Prime Minister Andy Burnham's debut on Gogglebox has sparked mixed reactions from viewers, with some praising his charity work and others questioning his priorities.
The Labour leader appeared alongside Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram on Friday (October 23) in a special episode of the Channel 4 show in aid of Stand Up To Cancer. Mr Burnham has a longstanding commitment to supporting charities, building on his work as Mayor of Greater Manchester and continuing in office as Prime Minister.
Celebrity line-up and emotional stories
The PM and Mayor of Liverpool joined the Sugababes, Joe Lycett and his family, Paul Whitehouse, Lenny Rush, and Stanley Tucci with wife Felicity Blunt, as well as some of the regular armchair critics, to share their honest opinions on the week's biggest television moments.
Alongside the famous faces sharing hilarious, honest and unexpected reactions to TV shows, poignant stories from members of the public were also aired in aid of Stand Up To Cancer. One film focused on the story of Callum, who was 15-years-old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Another shared the story of Shona, diagnosed with cervical cancer, and her husband Will, diagnosed with bowel cancer.
PM's reaction and fan debate
Reacting to the stories, the Prime Minister said: "I just couldn't imagine" and "It's devastating for that family". He continued: "The only thing that does give some hope is there is so much incredible research going on, and some of the main cancers of years ago, there's been such big progress on them but it's utter devastation isn't it, if you're that couple I don't know how you cope with that."
Unsurprisingly, the PM's appearance sparked debate online. Taking to social media, one fan penned: "Good on our PM! Someone's who's willing to take time out of his extremely busy schedule to support this great charity. If only other political leaders were as thoughtful."
However, not all viewers were pleased to see the Prime Minister on the programme, with one writing: "I appreciate its to support cancer charities but I think politicians should just stick to politics." Someone else agreed: "I watch Gogglebox to get away from the stresses in life and now you put him on our screens." A third person said: "Oh what... Googlebox is ruined for a week."
Kemi Badenoch's response
Earlier today, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch shared her thoughts on Mr Burnham's appearance on Gogglebox. During her appearance on BBC Breakfast, she said she "didn't know how Andy Burnham found the time". She told hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt: "What I'm amazed at is that Andy Burnham has got time to go on Gogglebox. 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 Secretary of State, I never had time for Gogglebox. I just don't know how he has the time. There's a budget next week and he's going on Gogglebox." She added: "The last people who did that who I remember is Nigel Farage in 2014 and Jeremy Corbyn did it in 2017 but they weren't Prime Minister but I'm amazed he's got the time."
Badenoch also said: "My job is to hold him to account and I've seen a lot of Prime Ministers up close and I've never seen a Prime Minister have the time to this much Goggleboxing, social media, Lad Bible... When you first become Prime Minister I can't tell you how difficult it is. There's so much to get up to speed on especially when you come in mid-term." She concluded: "He seems like a very nice guy, someone you'd want to hang out with in the park, but it doesn't mean he's doing the job as Prime Minister."
Gogglebox airs Friday, October 23 at 9pm on Channel 4.
