Gina Coladangelo has praised Matt Hancock's jungle stint

2022-11-17

EXCLUSIVE ‘He’s doing really well’: Matt Hancock’s girlfriend Gina Coladangelo has praised the Tory MP’s stint in the I’m A Celeb jungle, saying he’s won so many stars for camp because ‘he’s made of tough stuff’

The former aide, 45, landed in Brisbane, Australia, on Wednesday morning local time following a 24-hour journey
When asked if she’s been impressed by Matt’s performance on the show so far, she said: ‘It would be difficult not to be impressed’
A member of security and an ITV chaperone escorted her out of arrivals, before she was hurried into a car that waited for her outside
Ms Coladangelo flew with Singapore Airlines, known to be one of the most luxurious in the world and her business class flight is believed to have cost over £11,000
MailOnline understands that ITV offers to fly one family member and friend to Australia via business class, giving them the full celebrity treatment

Matt Hancock’s girlfriend Gina Coladangelo has praised the Tory MP’s stint in the I’m A Celeb jungle as she touches down in Australia to support him.

The former aide, 45, who landed in Brisbane on Wednesday morning local time following a 24-hour journey, told MailOnline she’s been ‘missing’ her partner and watching the show every night to see him in action.

When asked if she’s been impressed by Matt’s performance on the show so far, after he was voted to do six trials, she said: ‘It would be difficult not to be impressed, he has done really well.’

Landed: Matt Hancock’s girlfriend Gina Coladangelo has praised the Tory MP’s stint in the I’m A Celeb jungle as she touches down in Australia to support him

She continued: ‘He’s made of tough stuff.’

The mother-of-three, who looked glamorous in an all-black outfit, replied: ‘Obviously, yes, I have’ when asked if she’s been missing the former Health Secretary.

A member of security and an ITV chaperone escorted her out of arrivals, before she was hurried into a car that waited for her outside.

Gina admitted it’s been good to see Matt’s fellow campmates be nominated for some of the trials now, saying: ‘I think it’s great everybody is having a bit of a go. I think they all seem to be getting on okay.’

Support: The former aide, 45, who landed in Brisbane, Australia, on Wednesday morning local time following a 24-hour journey, told MailOnline she’s been ‘missing’ her partner

‘I fell in love’: Matt said the best thing about being eliminated from I’m A Celeb will be seeing girlfriend Gina, who will be waiting for him at the end of the show’s famous red carpeted bridge

She landed in Australia to meet Matt when he’s booted off I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, with evictions beginning this Friday.

Gina was seen at London’s Heathrow on Tuesday evening before making the trip to Brisbane, to meet Matt, who confessed to his campmates last week to ‘falling in love’ with his former aide.

MailOnline understands that ITV offers to fly one family member and friend to Australia via business class, giving them the full celebrity treatment.

Jungle beau: The mother-of-three, who looked glamorous in an all-black outfit, replied: ‘Obviously, yes, I have’ when asked if she’s been missing the former Health Secretary

Ms Coladangelo flew with Singapore Airlines, known to be one of the most luxurious in the world and her business class flight is believed to have cost over £11,000.

Tiffany Austin was seen touching down at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday, where she was joined by Charlene White’s sister Carina, who was seen pushing her bags through the airport.

Tiffany, who works in music management, gave her travelling attire a designer touch as she arrived wearing a Givenchy jumper and sported a Christian Dior bag.

She was pictured pushing an airport trolley which was laden with her suitcase and her bag, which retail for £2,450.

Ready to fly: Gina, 45, was seen at London’s Heathrow on Tuesday evening before making the 24-hour journey to Brisbane

Arrivals: Chris Moyles’ girlfriend Tiffany Austin was seen touching down at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday. She was joined by Charlene White’s sister Corena, who was seen pushing her bags through the airport

Touchdown: Tiffany, who works in music management, gave her travelling attire a designer touch as she arrived wearing a Givenchy jumper and sported a Christian Dior bag

Casual: Meanwhile, Carina cut a cosy figure in a caramel coloured hoodie with matching jogging bottoms

Stunning: Her brunette locks were plaited in neat braids, and she went makeup free letting her natural beauty shine through

Meanwhile, Carina cut a cosy figure in a caramel coloured hoodie with matching jogging bottoms. She pushed her suitcases on a trolley and carried a checked Louis Vuitton handbag.

