Andy Burnham made history tonight as the first Prime Minister to appear on Gogglebox while in office. The Aintree-born politician gave his verdict on some of our favourite TV programmes alongside the mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram.
The Prime Minister swapped his day-to-day duties for the comfort of his own sofa as he took on the role of an armchair critic with Mr Rotheram. But Gogglebox fans had a lot to say when the Prime Minister appeared on screen tonight.
Filmed in Downing Street
The episode, filmed in 10 Downing Street, is part of Channel 4's long running partnership with Stand Up to Cancer. Mr Burnham and the metro mayor joined a star-studded cast including the Sugababes and Celebrity Traitors star Joe Lycett.
Taking to the comments just minutes into the episode, fans were divided. Some were pleased to see more of the Prime Minister's personality on primetime TV, while others admitted they switched off.
Mixed reactions from viewers
One said: "What a good idea!" while a second wrote: "I think @andyburnham doing #CelebrityGogglebox is good. It's special for a cancer charity."
A third said: "You know, this might be the only time in history the Prime Minister of Great Britain - is COOL Like not embarrassing, or daft or horrible He's on Gogglebox. This is charming."
A fourth added: "Fair play to Any Burnham. Genuine, no filter. Naturally himself." Another said: "Well done @MetroMayorSteve @andyburnham it's been great to see you both taking part in Gogglebox."
Other viewers weren't as pleased as a few comments on X said: "I usually watch #Gogglebox but I’ll definitely skip this episode", "Way to spoil the show #gogglebox" and "A regular, loyal viewer won’t be watching."
Burnham defends his appearance
Mr Burnham has since spoken about his decision to take part. Speaking to ITV Politics, he said: "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]."
"It's always a moment in the annual calendar where we support Stand Up to Cancer through Gogglebox. Steve and I are proud to do it."
"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."
"Perhaps if a few more people watch it tonight and then support Stand Up to Cancer that will be job done."
Stand Up To Cancer is a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 that brings the UK together to speed up progress in life-saving cancer research. 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.
