He was the face of Covid-19, stood behind the Downing Street podium in his sleek suits as he delivered the nation morbid briefings on the pandemic that brought the world to a standstill.
But five years on, after a string of celebrity TV appearances and launching his own TikTok account, former health secretary Matt Hancock is attempting to pull off a very youthful look at age 46.
Ditching the parliamentary suits and ties for an Ibiza-style all-white linen shirt and chinos ensemble, Mr Hancock looked almost unrecognisable as he partied away on the beach during Cannes Lions festival last night.
Finishing off his bohemian look with a pair of white Veja trainers, the trendy middle class shoes which retail at £125, Mr Hancock was seen dancing away with a drink in his hand at one of the exclusive invite-only evening bashes on the beach.
MailOnline understands Mr Hancock – who looks noticeable leaner and now sports a short buzz cut – was representing his family business at the global creative festival and was more than happy to speak about Covid and politics with people he met.
‘He was clearly enjoying himself and was friendly and chatty with everyone who went over to him’, said a bystander.
‘He was happy to chat about Covid and politics and was proud to be in Cannes representing the family business.’
Mr Hancock, who became a household name preaching Covid regulations from behind a podium, was forced to quit as Health Secretary in June 2021 following revelations he had broken his own social distancing rules.
He was caught in a steamy kiss with his aide Gina Colangelo inside the Department of Health’s London HQ on May 6 2021, despite being married to his wife Martha and it being lockdown.
Matt Hancock opted for a bohemian look as he partied away at Cannes Lions festival this week
Matt Hancock (pictured) came third on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2022
Matt Hancock was the health secretary during the Covid-19 pandemic. He is pictured giving a briefing to the public in January 2021
Mr Hancock had been sitting as an independent MP since November 2022, when he suddenly announced he would be appearing as a contestant on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.
After coming third on the show, he then became the unlikely centre of a TikTok sensation, amassing more than 215k followers with his cringeworthy videos – including one where he mimed along to Ryan Gosling’s ballad ‘I’m Just Ken’ from the Barbie film.
His youthful vibe continued in Cannes this week as he was spotted in an all-white outfit during one of the evening bashes on the beach.
He has been attending Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity – considered the largest gathering of the advertising and creative communications industry.
Mr Hancock owns shares in Topwood Ltd, a waste disposal company owned by his sister and other family members.
The former health secretary came under fire when he declared the shares in the family business which was approved as a potential supplier for NHS trusts in England.
Mr Hancock declared his ownership in the Commons register of MPs’ interests in April 2021 – and a government spokesman insisted there was no conflict of interest and that he had acted ‘entirely properly’.
However, he was accused of ‘cronyism at the heart of government’ by then Labour shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth.
Former health secretary Matt Hancock and Gina Coladangelo, whom he has continued to date after their affair was caught on CCTV
After appearing on I’m A Celeb, Mr Hancock also then took part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins
Matt Hancock was pictured giving evidence at the Covid-19 public inquiry last month
Mr Hancock declared that he received a ‘gift’ of 15 per cent of the issued share capital of Topwood Ltd, which specialises in the secure storage, shredding and scanning of documents, under a ‘delegated management arrangement’.
Since stepping down as an MP, he has also been appointed the managing director of Border Business Systems (BBS), the UK’s leading address data experts and also set up a TV firm.
Shortly after his success on I’m A Celeb, Mr Hancock set up Greenhazel Ltd in January 2023, but it emerged in April that is has remained dormant ever since.
As a dormant company, it has just £1 to its name and no revenue, profit or transactions.
Mr Hancock also appeared on on Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2023.
He said at the time he had plans to make serious documentaries, on topics including dyslexia and assisted dying.
But former politician was recently slammed by Labour MP Richard Burgon, who accused him of ‘disgraceful’ behaviour and of ‘chasing celebrity money’.
