FAN BACKLASH
I’m A Celeb rocked by nearly 2,000 Ofcom complaints as viewers object to Matt Hancock
I'M A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here has been rocked by nearly 2,000 Ofcom complaints about Matt Hancock in the jungle.
Viewers have taken to the broadcasting regulator to object about the former Health Secretary taking part in the celebrity competition.
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MP Matt, 44, was revealed to be part of the line-up of this year's show just days before it hit screens earlier this month.
His inclusion sparked outrage from ITV fans as well as politicians - and now, almost 2,000 complaints have been submitted to Ofcom.
Despite only being on air for just over a week, the programme has received a mammoth 1,968 official complaints as fans fume.
The broadcasting regulator confirmed that around 1,100 of these complaints were directly linked to the MP being in the jungle, with some also voicing concerns about how he was being treated.
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Matt has faced major backlash since it was revealed he was appearing on the long-running celebrity competition on ITV.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hit out at his former colleague for running away from solving issues facing the country.
The Prime Minister blasted the ex-Health Secretary for not using his influence as an MP to sway the debate on challenges such as the cost of living crisis.
Matt Hancock decided to fly to Australia for the jungle show after being snubbed by the PM for a position in his new-look government when he entered Number 10 last month.
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The politician - who is still a working MP for West Sussex - is understood to be picking up a pay cheque of £400,000 for his appearance.
He said on entering the show that he made the decision to take part because he wanted to raise the cause of dyslexia to millions of viewers.
However, yesterday fans complained that he has failed to raise awareness about dyslexia in the jungle as they are yet to hear him speaking about it on air.
Before appearing on I'm A Celeb, Matt had claimed his reason for taking part in the show was to raise awareness.
He told The Sun: "I want to raise the profile of my dyslexia campaign to help every dyslexic child unleash their potential — even if it means taking an unusual route to get there . . . via the Australian jungle!
"I’m A Celebrity... is watched by millions of Brits up and down the country. I want to use this incredible platform to raise awareness, so no child leaves primary school not knowing if they have dyslexia.
"By talking about dyslexia on prime-time TV, I hope to increase support for my Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training Bill (which receives its second reading in Parliament just days after I’m A Celebrity . . . finishes).
"I aim to help the public better understand this very common condition, that affects around one in ten people.
A spokesperson for Matt Hancock said: "Matt continues to support the Covid inquiry and he'll continue to meet all the deadlines.
"Matt has already handed over his phone and given full access to all his emails and text messages, when requested by Parliament.
"The second reading of Matt's Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training Bill is just days after I'm A Celebrity... finishes.
"By going on the show, Matt hopes to raise the profile of his dyslexia campaign and will use the platform to talk about an issue he really cares about in front of millions of people. Matt is determined that no child should leave primary school not knowing if they have dyslexia."
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It comes after I'm A Celeb was left in chaos after a banner was flown over the camp demanding Matt leaves the jungle.
Bosses were hit with another wave of backlash as a plane sent by angry petitioners flew over the camp, with the message: "Covid bereaved say get out of here!"
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