Matt Hancock’s shocking pandemic defence resurfaces as Covid ‘lies’ are exposed in texts

Former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock made an attempt to end his relationship with campmates while appearing on I’m a celebrity… get me out of here! A different perspective has now emerged.

Matt Hancock’s shocking text messages reveal a disturbing truth about how he perceived the care home patients he claimed were “protected” during the pandemie.

In a bad-tempered exchange at the Covid Inquiry today, the former Health Secretary struggled to justify his earlier claim that he’d put a “protective ring” around care homes – instead saying he “tried”.

Hancock also revealed text messages exchanges with former Care Minister Helen Whately.

Whately cautioned Hancock that care home death rates were “not good” in texts from April 2020, shortly after the UK was plunged into strict lockdown measures. He simply said, “OK.”

READ MORE: Matt Hancock loses his cool as he’s confronted over Covid care home ‘lies’

Without prior authorization, content cannot be displayed.

Between March 2020 and July 2022, 43, 000 deaths related to Coronavirus were recorded in what has been referred to as “generational slaughter” by grieving families.

Continue reading the article.

In March 2020, Hancock, one of the most well-known figures in the government’s response to the pandemic, asserted that care homes had been given a “protective ring.” However, after leaving the hospital, no one was tested for infection or isolated.

The inquiry has since heard that on March 17 2020, hospitals were ordered to prioritise getting people out of wards, with Hancock asserting that he’d picked the “least bad” option when faced with an “impossible choice”.

The 46-year-old’s contentious 2022 stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle will be too well known for how much his pandemic defense has evolved since the show.

The stars addressed the “elephant in the room” – his handling of the pandemic as he sat beside the I’m A Celebrity campfire in November 2022, and emotions were still raw among viewers and campmates as he sat next to the I’m A Celebrity campfire.

As Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Hancock broke his own rules(Image: Getty Images)

Hancock defended his senior position by defending the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) that forced some medical staff members to improvise with bin bags in the beginning.

When pressed about the topic of care homes, he replied: “So with PPE for instance, you know, I know, of course, I saw what happened to it. But that’s because we suddenly needed masses more PPE, and so did everybody else in the world.

And care homes, there are justifications for the actions taken, which ultimately resulted in problems that were caused by the virus rather than by those who were trying to solve the issue.

As Hancock showed his fellow stars an image of a well-intentioned politician facing impossible odds as he opened up to them. His attitude, however, quickly changed during the Covid inquiry. Hancock criticized Public Health England and local authorities today, pointing the finger at the wrong places.

Hancock
During his controversial stint on I’m A Celebrity, Hancock asked for forgiveness from fellow stars(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Hancock sneered at him and said, “You don’t have to tell me how difficult the challenges were.” There were no adequate PPE and testing. The incorrect doctrine and attitude were adopted by the public health authorities. We took every precaution possible to fix all of these things, and we did so one by one.

Hancock lashed out when asked about the messages that were exchanged between him and Whately, telling the inquiry that local authorities had oversaw the planning of a pandemic’s impact on care homes, causing a significant shift in blame.

He also asserted that he had been “horrified” after seeing the plans in place. It was a truly shocking moment, Hancock once said. They were completely unassailable, it wasn’t long before they realized it.

Bereaved families demonstrate outside Dorland House in London, to protest the fact they are being excluded from the Covid-19 Inquiry as former health secretary Matt Hancock gives evidence. Picture date: Thursday November 21, 2024.
Fingers of blame have been pointed as the inquiry continues(Image: PA)

The shamed former MP’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic sparked widespread outcry in the UK. In a flagrant violation of social distancing laws he himself had passed down, his time in office will likely be forever immortalized in CCTV images of him passionately kissing adviser Gina Coladangelo.

The then-married father-of-three stepped down amid ridicule in what was a mortifying moment for the Conservative Party and a grim precursor to the outrageous revelations of partygate.

Whether through concern for others or fear of having severe repercussions, it was undoubtedly an insult to those who had remained isolated throughout the shared public ordeal.