It comes after Hancock confessed to falling in love with her when quizzed by campmates over breaching social distancing rules when they were caught kissing in his ministerial office last year.

The passionate clinch marked the end of Matt’s 15-year marriage to ex-wife Martha, with whom he shares his three children.

The former health secretary said: ‘It was really tough. I messed up and I fessed up. I resigned and it’s no excuse, but I fell in love, right? That also had a lot of other consequences, obviously.’

Love: It comes after Hancock confessed to falling in love with her when quizzed by campmates over breaching social distancing rules

His fellow campmate Babatunde Aleshe, 34, replied: ‘You didn’t just ‘fall in love’ you were grabbing booty bruv!’

The politician replied ‘Oh, give over!’ before adding: ‘That’s been hard. I obviously brought it on myself, so yeah… it’s been tough.’

He said the best thing about being eliminated from I’m A Celeb will be seeing Gina, who will be waiting for him at the end of the show’s famous red carpeted bridge.

‘That’ll be the best thing about being kicked out, seeing her on the bridge’, he added.

Since being in the jungle, Hancock has been stung by a scorpion, eaten a camel penis and sheep vagina, and completed six Bushtucker trials.

But at no point has Gina left the Tory MP’s mind, with Matt referring to her on several occasions, even calling the businesswoman by her full name, Regina.

Unhappy: I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has been hit by 1,100 Ofcom complaints over Matt’s appearance on the show

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has been hit by 1,100 Ofcom complaints over Matt’s appearance on the show.

The first episode got an audience of over 10 million people at its peak – up two million from last year’s launch.

But not everyone was pleased, with Ofcom receiving nearly 2,000 complaints in total over the first week.

The majority of the complaints stem from the arrival of Matt in the jungle, around 1,100 in total.

Other complaints were surrounding viewers’ concerns about how the MP, 44, was being treated by the other campmates.

The West Suffolk MP has faced backlash from viewers after reportedly earning £400K for his appearance while parliament is still in session.

Ofcom said: ‘It’s worth being aware that under our rules, in principle – 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.’

Matt defended his decision to appear on the reality show, writing in The Sun that it’s his job as a politician ‘to go where the people are’ and that he wants to ‘engage with voters’.

He said: ‘While there will undoubtedly be those who think I shouldn’t go, I think it’s a great opportunity to talk directly to people who aren’t always interested in politics, even if they care very much about how our country’s run.

‘It’s our job as politicians to go to where the people are – not to sit in ivory towers in Westminster.

Unimpressed: Not everyone was pleased, with Ofcom receiving nearly 2,000 complaints in total over the first week

‘There are many ways to do the job of being an MP. Whether I’m in camp for one day or three weeks, there are very few places people will be able to see a politician as they really are.

‘So, the truth is, I haven’t lost my marbles or had one too many pina coladas. It’s something I’ve given a lot of thought to.

‘I was elected by the people, and it’s important to engage with voters, especially younger voters, no matter where they are, and show the human side of politicians.

‘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.’

Silenced? Boy George, 61, accused Scarlette Douglas of trying to shut him down as he debated Matt’s political choices during Wednesday’s episode of I’m A Celebrity

During Wednesday’s episode, Matt was quizzed about the government’s political decisions while was serving as Health Secretary by Boy George.

The singer, 61, claimed A Place In The Sun presenter Scarlette Douglas, 35, changed the subject any time she heard George talking to West Suffolk MP Matt about his policies.

Chatting in the camp, George told the former Health Secretary of the government’s choices: ‘Just spend less on arms. £35 billion a year. Why do you sneer at spending less on arms?’

