Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 3 hrs ago
Burnham defends Gogglebox appearance after Badenoch criticism
Prime Minister Andy Burnham appeared on a Celebrity Gogglebox special alongside his close friend Steve Rotheram, the mayor of the Liverpool City Region.
The programme supports Stand Up To Cancer, a campaign raising funds for cancer research.
Burnham said he was proud to back the charity and wanted to connect with people through a lighter approach.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned his time for the show, saying he should focus on difficult work to protect the country.
The special included stories from people affected by cancer, and Burnham became tearful as he watched them.
The appearance drew attention to cancer’s impact and research, as well as sparking a political dispute over the prime minister’s priorities.
The special is scheduled to air on Channel 4.
Andy Burnham defended taking part in a Stand Up To Cancer edition of Channel 4’s Gogglebox after Kemi Badenoch criticised his decision.
Burnham said he would “make no apology” for trying to “lead with a bit of lightness” and was proud to support the charity.
Badenoch questioned how he had time for the programme while in office and said the government should focus on difficult work to protect the country.
Burnham appeared on the show with his close friend Steve Rotheram, the Liverpool City Region mayor.
The sources differ on whether the special was described as a Wednesday or Friday episode.
- Who
- Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch. Burnham appeared with Steve Rotheram.
- What
- Burnham defended taking part in a Gogglebox special for Stand Up To Cancer after Badenoch criticised the appearance.
- When
- The response and criticism were reported on 23 October 2026. The sources give conflicting descriptions of the episode’s screening day.
- Where
- On Channel 4’s Gogglebox; the appearance was filmed on a sofa, with Burnham and Rotheram.
- Why
- Burnham said he wanted to support Stand Up To Cancer and connect with people. Badenoch questioned whether he had time for the show while carrying out his duties.
Andy Burnham
Kemi Badenoch
Purpose of appearance
Andy Burnham
He said he was proud to support Stand Up To Cancer and wanted to lead with lightness.
Kemi Badenoch
She questioned his decision to take part and said the government should be doing difficult work to protect the country.
Use of time
Andy Burnham
He said the appearance was a way to connect with people and encourage support for the charity.
Kemi Badenoch
She said Gogglebox takes hours and questioned how he found time for it alongside his responsibilities.
Digital Spy reported that Burnham would appear on Gogglebox with Steve Rotheram for Stand Up To Cancer.
Badenoch questioned how Burnham found time for the programme and criticised the government’s priorities.
Burnham said he would make no apology for the appearance and said he was proud to support Stand Up To Cancer.
The special was scheduled for Channel 4; sources differed on whether it was a Wednesday or Friday episode.
- Participants
- Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram
- Charity
- Stand Up To Cancer
- Broadcaster
- Channel 4
- Critic
- Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader
- Reported publication date
- 23 October 2026
6 sources
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What people are saying
I will make no apology
That’s the way I go at things and connect with people as best I can
I worry that between the Prime Minister being on Gogglebox and then talking about stockpiling canned goods, they’re not actually doing the really difficult stuff that will protect the country.
I just don't know how he's got the time.