Matt Hancock: Star of the ‘I’m a Celeb’ jungle

Has Matt Hancock gone mad? Maybe not. His appearance in ‘I’m A Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here’ is part of a career move that could work well. Converting notoriety into fame pays dividends. Look at Ed Balls and Michael Portillo. Political failures, but they discovered gold on TV. A lot of observers loathe Hancock precisely because his plan may prosper. 

The balding Tarzan arrived in the jungle later than most of the celebs. And he was welcomed with a show of warmth and friendliness by his fellow castaways. Smiles and happy greetings all round. Someone called out ‘next slide please!’ and Hancock duly repeated his famous slogan. He knows the game. A precedent has been set by the ex-Speaker, John Bercow, who earns fees on the lecture circuit by shouting, ‘order, order’ to crowds of paying punters. A catch-phrase is useful to a washed-up statesman. 

Hancock, the ex-cabinet minister, turned the other celebs into politicians instantly.