Matt said: ‘I don’t, I don’t, it’s just a different debate.’

Debate: George claimed Scarlette Douglas, 35, changed the subject any time she heard George talking to West Suffolk MP Matt (pictured) about his policies

Change of topic: Scarlette (pictured) changed the subject to socks while George was speaking to Matt about governmental decisions

Interrupting, Scarlette said: ‘Matt, just quickly, you know when you asked whose socks they were and I asked you to put them over here… remember the socks from this morning, I said just stick them… where did you put them?’

Noting the topic change, George said: ‘She’s trying to save you, very interesting.’

He added in the Bush Telegraph said: ‘I just noticed sometimes when I start a debate with Matt, Scarlette comes in and kind of shuts me down a bit or tries to change the subject. I don’t know whether Scarlette’s got political aspirations. But sorry, I’m just not going to stop talking. I will say what I want.’

George joked to Matt: ‘You haven’t got out of that debate, come back.’

Matt replied: ‘I’m not doing that one. I’m not doing it,’ prompting George to say: ‘That’s interesting.’

In the Bush Telegraph, Matt said: ‘I seem to have a trial whether I go out on an official trial or stay in camp. But most of the conversations are really interesting and I love a debate anyway, so that’s fine.’

I’M A CELEBRITY 2022: THE FULL LINEUP

BOY GEORGE

AGE: 61

CLAIM TO FAME: Legendary pop star

PHOBIAS: Being scared

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? No, I am going straight into the jungle from playing at various festivals and gigs

ROLE IN THE CAMP: In-house dietician reassuring everyone that they will be ok on the jungle diet. And entertainer – I will sing!

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I am a very positive person and I don’t bear any grudges

DREAM CAMPMATE: It would be funny if my ex, Jon Moss, comes on the programme -but I don’t think that will happen!

CHRIS MOYLES

AGE: 48

CLAIM TO FAME: Radio DJ

PHOBIAS: I am petrified of heights. I ended up carrying the bags when we took my girlfriend’s niece once to Go Ape as I am so petrified!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? A friend’s birthday, a wedding, and Leeds United matches

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Entertainer. Hopefully I can help shorten everyone’s boredom.

BEST ATTRIBUTE: Hiding food! I am going to fly out early and sneak into the jungle and hide pot noodles everywhere, then I will be everyone’s best friend!

DREAM CAMPMATE: Ant and Dec…let’s see how they cope for 24 hours!

SUE CLEAVER

AGE: 59

CLAIM TO FAME: Playing Eileen Grimshaw in Coronation Street

PHOBIAS: Don’t be ridiculous! I am not going to admit to what I fear most!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? Coronation Street and we are expecting another grandchild any day, so hopefully it will arrive before I fly out to Australia.

ROLE IN THE CAMP: I will be more of a mum – that is where I will naturally fit.

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I can cook and I am a good listener, so hopefully I will be a friendly ear for everyone.

DREAM CAMPMATE: Good Morning Britain’s Richard Arnold. He is my TV husband and it would be lovely to have an ally in camp!

SCARLETTE DOUGLAS

AGE: 35

CLAIM TO FAME: Presenter of A Place In The Sun

PHOBIAS: Spiders. There is no point in lying about it! I’ve got an irrational fear about them

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? Just a holiday which I can postpone

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Mum, cook and morale booster. I always like to look at the positive side in life

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I can cook and I will be good at making sure everything is tidy in camp

DREAM CAMPMATE: Mo Gilligan. He is hilarious and I totally fancy him!