Back in 2021, former No. 10 aide Dominic Cummings told MPs: “I think that the Secretary of State for Health should have been fired for at least 15-20 things, including lying to everybody on multiple occasions in meeting after meeting in the cabinet room and publicly.”

Cummings continued, “I don’t know about that because I don’t know what the laws are… but I think that many senior people performed far, far, disastrously below the standards the country has a right to expect,” while expressing his opinion that Hancock should be held accountable for his role in the “disaster.”

“I believe that the Health Secretary belongs to one of those categories. I’ve repeatedly called on the Prime Minister to resign. Many other senior citizens and the Cabinet Secretary were among them.

Which tale will be remembered in history is still to be seen. It’s undisputed that Hancock’s behavior is very different from the repentant lovelorn everyman who has been shown to us on I’m A Celebrity.

Continue reading the article.

Do you have a tale to tell? Contact me at julia@gmail.com. banim@reachplc.com

READ MORE: ‘This is the London hotel where celebs stay before events – the views are incredible’

US Court Convicts Diddy On Prostitution Offence, Acquits Him Of Sex Trafficking

Following a prestigious seven-week trial in New York, music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking on Wednesday. He was also found guilty of a lesser prostitution charge.

Combs was found guilty of two prostitution-related charges by the jury, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, after 13 hours of deliberation spread over three days.

Combs, 55, applauded the verdict as it was read out.

As they left the courtroom, he greeted one of his attorneys and thanked the eight-man, four-woman jury members.

Before dismissing the jury, Judge Arun Subramanian also thanked them for their service.

He said, “You listened, you worked together, you were here every day, rain or shine.” You answered the call of the public service with no reward other than the reward of your actions.

As the jury deliberated in New York City’s sex trafficking trial on July 2, 2025, Janice Combs (C), the mother of Sean “Diddy” Combs, gives a thumbs up as she leaves with her grandchildren and family members. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP)

A jury had reached the verdict at the conclusion of a trial against Combs, who had been accused of being the head of a foretold criminal organization that had ordered loyal employees and bodyguards to commit numerous offenses against their will.

For example, there were alleged crimes against women, including drug distribution, kidnapping, bribery, witness tampering, obstruction, and arson.

Jurors had to establish that Combs had organized a criminal enterprise and that it had committed at least two of the crimes in order to convict him of racketeering.

Late on Tuesday, jurors announced a partial verdict and claimed they were in a deadlock over the racketeering charge despite receiving an order from Judge Subramanian to continue.

Combs, who was once one of the most influential figures in the music industry, had vehemently refuted every charge.

‘Untouchable’ 

After the judge gave them nearly three hours of legal advice on how to apply the mountain of evidence and testimony in the case, jurors began deliberating on Monday.

Thousands of pages of phone, financial, and audiovisual records were present at times, along with disturbing testimony.

On the eve of the 60th Annual Grammy Awards on January 28, 2018, in New York, singer and model Cassie Ventura (L) and rapper P Diddy (also known as Sean Combs) make their way to the traditional Clive Davis party. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD/AFP) &nbsp

Casandra Ventura, a singer, and a woman who gave evidence under the pseudonym Jane, were accused of trafficking sex with Combs.

Both had long-term relationships with the hip-hop powerhouse and entrepreneur, and they both went into engrossing detail about coercive sex.

Both of them claimed that they felt compelled to engage in Combs-directed sexual marathons with hired men.

Combs’ attorneys argued that the sex was mutual. They acknowledged that his relationships were complicated by domestic violence; one harrowing instance of him beating and dragging Ventura was captured on security footage, which was widely shared.

On July 2, 2025, King Combs (R), the son of Sean “Diddy” Combs, makes his second appearance at Manhattan’s Federal Court to hear how the jury is proceeding with his sex trafficking trial.
(Photo by Leonardo Munoz/AFP)

That was disturbing, the defense claimed, but it did not constitute sex trafficking.

