Vick Hope thinks the social media focus on Matt Hancock’s stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is just like something out of Black Mirror.
The former Health Secretary has sparked fierce backlash over his decision to head into the jungle as part of the ITV reality show as a sitting MP, with plenty of people still hurt by his actions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Already, Mr. Hancock is being voted to take part in grueling Bushtucker Trials as some viewers are relishing the opportunity to put him through the punishing tasks.
Speaking about the show on Friday’s episode of Good Morning Britain, Charlotte Hawkins said: ‘It is fascinating to watch! I think, whatever your view of him, you’re just hooked on it.’
Her co-star Vick agreed, insisting it’s making for ‘compelling’ television as she suggested the whole situation feels an episode of Charlie Brooker’s dystopian sci-fi anthology series.
‘Watching it, I felt like I was in Black Mirror! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and it’s so compelling,’ she added. ‘People on Twitter are saying that every night, like him or not, you can’t stop watching.’
On Thursday, the 44-year-old politician found himself in deep water with his second Bushtucker Trial in a row.
Perhaps not surprisingly, viewers voted for him to take the plunge in Tentacles of Terror, and he found himself submerged in an octopus-shaped metal structure with plenty of underwater critters for company.
The MP, who collected a full house of 11 stars, admitted after the task: ‘I was absolutely petrified. I can’t believe it. I was so nervous. My heart was racing. I’m really proud of myself.’
Meanwhile, his fellow campmates took the time to discuss his controversial arrival in the jungle.
Comedian Seann Walsh said: ‘That man will have a very different account of what he did to what we all think happened, and there will be reasons. I’m not justifying anything that guy did… but f*** being in his job when that was going on.’
Although Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver agreed, she added: ‘To come into I’m A Celebrity does not sit well with me. He’s got constituents back home, he’s a serving member of parliament.’
I’m A Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV.
