Throughout the pandemic, every time Matt Hancock would seem on TV to start yet one more press convention, my sister and I might roll our eyes.
He appeared like an particularly boring politician – one who was a bit too keen on calling for ever-harsher lockdowns. By the tip of the pandemic, even my 10-year-old niece might do a nice impression of him.
And when he was caught breaking his personal social-distancing guidelines in a steamy clinch along with his married lover Gina Coladangelo, I confess I howled with laughter.
However that each one modified final December, once I met the ex-Well being Secretary at a drinks occasion.
A chilly winter’s night time, a resort bar – and there was Matt, a lot taller than he’d seemed from behind his pandemic podium.
Throughout the pandemic, every time Matt Hancock would seem on TV to start yet one more press convention, my sister and I might roll our eyes
The natty pink tie set off his deep blue eyes. Beneath his well-cut go well with, this man was clearly buff.
As a showbusiness reporter, I am used to going as much as well-known strangers looking for a narrative. However as I approached the honourable member for West Suffolk, drink in hand, my coronary heart was thumping. He was a dish!
Now I do know that I am not alone. The 44-year-old – who had the Tory whip withdrawn as punishment for showing on the truth present – has turn into Britain’s impossible heart-throb.
Katie Hind and Matt Hancock. The natty pink tie set off his deep blue eyes. Beneath his well-cut go well with, this man was clearly buff
Youngsters on TikTok are in raptures over him, in what some are calling a repeat of the equally stunning ‘Milifandom’ that shaped a number of years in the past over ex-Labour chief Ed Miliband.
Again within the bar, I launched myself.
‘I do know who you’re, Katie,’ Matt replied easily. He was grinning – such beautiful white enamel!
I blushed, So charming. Did he actually know who I used to be? Who is aware of? However he had me. I hadn’t been this starstruck since I met the footballer Frank Lampard in 2005.
Former Well being Secretary Matt Hancock and his girlfriend Gina Coladangelo
Matt joked about being seen at a celebration – the No10 lockdown get-togethers had been then within the information. By then about six months away from excessive workplace – after Boris Johnson had reluctantly let him go when information of that rule-breaking affair with Gina emerged – he advised me he was sick of listening to about PPE.
He was extraordinarily self-deprecating – and he might inform an excellent, gossipy story a couple of senior politician whereas additionally making it appear as if he was involved in you.
After we mentioned his campaign to assist dyslexic kids – he was recognized with the training incapacity on the age of 18 – I used to be struck by the depth of his ardour.
The week earlier than, ITV’s Phillip Schofield had thrown an inexpensive and nasty jibe at Matt when he appeared on This Morning’s couch.
‘Was it your dyslexia that meant you misinterpret social distancing guidelines?’ demanded Phillip. Lots of complained to Ofcom in consequence.
Matt was clearly nonetheless stung by this so, in a bid to impress him, I shared some fruity anecdotes about Schofield that he lapped up.
We talked, simply the 2 of us, for 90 stunning minutes. When he left, it was as if a lightweight had all of the sudden gone out within the room.
Lastly, the whole nation has realised that there is way more to Hancock than we thought and it is a deal with that we will see him each night time in our residing rooms
For days afterwards, I bored my associates, household and colleagues about how good-looking and charming Matt Hancock was. A few of them might need thought it was a bit of unusual.
However now I do know that I am one in all many. A barely older, very elegant and distinguished colleague of mine was equally shocked when she met him lately simply earlier than he entered the jungle.
Like me, she thought she knew who Matt was from studying about him within the papers and seeing him on the information.
However when she met him within the flesh she instantly admired his honesty, thought he was splendidly entertaining firm – and he or she too thought he was a lot hunkier within the flesh.
Lastly, the whole nation has realised that there is way more to Hancock than we thought and it is a deal with that we will see him each night time in our residing rooms.
Matt, when you’re studying this, you understand the place to seek out me.