Dan Walker is the latest in a number of celebrities who have shared their outrage at Matt Hancock’s decision to appear on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
The former health secretary was forced to quit in June 2021 after breaking coronavirus social distancing rules by having an affair in his ministerial office with aide Gina Coladangelo.
The West Suffolk MP joined the cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! on Wednesday, entering the camp with comedian Seann Walsh after facing much criticism over his decision from the public and fellow politicians.
Mr Hancock has used his time on the show to reflect how his life had changed after his affair became public.
“It was really tough,” he said to one campmate.
“I messed up and I fessed up. I resigned and it’s no excuse but I fell in love, right? That also had a lot of other consequences obviously.”
Now, the former BBC Breakfast presenter has taken to Twitter to make a series of furious posts, calling for Mr Hancock to pull out of the show and donate the money he has earned to the NHS.
In a tweet pinned on his profile, Mr Walker said: “I’ve thought about this overnight and it’s clear that a lot of people are finding it very difficult to watch Matt Hancock on I’m a Celeb.
“If he really wants to show viewers the human side of politicians, maybe he could leave the show & donate his £400,000 to the NHS.”
He later added: “I should add that this isn’t an anger thing. I like I’m a Celeb and am happy for him to be on it but it seems many feel it it too raw and too soon - particularly when he’s a serving MP.
“If his motivation really is to show he’s a ‘normal human’ then he could send a powerful message.” He continued.
“Also very interesting to see that a lot of people enjoyed watching him last night and thought he was entertaining.”
“Whatever you think… it has got us all talking about the rights and wrongs of it.”
Responding to criticism that the fee wasn’t enough, he pointed out that it was “the starting salary of nearly 15 nurses for a year”.
Speaking to GB News earlier this week, former MP and campmate Edwina Currie said Hancock was "an idiot."
Ms Currie said: "He absolutely hasn't a clue.
The former BBC Breakfast presenter took to Twitter to criticise Matt Hancock
Twitter: Dan Walker
"I almost felt sorry for him last night because naivety was oozing out of every pore.
"Frankly I think he's an idiot."
Thursday night saw the public vote for the pair to take part in La Cucaracha Cafe, meaning The Cockroach Cafe in English – marking Hancock’s third consecutive challenge since arriving in camp.
The former health secretary was forced to quit in June 2021 after breaking coronavirus social distancing rules by having an affair in his ministerial office with aide Gina Coladangelo.
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Dan Walker launches furious Matt Hancock rant: 'Give your £400k to the NHS'
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