Denise Welch rips into I’m A Celebrity’s Matt Hancock over Covid rule break in epic rant

Loose Women star Denise Welch has slammed Matt Hancock after he joined the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! cast

Loose Women star Denise Welch has said she is ‘fuming’ over Matt Hancock ’s casting on the upcoming series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

The West Suffolk MP has defended his decision to appear on the ITV reality show in Australia, saying it is a ‘powerful tool’ to reach young people.

Yet Mr Hancock – who has arrived in Brisbane ahead of the show’s launch on Sunday – has faced criticism over the decision and was yesterday suspended as a Conservative MP.

On Wednesday’s Loose Women, the ITV panel turned to the highly anticipated reality show as Denise ripped into the former Health Secretary’s decision to enter the jungle.

She said she is ‘disgusted’ at the news and has been unable to ‘find the humour’ in the announcement of his inclusion in the line-up.

Denise ripped into the former Health Secretary’s decision
Denise ripped into the former Health Secretary’s decision 
Image:
ITV)
She said: “As far as I’m concerned we are still suffering the repercussions of what happened over the last few years.

“I was very vocal about Covid restrictions – some being incredibly unnecessary and the impact they would have on people’s livelihoods and mental health.”

She continued: “Matt Hancock was at the forefront of those. We all know now that we weren’t allowed to see our granny or anybody who had a family member in hospital or a home during Covid.

“My dad subsequently died of pneumonia. I wasn’t allowed to see him at certain times. I live with the pain of that every day.

“We could say, I will do a test before I go and visit my dad who is lonely in his house – no.”

Mr Hancock touched down in Brisbane ahead of the show launch this weekend
Mr Hancock touched down in Brisbane ahead of the show launch this weekend 
Image:
Credit / Daily Star)
She added: “Whilst he was having an affair with some woman in the broom closet or wherever he was. While the government from day one of this were carrying on in Downing Street.”

Denise went on to insist Mr Hancock is ‘not a celebrity’, adding: “He’s going to go in there and pretend he’s Mr Nice Guy.

“I’ve never envied people going in the jungle – I love the show and I’m a huge viewer – but I’d go in there for nought for one hour.”

Loose Women host Jane Moore joked: “I don’t think you could cover all you’ve got to say in one hour,” and Denise replied: “Well I’d give it a damn good try.”

“I’ve never envied people going in the jungle – I love the show and I’m a huge viewer – but I’d go in there for nought for one hour.”
“I’ve never envied people going in the jungle but I’d go in there for nought for one hour.” 
Image:
ITV)This comes after the independent MP’s colleague Isabel Oakeshott opened up about the behind the scenes decision-making process after Mr Hancock touched down in Brisbane ahead of the show launch this weekend.

She said the decision was ‘very last minute’ but noted she did discuss it with Mr Hancock before it was made known to the public yesterday.

She said: “He did ask me what I thought and whether I thought it was a good idea. Obviously I presented the pros and cons.

“Before I knew it, he had disappeared off to Australia. So I think this was a pretty last minute decision. Although, he has said publicly he’s twice turned it down before.”

Related Posts

Ted Kravitz Calls Out Christian Horner’s Baffling Comments on Max Verstappen’s F1 Future — What Really Went Wrong?

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner would have been one of the most uncomfortable people in the paddock after the Austrian Grand Prix. Christian Horner could only…

Could Max Verstappen’s Stunning Move After the Austrian GP Signal the End of His Time with Red Bull? Find Out What’s Really Behind It

Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull could be under scrutiny after he struggled throughout the Austrian Grand Prix. Red Bull arrived at their home race having won…

Unexpected apology from Sky Sports F1 host to Max Verstappen shocks fans following a heated moment during the Austrian Grand Prix — what really happened behind the scenes?

Photo: © IMAGO Sky F1 reporter Craig Slater issued an apology to reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen during a conversation over his championship hopes last weekend. Red Bull’s star…

Unexpected twists unfold at Red Bull as George Russell reveals secret talks between Verstappen and Mercedes — could this shake up the F1 championship like never before? Discover the latest explosive developments now!

The 2026 F1 Driver Market Drama: Mercedes Chasing Max Verstappen, Russell’s Bold Move, and a Grid in Flux Formula 1’s 2026 driver market is heating up in…

Despite a thrilling Austrian Grand Prix win, Damon Hill warns Lando Norris faces a critical challenge that could overshadow his recent triumph. What is it?

Lando Norris cut into Oscar Piastri’s championship lead by winning the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend. Norris’ third victory of 2025 reduces the deficit to 15 points…

The Austrian Grand Prix took a dramatic turn when Christian Horner made statements that shocked fans worldwide, leading to an outcry urging Max Verstappen to reconsider his position at Red Bull, with many suggesting it’s time for him to move on to a different team in pursuit of fresh challenges.

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner knows he has a worrying dilemma on his hands. The Austrian Grand Prix was supposed to be a happy homecoming for Red Bull….