Sunday 6 November on ITV at 9pm.

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