BABATÚNDÉ ALÉSHÉ

AGE: 36

CLAIM TO FAME: Comedian

PHOBIAS: I am scared of absolutely everything. Snakes, rats – I am fearful of them all and I am dreading the trials

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? I was going on tour but we’ve postponed it now until next year

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Tension breaker. If I can break tension anywhere it starts up in the camp, then I will do that. We don’t need to be bickering as it will be a first-time experience for everyone

BEST ATTRIBUTE: Hopefully I will bring some humour to the camp

DREAM CAMPMATE: I am a big Arsenal fan and so any ex-Arsenal player would be great. I am looking forward to chatting to Ant & Dec about football

SEANN WALSH

AGE: 36

CLAIM TO FAME: Comedian

PHOBIAS: I am not too pleased about rats being in there but I am just trying to pretend it is not happening!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? No, I am really looking forward to taking part in this show

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION YOU WANT TO DISPEL IN THE JUNGLE: People have voiced their feelings about me and I am hoping they will see I am very different. I want to create new memories

ROLE IN THE CAMP: I am a great listener. I can’t cook but if someone would like to teach me, then I will give it a go

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I don’t want to put myself down but if my friends were to answer this question, they would say there isn’t much Seann can do! I am not really bringing too much to the table which is why I am a good listener!

DREAM CAMPER: Lee Evans, anyone from Blink-182 or Boy George. My mum took me to see him at Wembley and he wore a satellite dish as a hat!

MIKE TINDALL

AGE: 44

CLAIM TO FAME: Rugby Union player and married to Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall

PHOBIAS: I haven’t admitted to having any phobias but in a weird way, I am looking forward to taking part in the trials!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? My podcast series and the rugby Internationals this autumn

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Morning motivator. I would like to see everyone get on well and us all have a great experience

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I am a positive person

DREAM CAMPMATE: Samuel L Jackson would be cool. He has lived the life!

OWEN WARNER

AGE: 23

CLAIM TO FAME: Playing Romeo Nightingale in Hollyoaks

PHOBIAS: Snakes!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? I am a big fan of football so I will miss watching the start of the World Cup

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Entertainer and games coordinator

BEST ATTRIBUTE: It is definitely not my cooking skills or brains!

DREAM CAMPMATE: Any of the Leicester City starting 11!

CHARLENE WHITE

AGE: 42

CLAIM TO FAME: ITV newsreader and Loose Women anchor

PHOBIAS: I am not sure what my fear factor will be because I’ve never had rodents, spiders and snakes crawling all over me!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? My children’s annual school ball which I am gutted about

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Mum and cook. I don’t mind falling into that position

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I like to listen and talk. I love learning about people and I have a natural curiosity for people

DREAM CAMPMATE: Colin Murray and Richard Osman

JILL SCOTT

AGE: 35

CLAIM TO FAME: Retired England Lioness

PHOBIAS: I don’t like rats and the thought of being underground fills me with fear!

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? The Men’s World Cup. I am going to find it weird not being able to know how the men are getting on in the tournament. Hopefully they will still be in the tournament when I come out of the jungle

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Helping hand. I like to help people if they aren’t having a good day

BEST ATTRIBUTE: Hard worker. I will always find a way to add value. I am also very honest

DREAM CAMPMATE: Another sports person would be great as it would be someone to bounce ideas off.

OLIVIA ATTWOOD

OLIVIA ATTWOOD – EXITED THE SHOW

AGE: 31

CLAIM TO FAME: Love Island star

PHOBIAS: I hate the dark so I’m keen to avoid any challenges in the darkness

MISSING ANY BIG OCCASIONS? No, had the show been on air any later, I could have missed my sister’s wedding

ROLE IN THE CAMP: Clown. I was always the class clown at school and I love having a laugh

BEST ATTRIBUTE: I don’t take myself seriously and I have got a good sense of humour

DREAM CAMPMATE: A pop legend like Dolly Parton who has amazing stories to tell

MATT HANCOCK

AGE: 44

CLAIM TO FAME: Politician

PHOBIAS: Snakes. I don’t thankfully suffer from claustrophobia –or I think I don’t!

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION YOU WANT TO DISPEL IN THE JUNGLE: Politicians are people too and it will be nice for people to see me as me. We are human too

ROLE IN THE CAMP: I like to muck in, and I think I will be collecting a lot of firewood. I like cooking too

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