I’M A Celebrity has been hit with thousands of complaints surrounding the show’s most controversial campmate ever – Matt Hancock.
Broadcasting regulator Ofcom has so far received 3, 287 complaints relating to his inclusion in the jungle AND the treatment of the former health secretary.
Matt’s arrival in the jungle sparked outrage with his fellow campmates, as well as well as amongst politicians and the general public.
With four days to go until the final, viewers still haven’t warmed to him being there and 1,764 unhappy fans have felt strongly enough to write to the regulator.
But he has however gained a legion of fans, and the majority of the other complaints relate to fans thinking Matt is being bullied in the jungle.
In a statement about the figures, Ofcom said: “It’s worth being aware that under our rules – 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.”
The latest wave of complaints come after some people demanded that show bosses step in as they felt ‘uncomfortable’ watching Matt interact with the celebs.
As well as being mocked by those in the jungle with him, the MP for West Suffolk was selected for the unpleasant Bushtucker Trials six consecutive times.
In June last year, the MP resigned as health secretary after he was caught breaking coronavirus social distancing rules by having an affair in his ministerial office with Gina Coladangelo, who was his aide at the time.
Talking on the reality show, he called his past behaviour a “mistake”, saying he “fell in love”.
He added that he was looking for “a bit of forgiveness”, but viewers and campmates have struggled with this.
He had the Tory party whip removed when he flew to Australia while Parliament is sitting.