In their final argument, Combs’ team was attacked by prosecutors, who they claimed had “controduced the facts endlessly.”

Nadine Baggott’s go-to £18 deodorant is ‘amazing’ at keeping you dry for 72 hours

Beauty presenter Nadine Baggott has shared some of her most-used bodycare buys – and one of them is her go-to antiperspirant from Amazon that she ‘swears by’

Nadine shared her go-to deodorant for the heatwave(Image: Nadine Baggott/Instagram)

Beauty guru Nadine Baggott has been sharing some of her top bodycare picks that she’s been using during the heatwave, and one of her must-haves is her ‘amazing’ antiperspirant from Amazon.

The Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant and Antiperspirant for Women is pegged as Amazon’s Choice product, and has racked up over 13,000 reviews and an impressive 4.4-star rating. On Instagram, Nadine hailed it as “mind-blowingly brilliant” for keeping her sweat-free in the heat.

READ MORE: Serena Williams shares her dark circles hack to look wide awake ahead of Wimbledon

READ MORE: Holly Willoughby’s colour correcting primer is £10 cheaper than Stila’s cult favourite one

Retailing at £18.29 on Amazon, this acclaimed Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant boasts up to 72 hours of unbeatable sweat and odour defense, crafted with pH-balancing minerals in its formula. It’s tailored for skin kindness while offering superior protection against unwanted smells.

In her Instagram video, Nadine said: “A lot of us might not be comfortable to show our skin off but we are in the midst of a heatwave so here are my absolute mind-blowingly brilliant products that just perform.”

She added: “It’s clinically proven antiperspirant from P&G, and this is Secret Clinical that I used to get it in the States, however you can now get it on Amazon and I swear by it. This is the Completely Clean – that’s the fragrance, not the non-toxic claim. So good, so good.”

Roc
Nadine Baggott loves using this roll-on antiperspirant in heatwave(Image: Instagram)

While applying her go-to deodorant, she shared: “I met the formulating chemist at the American Academy of Dermatology and I gave a big sweat-free hug, I love that product, 100%. I first discovered the product when I was in America and doing a lot of reformer pilates and I usually come back from the pilates class and sit by my desk without having shower, because I then have a shower at night before I go to bed, so a bit of the deodorant… zero sweat, body odour marks, it’s so good.”

For those on the hunt for an effective sweat-buster, some swear by Driclor Antiperspirant Roll On Applicator, retailing at £8 in Boots, known for its prowess in tackling excessive sweating. It operates by creating a gel barrier within the sweat glands, leading to a reduction and ultimate cessation of perspiration.

Another antiperspirant that’s taken social media by storm is the Gem Skin-Loving Cool Fresh Antiperspirant Deodorant, perfect for fans of aerosol sprays, and it’s a steal at Boots for just £4, reports the Express.

Amazon customers have been raving about Nadine’s top pick for deodorant, with one impressed buyer stating: “Amazing – can’t be without it.”

Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Nadine swears by the Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant and Antiperspirant(Image: Amazon)

They added: “This is honestly the best deodorant around. I’ve struggled with perspiration when wearing dove, Nivea, even Mitchum after a while – I tried this at my last resort and it is INCREDIBLE. The price seems high but a bottle lasts me at least 6 months, so you’re talking about a few pounds a month which is pretty standard. It rolls on dry – no waving your arms in the air these days and it WORKS so well, even on holiday and really hot weather. I need it forever and ever!!”

Another satisfied user shared her delight at not needing any reapplication: “I won’t be going back to sprays againc, so fresh, the secret deodorant and keeps dry for 72 hours. I work in a hospital so I would be so busy this the one to use.”

However, not all feedback was glowing, as a customer left a three-star review noting: “The product itself is great, does a very good job at keeping you smelling fresh with no signs of stopping. The problem however is that the container stopped working properly about half way through, so had to be broken open to get at what was left.”

