Mike Tindall responds to rumours Matt Hancock left I’m A Celebrity WhatsApp chat

The retired ruby player and former health secretary both appeared together on the 2022 series of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
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Tina Campbell3 February 2023
The Weekender

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Mike Tindall has responded to claims Matt Hancock left the WhatsApp group set up for last year’s I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! contestants to stay in touch.

The 44-year-old retired rugby player and husband of Zara Phillips down played any suggestion of a snub by the former health secretary, also 44, insisting he had never been part of the group to begin with.

Speaking to The Sun, Tindall said: “Of course I’d chat to Matt again — why wouldn’t I? I think there’s been a miscommunication with that, no one has left the WhatsApp group.

“I’m actually seeing Sue [Cleaver] tomorrow, and I’ve seen Sue a few times and spoken to Baba [Aleshe] and pretty much spoken to everyone.

“Well, we try to but it’s not easy. You always have these grand plans when you’re in the jungle but you come back and remember what life was before.”

Former health secretary Matt Hancock has defended his appearance on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity
PA Wire

His remarks came after Mr Hancock faced a grilling earlier this week in his first interview since entering the jungle last year.

Presenters Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley left the MP squirming as they questioned him about the huge fee he made for appearing on the ITV show.

He said: “I did absolutely give some of the money to charity and they’re two brilliant charities.”

Madeley, however, chimed in: “It would seem to most people with basic arithmetic, that you did do it for the money.”

Mr Hancock replied: “I didn’t primarily do it for the money. I primarily did it to show who I am. I gave a five figure sum to charity.”

Madeley fired back: “£10,000 out of £320,000. You’re skating off and saying that’s a substantial sum.”

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