Boris Johnson turns down sensational approach from I’m A Celebrity after Matt Hancock’s star turn

FORMER Prime Minister Boris Johnson has turned down an approach from ITV to appear on this year’s I’m A Celebrity...Get Me out of Here!

Jungle bosses contacted his team several weeks ago to find out if he’d be interested in appearing on the 23rd series but Bojo, 59, politely declined.

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A spokesman for Mr Johnson said: "Boris is not doing this programme and is not in talks to do so."

A TV insider said: “Having former Health Secretary Matt Hancock on the show last year created a buzz which I’m A Celebrity has not seen in years.

“He was a jungle signing few would have thought possible, so this year they’ve really shot for the stars and made the approach to Bojo’s people.

“It’s not as crazy an idea as it first seems as his father, Stanley Johnson, went into the jungle six years ago and his sister, Rachel Johnson, was on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.

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“But there was only an initial approach made between ITV and Boris's team and a speedy but polite decline followed.

“Jungle bosses love controversial figures and, as viewers relished last year, they have the ability to divide the camp spectacularly.”

I’m A Celebrity returned to Australia in 2022 after Covid forced it to temporarily relocate to Gwrych Castle in North Wales for two years. As a result, the ratings waned.

Along with Strictly Come Dancing love rat Seann Walsh, 37, Matt was a latecomer to last year’s series and was initially reviled among many campmates.

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But he performed well in the public vote, eventually finishing in third place. Lioness superstar Jill Scott, 36, was officially crowned Queen of the Jungle, with Hollyoaks actor Owen Warner, 34, in second place.

An average of 10 million people tuned into see last year’s final, which was an increase of 3.6million viewers compared to the 2021 final.

Now ITV are eager to maintain the ratings momentum they regained, particularly as rivalry with the BBC’s biggest light entertainment show hots up this year.

A spokesman for ITV said: “Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity are speculation.”

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