Social media users erupted with excitement on Monday as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation, not because of the political news, but because it meant the return of 'hot podium guy.' Tobias Gough, the muscular sound technician known for testing microphones before major Downing Street speeches, once again became the center of attention.
Gough, who first gained internet fame in 2019, appeared in his signature tight black T-shirt, showcasing his bulging biceps and broad chest. Viewers welcomed the distraction from the political upheaval, as Starmer became the sixth prime minister to resign in the last decade.
Social Media Frenzy Over Tobias Gough
One social media user wrote: 'He’s the only one at No. 10 whose approval rating is still rising.' Another quipped: 'Podium guy looks like he's been in the gym since the last time this happened.' A third joked: 'Dunno about the approval ratings but something is deffo rising.'
One admirer referenced Labour frontrunner Andy Burnham's jogging attire and joked: 'I will take him as next PM! Does he go running in short shorts?' Another said: 'I’d say at this point his popularity ranks higher than all PM’s, past and present.' Someone else quipped: 'Is he the new Prime Minister? He will have lots of fans, but may make a certain US leader very jealous.'
A Brief History of 'Podium Guy'
Tobias first had online fans swooning when he appeared before Theresa May’s resignation in 2019, when someone joked: 'We're putting aside our political differences by thirsting over Podium Guy.' Another said he was the 'only person to do his job efficiently at Downing Street in last three years.'
He was again seen at Boris Johnson’s resignation in 2022 and Liz Truss’s exit speech later that year. He also appeared ahead of Rishi Sunak’s first address shortly after Truss stepped down and was on screens just before the 2024 election announcement.
Gough's Role and Personal Life
Gough's job involves placing the Downing Street lectern and conducting sound tests before PM announcements. When he appeared again on Monday, one joker said: 'When this guy shows up, politicians start updating their LinkedIn.'
Gough previously expressed surprise at the attention, saying in 2019 that he 'isn't model material.' He married wife Tina in 2019, and she told his new army of fans: 'He's my husband!'
