Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he makes "no apology" for appearing on Gogglebox, as he and Steve Rotheram star in a special episode filmed in 10 Downing Street. The episode airs tonight (Friday) on Channel 4 at 9.05pm.
Historic appearance and reason for taking part
Burnham, who was born in Aintree, will become the first of Britain's leaders to appear on the Channel 4 programme while in office. He will join Rotheram, the mayor of Liverpool City Region, to give their verdicts on some of the best television of the week.
Speaking to ITV Politics, Burnham explained his decision: "I'm proud to support Stand Up to Cancer and that's what we're doing, myself and the mayor of Liverpool City region, by appearing [on Gogglebox]."
Supporting Stand Up to Cancer
The episode is part of Channel 4's long-running partnership with Stand Up to Cancer, a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4. More than £127 million has been raised in the UK to date, funding 73 clinical trials and research projects involving more than 13,000 cancer patients.
Research projects include developing technology using lasers and robots to improve cancer surgery, using AI to optimise radiotherapy treatment for rectal cancer, and creating lollipops that could detect mouth cancer.
What to expect from the episode
Burnham added: "I make no apology for trying to lead with a bit of lightness at times, a bit of humour. That's the way I go about things and connect with people as best I can."
He said: "Perhaps if a few more people watch it tonight and then support Stand Up to Cancer that will be job done."
Channel 4 teased the episode, saying: "Nothing is off limits as Gogglebox continues to celebrate the simple joy of watching television together."
The pair join a star-studded cast including the Sugababes and Celebrity Traitors star Joe Lycett. The episode airs tonight on Channel 4 at 9.05pm.
