Andy Burnham has sparked debate by becoming the first Prime Minister to appear on Gogglebox. He joined the cast with close friend and Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram to catch up on the week's TV, rather than appearing as a segment within the show.
Dressed in casual t-shirts and cardigans, the pair enjoyed a selection of beer and crisps as they watched Celebrity Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing, joining the likes of Joe Lycett, Stanley Tucci and the Sugababes in supporting the Stand Up To Cancer special. During his appearance, the PM joked about Ed Balls and welled up as he heard stories from those affected by cancer.
Criticism and defence
Burnham has come under fire for his participation, with some branding it a 'cringeworthy stunt' to appeal to the masses. Others, however, have pointed out that the Prime Minister's Gogglebox appearance was in support of cancer charities.
As debate raged on over social media, those decrying Burnham's participation included X user archard_ia53975, who called it 'a lightweight PR move.' He was defended by others, many of whom appreciated seeing the politician's humanity.
PlanetBelfast described themselves as 'genuinely astonished' by the backlash, writing: 'Cancer devastates families, steals loved ones and shatters lives. If his appearance raises vital funds for @SU2CUK and awareness of these cruel diseases, he deserves praise, not condemnation.'
Rayinatorsport added: 'Shame on everyone who criticised the prime minister going on Gogglebox for cancer awareness tonight. It's a show past my time, but the two stories regarding cancer have moved me unbelievably. Hope Andy Burnham and everyone in politics does more for Cancer research.'
Political reactions
Other vocal critics included Conservative politician Kemi Badenoch, who said she was 'amazed' he had the time to do the show. 'When you get a new job in politics it's so difficult. There's so much to do, and it's like drinking from a fire hose,' she continued. 'Even as a junior minister or as a secretary of state I never had time to go on Gogglebox – I just don't know how he's got the time. Gogglebox takes hours to do.'
In an interview with LBC, Green Party councillor Florence Schecter asked: 'Is that a really good use of his time? A third of British children are living in poverty, and he's going on Gogglebox.'
Burnham's defence
In an interview with BBC Radio 5, Burnham defended his decision to appear on Gogglebox, saying that he was 'proud' to support Stand Up to Cancer. 'I'm trying to give the country a lift – trying to give the country some hope,' he said. 'That's always my approach, and it's what I'm trying to do. It may not appeal to everybody when it comes to Gogglebox. It's Stand Up To Cancer night, and I've always been somebody who puts my shoulder behind the fight against cancer.'
Gogglebox is streaming now on 4oD.
