(Image: Channel 4/PA)
Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s appearance on Gogglebox for SU2C (Stand Up to Cancer) has sparked a wave of criticism and debate among Channel 4 viewers.
Mr Burnham became the first Prime Minister to appear on Gogglebox on Friday (October 23) night.
He was joined on the Channel 4 show by his close friend and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.
The pair featured alongside a host of other celebrities, including Stanley Tucci, the Sugababes, and Joe Lycett.
During his time on the show, Mr Burnham watched snippets from various TV programmes, including the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors, Strictly Come Dancing, and Only Connect.
🚨 WATCH: Andy Burnham watches The Celebrity Traitors on Gogglebox https://t.co/os9DriCfgU
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) October 23, 2026
The Gogglebox SU2C special also featured stories from people diagnosed with cancer, which Mr Burnham described as "utter devastation."
Gogglebox viewers all make same comment about Andy Burnham appearance
Mr Burnham's appearance on Gogglebox has divided opinion online, with many questioning whether it was appropriate for the country’s leader to take part in a light-hearted TV show during a time of national difficulty.
One viewer, posting on X (formerly Twitter), said: "Our country and economy is failing and our leader has time to go on Gogglebox.
"What the actual fruit is going on."
Another added: "A PRIME MINISTER should NOT be sitting about going on TV shows #Gogglebox especially when country in complete distress and at crisis point in every form of political needs dealt with.
"Your job is running the country, not having a laugh+taking the piss."
A PRIME MINISTER should NOT be sitting about going on TV shows #Gogglebox especially when country in complete distress and at crisis point in every form of political needs dealt with. Your job is running the country not having a laugh+taking the piss. @andyburnham STOP fking-
— Dean Ashton (@Dean_Tonberry) October 24, 2026
A third commented: "We are getting trolled so hard.
"As the UK is falling apart, our PM is on Gogglebox.
"For those who don't know what Gogglebox is - it's a TV program where the viewers at home watching their TV are sat there watching other people at their homes watching their TVs.
"Mental."
However, others defended Mr Burnham, pointing out that the special episode was part of a fundraiser for cancer charities.
One supporter wrote: "Burnham has given a percentage of his salary to charity since becoming mayor and continues to since being PM.
"His Gogglebox appearance is to help promote cancer charities – Also shows him to be a human being."
I genuinely can’t believe some people are finding an issue with Andy Burnham going on gogglebox which is literally raising money for a cancer charity. Like are we actually for real??????
— dan ☆ (@daniellel0uise) October 23, 2026
Another said: "I genuinely can’t believe some people are finding an issue with Andy Burnham going on Gogglebox, which is literally raising money for a cancer charity.
"Like, are we actually for real?"
This viewer posted: "If the future King can appear on The Graham Norton show, then the Prime Minister can do Gogglebox for @SU2Cancer."
Andy Burnham "not going to apologise" for Gogglebox appearance
The Prime Minister has defended his decision to take part on Gogglebox, saying he was "proud" to support SU2C and would "make no apology" for trying to lead with "a bit of lightness."
"I'm not going to apologise". Andy Burnham tells @MattChorley he's not sorry for his appearance on a special edition of Gogglebox. He explains he wants to lead the country "with levity and positivity". Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds. https://t.co/XHqsHJJHNu
— BBC Radio 5 Live (@bbc5live) October 23, 2026
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Mr Burnham said: "I'm not going to apologise for trying to lead with a levity here and there, a bit of positivity.
"I'm trying to give the country a lift, trying to give the country some hope.
"That's always my approach, and it's what I'm trying to do.
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"It may not appeal to everybody when it comes to Gogglebox.
"It's obviously Stand Up To Cancer night, and I've always been somebody who puts my shoulder behind the fight against cancer.
"I'm out there doing the Great North Run and other things for these causes as well."
What did you think about Andy Burnham's appearance on Gogglebox for SU2C? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.