Matt Hancock recently finished in third place in I'm a Celebrity after controversially signing up to the show, and he will soon return to our screens.
Former UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock is making headlines once again, but this time not for his political role or personal life. Hancock, who left office in disgrace due to a scandal involving breaking his own COVID-19 guidance, has recently completed a demanding stint on Channel 4's reality TV show, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
The fifth series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, featuring Matt Hancock and other notable celebrities, is set to air on September 26, 2023, on Channel 4, according to The Independent. As the show unfolds, viewers can expect to witness Hancock's journey and the personal growth he experienced during this demanding adventure in the jungles of North Vietnam.
A tough challenge for Hancock
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, known for its grueling physical and mental challenges, puts celebrities through the rigorous SAS selection process. Hancock described his experience on the show as 'one of the toughest physical and mental things' he has ever done.
As per The Evening Standard, the filming took place in North Vietnam and was completed before his more widely-publicized appearance on ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! In a candid statement, Hancock shared his personal growth during the show, saying:
'It's one of the toughest physical and mental things I've ever done. It really opens your eyes and makes you look into yourself.'
Hancock said he wanted to 'push his limits' when joining the show:
'After coming through the most challenging period as Health Secretary during the pandemic, I wanted to push my limits. It’s safe to say the course tested my resilience!'
Sky News disclosed that the former politician was paid £45,000 for his 80-hour work on the Channel 4 show.
Reality TV career controversy
Hancock's foray into reality TV began with his appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! where he earned a substantial fee of £320,000. However, this decision sparked outrage among politicians and COVID-bereaved families as he donated just over 3% of that payment to charity. Many criticized a sitting Member of Parliament participating in such a show, and the controversy eventually led to his expulsion from the Conservative Party.
Despite the backlash, Hancock managed to win over viewers and secured a respectable third-place finish on I'm A Celebrity. Now, with his appearance on Celebrity SAS, he continues to embrace the world of reality television.
Matt Hancock was not alone in his Celebrity SAS journey. The show featured a diverse lineup of celebrities from various fields. Some of his fellow contestants included singer Gareth Gates, model and presenter Melinda Messenger, and former reality TV star James Argent.
Hancock also found himself alongside a diverse group of celebrities, including singer Michelle Heaton, TV personality Danielle Lloyd, former footballer Jermaine Pennant, renowned rugby player Gareth Thomas, reality TV star Montana Brown, fellow reality TV personality Teddy Soares, reality TV star Amber Turner, and comedian Zoe Lyons.
Read more:
⋙ Matt Hancock is going viral for 'cringe' move, here's what's happening
⋙ Matt Hancock: How much was he paid for I'm a Celebrity?
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⋙ 'Desperate' Matt Hancock eyes TV career after I'm A Celeb stint
