I’m A Celebrity hit with almost 2,000 Ofcom complaints over Matt Hancock in jungle

Yikes

I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here has been met with close to 2,000 Ofcom complaints after allowing Matt Hancock to enter the jungle. The MP, who quit as Health Secretary last year after being caught having an affair with an aide, made his debut on the series last week.  However, his arrival was met with backlash across the country and from his fellow campmates, who challenged the politician about his motives for going on the ITV reality series These complaints were made between November 8, the day it was confirmed Hancock was going into the jungle, and November 14. Ofcom has now confirmed that the majority of complainants, around 1,100, objected to former health secretary Matt Hancock’s presence in the Australian jungle. Other viewers expressed concerns about how the MP was being treated by the other contestants. A statement from Ofcom reads:

"It’s worth being aware that under our rules, in principle – and taking into account freedom of expression – there’s no ban on any particular person taking part in programmes. "However, if the mere presence of a person is likely to cause offence, we would expect broadcasters to take steps to mitigate or justify that offence. How they do that editorially, is up to them."

Last week, one scene in particular got viewers annoyed. After taking part in a challenge with co-star Seann Walsh, the 44-year-old was seen taking his first jungle "shower", washing his face and body in a rock pool. https://twitter.com/GMB/status/1590614237474304000 Fans were left displeased with what they saw and complained to Ofcom. One wrote on Twitter: “Made a complaint to Ofcom for the first and only time in my life tonight. I should not be left in tears at the end of an entertainment show.” Another said: “Ofcom, I want to make a complaint. I’ve just seen Matt Hancock showering.” A third said: “This is an official Ofcom complaint WHY have I just seen Matt Hancock in the shower.” Another added: "Watching Matt Hancock sing… shower topless… then slurp his tea in a mole tunnel… not how I planned to spend my Wednesday night.” Elsewhere, campmates expressed their displeasure at having Hancock in the jungle with them. Related links:

• Matt Hancock set to be first I'm A Celebrity campmate to be evicted in shock twist
• I'm A Celebrity camp hit with new bullying row as viewers fume over Owen Warner's treatment
• Mike Tindall "under investigation" for breach of Covid rules after I’m a Celeb joke

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