And there was a cautionary tale from another user who developed an adverse reaction: “It is very perfumed though and smelt like an air freshener.”

Article continues below

For those intrigued by Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant and Antiperspirant, it’s available to buy on Amazon now.

Large garden parasol with LED solar lights reduced by £85 at little-known retailer

For a limited time only, the three-meter-square parasol with solar-powered LED strip lights is available for purchase.

The large parasol has LED strip lights and is currently on sale(Image: Yimbly)

No outdoor area can be completed without a parasol to provide much-needed protection from the fierce sun. The Living and Home 3M Cantilever Garden Parasol, which comes with solar-powered LED lights, is currently available on the shopping website Yimbly (owned by the Mirror’s parent company Reach Plc).

The dark grey parasol typically costs £270.55, but only for a limited period of time can customers save £85.54 by adding it to their outdoor space. The large, square canopy offers a large, shaded area that can be adjusted using the simple wind-up crank mechanism, combining functionality and contemporary design.

It can be fixed at five different angles, and it rotates completely 360 degrees, making it easy to find the ideal shaded position. In order to maintain stability in cloudy days, the parasol has a handy wind vent, which also offers UV protection, water resistance, and a rain-resistant shell.

READ MORE: Boots’ “new” and “by far the best” range, including gut powder that “really helps with bloating.”

READ MORE: One thing that every customer must do to score the best deals on Amazon Prime Day

The Living and Home 3M Cantilever Garden Parasol is suitable for use at night thanks to its solar-powered LED light strips that run along the parasol’s inner frame. This feature illuminates summer evenings by providing light for socializing with friends and family or allowing for cozy reading in the evening air.

A comparable Purple Leaf 3x3M Garden Cantilever Parasol with LED solar lights from Amazon costs $399. Additionally, this option has a 360-degree rotation and six different height adjustments.

The Living and Home 3M Cantilever Garden Parasol saves more than £85.

Content Image

£270.55

£185.01

Purchase here

B&amp, Q offers the £109 3M LED Lighted Large Garden Patio Cantilever Parasol for shoppers looking for a less expensive option. Instead of LED strips, this adjustable canopy has individual LED lights.

The Yimbly website currently has no reviews for the Living and Home 3M Cantilever Garden Parasol. The retailer has a respectable overall rating of 4.3 over Trustpilot.

The parasol on a patio next to garden furniture
The parasol has a handy wind vent(Image: Yimbly)

One enthralled customer remarked, “Goods were as advertised, arrived promptly, and were delivered with care.” Another emphasized that “excellent products are available for a lower price than other sellers.” dependable delivery

Continue reading the article.

Unfortunately, one customer who had ordered a different parasol was left disappointed when they explained that the base had already been ordered. The parasol arrived on Tuesday, and the base arrived on Saturday. I would have preferred to send both useless emails on the same day.

Travis Barker reveals he bought Ozzy Osbourne’s DNA ahead of final Black Sabbath show

Travis Barker of Blink-182 made sure he was able to land one of the empty cans after Ozzy was informed that his DNA was being sold in 10 cans.

Travis Baker was one of 10 people to get their hands on the can(Image: Getty Images for dcp)

Blink-182’s Travis Barker has revealed he bought Ozzy Osbourne’s saliva for $450 in wild DNA stunt.

Infinitely Recyclable Ozzy, a rock legend, has collaborated with Liquid Death to create a bizarre new album. Fans won’t even be able to drink it, even though they initially believed there might be a limited edition version.

Instead, each can costs $450 and is pre-drunk by Ozzy himself, and it is filled with traces of his signature and saliva.

Only 10 cans were made
Only 10 cans were made(Image: Getty Images)

Only 10 cans were ever produced, and Travis Barker, 49, from Blink-182, uploaded a photo of the empty can to Instagram and snagged one.

Travis has previously expressed his admiration for Ozzy; he recently posted vintage rock shirts for his son Rocky, and he was featured on one.

