Celebrity I’m A: Matt Hancock begs for pardon

Matt Hancock broke down in tears as he admitted to his fellow I’m A Celebrity campers that he is “truly hoping for is a little of forgiveness.” 

The former health secretary was once more questioned by fellow campers regarding the events that caused his resignation during the Covid lockdown measures. Hancock apologised for violating Covid standards but defended his performance as health secretary in general. For going into the forest while parliament was in session, the MP received criticism. 

In June 2021, Hancock was forced to resign from his position as health secretary after CCTV footage showed him kissing an assistant while social distancing rules were in effect. Hancock had the Tory whip suspended after joining the ITV show.

Hancock said that he was not penalised since he “didn’t breach any laws, guidance is different” when questioned about the affair on Friday’s programme. But, he said, “the issue was my instruction.” Hancock said, “Because it was a mistake, because I fell in love with someone,” when asked by TV host Scarlette Douglas why he violated the rules he helped establish as a cabinet member. 

Later, in the Bush Telegraph room, Hancock stated: “A lot of the campmates raised questions that the public also had, and it’s only respectful to simply provide fully honest and accurate answers.” The campmates talked to the former health secretary about their own experiences with lockdown during the episode. 

Charlene White, an ITV News presenter, said to him, “My aunt passed away from Covid in the first wave. We were unable to visit her at the hospital as a result. At her funeral, I was forced to take a solo pew. 

“Since we were following instructions, we were unable to embrace one another. And I understand that you fell in love; I am sorry for many families like mine, but that doesn’t really cut it.