Jason Manford has slammed Matt Hancock's stint in the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! jungle – branding the move as "ridiculous".
The comedian, 41, said he felt the move from the UK Parliament into the Australian jungle was a "bit soon" after the "absolute mess" the disgraced Tory MP made during the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.
Mr Hancock, 44, resigned in June last year following angry backlash after it was revealed he had an affair with Gina Colangelo while social distancing measures were in place amid the pandemic.
The MP wrote in his resignation letter at the time: "I want to reiterate my apology for breaking the guidance, and apologise to my family and loved ones for putting them through this."
Just over a year after his exposed affair and resignation – it was announced Mr Hancock would be heading into the jungle, which caused a massive uproar from the British public.
As the Tory MP headed into the I'm A Celeb camp, his appearance on the show was met with shock as he was grilled by Charlene White and Boy George threatened to quit.
Outside of camp, his taking part is still receiving strong reactions – with Jason Manford exclusively sharing his thoughts with the Mirror .
When asked on his thoughts about Mr Hancock taking part in I'm A Celeb, Jason said: "I mean it's just ridiculous if I'm honest.
"I could see why... It makes perfect sense for ITV, of course because we're all talking about it. And, obviously, we want to see him fail."
He added: "The amount of times as a comedian you talk about politics or anything that's going on at Number 10 or whatever and then somebody will pop up and say, 'You're a comedian, you're an entertainer, you stay out of politics'.
"And then Matt Hancock is on the biggest TV show of the year."
Jason continued: "You can't have it both ways, can you?
"If they're getting involved in our world then we're allowed to talk about their's.
"So I think it's a little bit ridiculous, if I'm honest and I don't think he'll do very well at all."
The comedian, who is set to present The National Lottery's Big Bash in December, added: "I don't mind seeing controversial figures go in there but I just think it's a bit soon after the absolute mess he made during the lockdown to be celebrating him on a show like that."
Despite Jason's disagreement with Mr Hancock taking part in the show, he hasn't ruled out heading into the jungle himself someday – but joked he would only do it on one condition.
He said: "Do you know why I always just say to myself, never say never, you don't know what will come up.
"But, if you ever do see me on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!, you'll know a tax bill has come in that I can't manage," Jason added with a laugh.
Jason is set to host The National Lottery's Big Bash, which takes place on December 6.
The event, which Jason will host alongside Alesha Dixon, will see performances from Adam Lambert, Katherine Jenkins OBE, Cirque du Soleil, Joel Corry, Tom Grennan and Raye.
Speaking of the event, Jason said: "It's gonna be the huge end of Year party – a big spectacular show looking back at all of 2022 and all the amazing moments and all the people that have made 2022 so special."
Jason Manford will present The National Lottery’s Big Bash on 6th December. Tickets will be available on 10th November on bigbash2022.com