Continue reading the article.
The company claimed it was a way to recycle the star forever
The company said it is a way to recycle the star forever(Image: Getty Images)

When the company dropped the launch, they branded it as a way to “recycle the one-of-one star forever,” teasing: “Once technology and federal law permit, you can replicate Ozzy and enjoy him for hundreds of years into the future.”

And in true Prince of Darkness fashion, Ozzy, who has never shied away from chaos, granted it.

Ozzy is known for his questionable choices
Ozzy is known for his questionable choices (Image: Liquid Death/Youtube)

“Clone me, you b**stards”! he stated. Never try freebasing it, no matter what you do. And you little perverts, don’t even think about tampering with it.

The Black Sabbath frontman has not done this before with outrageous antics. He famously slit the head off a live bat during a concert in 1982, a moment that has forever changed rock music.

Inductee, Ozzy Osbourne speaks onstage during the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony. Ozzy wears all black, with a giant crucifix necklace, and sits atop a black throne with skulls and bats
Ozzy claimed he thought the bat was a rubber toy(Image: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The)

He later admitted that despite believing the bat to be a rubber toy, he still required a rabies shot following the incident. Some fans believe his DNA may actually be immortal, which is why that bizarre stunt and how he managed to survive to tell the story.

Travis’ decision to buy one of the limited-edition cans has only added to the buzz, and it’s clear the drummer is just as fascinated by Ozzy as the rest of the world.

Continue reading the article.

Dave Grohl pictured at Wimbledon with wife months after lovechild bombshell

Dave Grohl, the frontman of the Foo Fighters, and Jordyn Blum, his glamorous wife, have been spotted at Wimbledon. The couple’s first joint appearance since the announcement of Grohl’s secret child with another woman was made.

Nearly a year has passed since their last tournament appearance in July, when Dave appeared “snappy and irritated,” a reaction that was unheard of by fans who weren’t aware of what was happening behind the scenes.

The Foo Fighters frontman, 56, welcomed a daughter with Los Angeles-based fan Jennifer Young, 38, in August when the truth was revealed. In a public apology issued in September, Dave acknowledged the allegations.

In spite of the shock, the couple has continued to care for their family, and six months after Dave’s shock admission, in February, insiders discovered that Jordyn, 49, had “forgiven” her husband for his infidelity.

Jordyn Blum (PA), Dave Grohl’s glamorous wife.

After months of receiving mixed reviews, the pair sat side by side in the prestigious Royal Box on day three of Wimbledon. In a dusty salmon pink suit and brown boots, Jordanyn looked chic as she braved the rain. While her husband looked stunning in a flawless navy suit,

Following last year’s rocking debut for Dave, the band has made their first appearance in more than a year. He was there at the time and stated on social media that he had just given birth to a new daughter who had been born outside of my marriage.

I intend to raise her in a loving and supportive manner. I’m making every effort to win their trust and get their pardon because I love my wife and my kids. As we progress together, we’re grateful for your consideration for all the children involved.

The couple were all smiles at Wimbledon
At Wimbledon (PA), the couple greeted everyone with a happy face.

A representative insisted the photo was fake after an Instagram post purported to show another baby went viral shortly after the announcement. The affair was also brought up by the revelation that Dave had spoken with a divorce attorney before making the public.

Dave’s second marriage is this. From 1994 until their split in 1997, he and photographer Jennifer Leigh Youngblood were married. According to The Guardian, “admitted infidelity” caused his divorce from Jennifer.

In a 1999 interview, Dave later said, “My wife was even younger. We lacked the commitment to marry. She’s the funniest weirdo you’ve ever met, and I miss her dearly. But you learn and live.

The pair looked relaxed as they watched courtside
The pair appeared to be enjoying their courtside viewing (Getty Images).

Dave fell for Jordyn, a former MTV executive after splitting from his first wife. He claimed that their initial dates didn’t cause a commitment. He admitted that he wasn’t ready for a committed relationship. However, he changed of heart three months later, and his romance resurfaced.

Follow Mirror Celebs on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.